The Brian Jonestown Massacre open the show. Singer Anton is renowned for his out spoken, confrontational style which, to an audience not used to such in-between song ranting, can seem very alienating. Tonight is no exception.
 | | BRMC (photo: Lee Garland) |
Following the first three numbers of swirling, psychedelic pop which included the wonderful Jennifer, Anton’s guitar string snapped which then turned the gig into 10 minutes of political rants and anti-NME tirades directed at the audience. It’s never the best way to win over a crowd and there were some who took offence to Anton’s words, but after a few more minutes while he finished his cigarette and found a plectrum, we were back on our way. BJM can be viewed in much the same way as The Fall. Since 1990, they have had around 40 different members and line-ups (including BRMC’s Peter Hayes), with Anton occasionally firing members live on stage. However, their music has remained fresh and exciting and by the end of their set, the majority of the audience were with them.
 | | BRMC (photo: Lee Garland) |
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club emerged to much anticipation. Three dark shadows took to the stage and proceeded in playing a set that included all the hits (Spread Your Love, Love Burns, Stop) and also a few forgotten favourites from their eponymous debut album and 2003’s follow-up Take Them On, On Your Own. The more well known songs were met with feverish excitement from the crowd and the newer material was listened to attentively. The best thing it seems about the band is that they have now progressed musically. Although their two albums to date have been extremely well received, there is very little difference in them. However, at the end of the hour and a half long set, we are treated to three heavily blues influenced acoustic numbers from the new album and already it sounds like BRMC could return and reclaim their place as one of the most exciting bands around. | 
