On Sunday 9th of March we witnessed The Wildhearts perform an amazing set at the Manchester O2 Ritz.
Having been an avid follower of The Wildhearts since my teenage years in terms of buying their albums, merchandise and seeing them on tour tonight was nothing more than amazing. Proud to have Matthew with me to photograph the event I must say that the O2 Ritz is a sight to behold – a beautiful venue in terms of layout and ornate details everywhere.
Supporting The Wildhearts were The Dirt Box Disco and The Jim Jones All Stars. Dirt Box Disco are wearing masks and lively outfits and they take to the stage playing punk rock, performing in their own special way all very enjoyable.
Jim Jones All Stars are completely different and consist of 8 members including 2 saxophone players. I thoroughly enjoyed the set, something different but with amazingly catchy tunes too. I will definitely see them again.
Finally, it was time to witness the latest version of The Wildhearts I’m not going to get involved with the rights and wrongs for the latest reincarnation but safe to say the one consistent being Ginger who pulls together the other band members he plays with really well.
Playing a mixture of songs from all The Wildhearts albums my highlights were “Suckerpunch”, “Everlone”, “Sleepaway” and the stonking tune “Troubadour Moon” off their new album “Satanic Rites Of The Wildhearts”.
The whole band were tight and testament to the hours they must have put in to be prepared for the show and tour. At least 5 songs having front stage loaded smoke and indoor fireworks really was a sight to behold.
Ginger’s voice continues to be exquisite and by his side John Poole on bass who always wears a smile on his face, and guitarist Ben Masden and Pontus Snibb on drums who all seem to be having the best time.
For the lovers and haters of this version of The Wildhearts I implore you to get yourself a ticket and go with an open mind, the songs are still the songs, Ginger is still Ginger (along with his humour and chat in between songs) and I promise you within 30 seconds you will forget about everything and will just enjoy the show. I for one look forward to seeing them again and again and again. The Wildhearts music is timeless. So grab yourself a ticket see them on this current tour, buy the new album and enjoy.