Winter has arrived in glorious Norn Iron and as they say, it would freeze the balls off a brass monkey! So let’s have a transport strike on top of that! As you can imagine the journey from the sticks into Belfast was a ball buster, but if stopped off at mum’s, had dinner and tackled the second part of the journey which for a 2.5-mile journey was worse than the first! #pukealert
Why have I made this journey? Electric Six of course! Yes the one the only Electric Six are back in Belfast and are back at one of their favourite haunts, Belfast’s infamous music venue The Limelight plays host to these Electronic Rockers once again, It is no stranger at all to this venue unbelievably this is my first time catching the band live, we have been like ships in the night till now, forever passing each other due to various musical commitments but no more! No more I say! Tonight I am popping my Electric Six cherry! 🍒
In the heart of Belfast, music enthusiasts gathered at the iconic Limelight venue to witness the explosive performance of Electric Six on their ‘Fire’ 20th-anniversary tour. Known for their infectious energy, genre-blurring sound, and captivating stage presence, Electric Six has been a force to be reckoned with since its inception. The anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the band’s performance, ready to embark on a musical journey that would celebrate two decades of their acclaimed debut album, ‘Fire.’
But first, we have the pleasure of one of Northern Ireland’s brightest indie rock talents in Red Eye Pariah, the last time I caught these crazy kids was when they supported Michael C. Hall’s, Butterfly Goes To The Museum at The Ulster Sports Club, and that night these guys made an impression, not short on confidence they took The USC by storm and haven’t looked back since, playing various dates around the province they have been building up an army of fans with their high impact, high energy set and infectious charm, there’s music too, aye the music isn’t bad either! But in all seriousness it’s hard to ignore the plethora of musical talent overflowing in Northern Ireland right now and Red Eye Pariah are right up there with the best of them as a band to keep an eye on, get in on the ground floor kids, you heard it here first, or maybe second to third but I’m saying it! The future is bright! The future is Red!
https://linktr.ee/redeyepariah
As the great Monty Python say … “And now for something completely different” US …
Sweet baby Jesus when these cats walked past me I took a double take as it was like something between the Monkeys and The Beatles, five dudes dedicated to their craft from head to toe they screamed “We’re in a band” and when they started playing you knew it! A blistering assault on the senses from another dimension, like stepping back in time and experiencing rock ‘n roll for the very first time you could understand why Beatles Mania was a thing! These guys make you wanna shake your booty and then some! Stank faces from every band member tell’s you they are feeling it, and every guy on the stage is giving their all for their live performances, I haven’t seen this much Paisley since the height of 80’s politics and the big man himself screaming “Never!Never!Never! Toss in a guy in double denim on harmonica and I’m sold! What? Jesus wept! What can I say, if you ever see US on the bill, check them out, you can thank me later! Now, where can I pick up one of those fucking shirts?
http://www.usbandofficial.com/
A brief interlude, a packed out LL2 and an ever-increasing crowd surge means trying to capture E6 with barely a pit will be fun, lets do this!
As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted in cheers, Electric Six took the stage, The pulsating beats and Dick Valentine’s distinctive vocals immediately set the tone for an unforgettable night. The setlist seamlessly blended songs from their latest release Turquoise and tracks from the band’s subsequent albums, creating a dynamic and nostalgic experience for both long-time fans and those new to Electric Six, as well as playing their infamous album ‘Fire’ in it’s entirety.
The band’s ability to mix rock, punk, disco, and electronic elements was on full display, showcasing their versatility and the evolution of their sound over the past two decades. Songs like “Danger! High Voltage,” “Gay Bar,” and “Dance Commander” had the crowd dancing and singing along, creating an electric atmosphere that reverberated through the Limelight.
At the helm of Electric Six’s live performance is the charismatic frontman, Dick Valentine. Known for his eccentric stage presence and witty banter, Valentine effortlessly engaged with the audience, creating a sense of intimacy in the vast venue. Whether he was playfully interacting with fans or delivering the band’s signature humorous lyrics with gusto, Valentine’s stage presence was a key element that elevated the concert experience.
One of the highlights of Electric Six’s live performances is their genuine connection with the audience. Throughout the concert, the band fed off the energy of the crowd, creating a symbiotic relationship that intensified the musical experience. The Limelight was transformed into a communal space where fans and musicians shared the joy of music, transcending the boundaries between performers and spectators.
Electric Six’s ‘Fire’ 20th-anniversary tour in Belfast’s Limelight was a celebration of two decades of infectious tunes, irreverent humor, and unmatched live energy. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend genres, coupled with Dick Valentine’s charismatic stage presence, made for an unforgettable night. As the final notes echoed through the venue, it was evident that Electric Six had once again proven themselves as a live entity capable of igniting the flames of excitement and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of their fans.
It may have been one of the coldest nights the city had seen this year, but The Limelight was on fire tonight, some may even say it was Electric!
I’m here all week …
Photography: Mark McGrogan
@flashartmark #flashartmark
ELECTRIC SIX
FIRE 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
27.11.23 COTTINGHAM Civic Hall
28.11.23 YORK The Crescent
29.11.23 MANCHESTER New Century Hall
30.11.23 EDINBURGH Liquid Room
01.12.23 BELFAST Limelight
02.12.23 DUBLIN Academy
04.12.23 BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy
05.12.23 BRISTOL O2 Academy
06.12.23 BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy2
07.12.23 LONDON O2 Academy Islington *
08.12.23 LIVERPOOL O2 Academy2
09.12.23 LONDON O2 Academy Islington
10.12.23 BRIGHTON Concorde
tickets
TURQUOISE
new album
LP | CD | digital
(Metropolis Records)
buy | stream
includes
PANIC! PANIC!
video
ELECTRIC SIX
Dick Valentine – vocals
Johnny Na$hinal – lead guitar, backing vocals
Tait Nucleus? – keyboards, backing vocals
Herb S. Flavourings – rhythm guitar
Rob Lower – bass
Dr. J – drums
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