The last time Canada’s The Damned Truth played the Waterfront, they were so hot they set the fire alarms off! Tonight, the Blues Rockers are supported by Nashville band Parker Barrow, and the only ringing in our ears is the joyous sound of music. Parker Barrow derives their name from notorious 1930s bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde. They are fronted by Megan Kane, whose voice is as stunning as her appearance. She is picture perfect; unfortunately, for most of us, she is married to drummer Dylan Turner. Parker Barrow is a 6-piece band from Tennessee. Apart from the duo mentioned, the rest of the band consists of: Bo Howard on bass, Will Tipton on guitar, Alex Bender on guitar, and Eric Safka on keyboards. They treat us to their new E.P., Hold The Mash, except for Olivia Lane; the E.P. is superb, as is their entire performance. The crowd’s reaction to them is excellent. You will be hearing a lot more about them as they progress and headline venues like this very soon, so check them out; they could be the next Blues Rock sensations.
Parker Barrow Setlist: Come On In My Kitchen (Robert Johnson Cover), Make It, Glass Eyes, Cryin’, Good Times Gone Away, Throwin’ Stones, Healer, Novocaine, Count Your Dollars.
On The Damn Truth’s last visit to the UK, they were special guests of Glenn Hughes; even as support, they left us in no doubt about how special they are. Here at the Waterfront on the first date of the tour, they are extraordinary. Front woman Lee-La Baum creates a vivid, vivacious image as her vocals mesmerise the sold-out venue. She struts, she twists and turns, between songs she tells us how she and her partner Tom Shermer (guitarist) met at a festival under the stars, they were both naked! Shermer and her made music all night, that was just the beginning. Ironically, she introduces him as the bastard in red!
The gig kicks off with ‘Be Somebody’, which has a powerful message of wanting to be successful, don’t we all? Baum tells us coming to the UK is special, it’s like coming home, she says in a sincere, meaningful manner, “this venue in Norwich is special to us, you are all family, we are so lucky to be performing for you and doing what we do”. There will be many more magical nights on this tour, which runs for 12 nights and finishes in Cardiff on 23/11/25; there are no days off. Please do yourself a favour, don’t miss them; they will blow your mind.
They are back next year at the John Peel Centre, hopefully that is not a one-off. Back to the gig this evening, the songs just pour from the stage, PY Letellier delights with his bottom end, I mean bass! Dave Traina provides the beats that it all hangs around; each member adds backing vocals, and Traina leaves his drum set to salute and take the cheers from the crowd.
Shermer adds a speech of his own stating that their self-titled and magnificent album was nominated for album of the year, which never happens to Rock music; needless to say, it didn’t win, but at least it was recognised for its excellence. Another song that really catches my attention is ‘Love Outa Luck’, the opening lines are sung with some vitriol but no hint of regret: “I’ve said some things that I shouldn’t have said, I’ve made decisions that I shouldn’t have made”. Let me tell you something, the most excellent decision you can make is seeing this band.
This is my third time seeing The Damn Truth, and one thing’s for sure, it will not be my last. I could tell you about Shermer’s crowd walk, or about Letellier leaning so far backwards that his head nearly touches the floor, but I won’t bother; go and see for yourselves. After the gig, both bands had time to talk to everyone present, pose for photos, and sign almost anything. I had the special treat of a chat with Parker Barrow and even got a picture or two with Megan Kane and other band members. Both bands are special, and they make you feel special. What more can you ask?
The Damned Truth Setlist; Be Somebody, Killer Whale, Love Outta Luck, Addicted, The Willow, This is Who We Are Now, All Night Long, If I Don’t Make It Home, I Just Gotta Let You Know, Lonely, Only Love (with drum solo), Look Innocent, Get With You, Tomorrow, Encore; Love Is Blindness (U2 Cover), Devilish Folk.
