Tuesday 2 November 2010

301 ASH, Scarfo, Bristol Fleece, Tuesday 25 July 1995

Scooted down to a totally packed-to-the-rafters Fleece in Bristol on this, the hottest day of the year so far; good thing we wore shorts! Got in during support Scarfo's first number; their set was full of energy and spiky guitar riffs, very similar to 60 Ft. Dolls, but sort on tunes overall. They spoilt "Lifeline", their best number, by turning it into the Cadbury's Flake advert! D'oh!

A real sense of anticipation filled the venue, as Ash, current music press darlings following their "Girl From Mars" single crashing into the Top 50, kept us waiting for 3/4 of an hour after Scarfo's set, in a heaving Fleece where you sweated profusely just standing there! Eventually, the 3 Irish youngsters bounded on at 10, and the place went mad for their infectious, enthusiastic, speedy punk pop. Vocalist Tim Wheeler, a mere 18 years old, said disbelievingly after 2 numbers, "this is really happening, innit?!" A superb "Jack Names The Planets" was the highlight of a dynamic, happening, fun and very very NOW set, and the encore featured Helen Love, with the Ash boys acting as backing musicians for her "Punk Boy", followed by a thrilling "Kung Fu", as I was swept away in the massive moshpit.

Sweaty as hell afterwards but this superb gig was well worth it. I'm glad I got to see Ash in a small venue - methinks they're destined for greater things...

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