End of an era! This was billed as the "Last Ever" gig by The Ramones, and said so on the tickets as well, so me and The Big Man had to be there, really. Drove up, then had a few problems getting over from Shepherd's Bush, so missed first band Scarfo. Unfortunately, we were well in time for the now seriously past their sell-by date Sultans Of Ping, now minus the "FC" and most of the humour, with vocalist Niall now thinking he's Iggy Pop with his antics, in front of some tuneless mulchy rock dirge. Guys, that joke isn't funny anymore...
The Ramones took the stage to the theme tune from "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", then proceeded to blast through a breakneck-fast greatest hits selection. "Blitzkrieg Bop", "Sheena", "Rockaway Beach", "Pinhead"; they played everything you'd want them to, as befitted a final performance, but occasionally too fast and too loud. In addition, the moshpit in the sold-out Academy was quite the most bat-shit mental I'd ever seen, so midway through, I retreated to safe haven.
As for Da Brudders; well, they kept rocking, but looked (recent recruit CJ excepted) a little old and tired, with Joey in particular having trouble keeping his vocals up in time with the superfast crash bang wallop rock. Nevertheless, they gave themselves a superb and fitting send-off, with surf punk classics aplenty. Only one thing left to say; Adios, Amigos!
Agree with all of the above including the too fast/joet couldn't keep up bits. I was there down the front. I intended for once to actually stand and study them seeing it was the last time I'd see them, but when Durango started I had no chance. I miss that band so much and can't believe it was 18 years ago.
ReplyDeleteYeah - spot on. Its 25 years ago now and even the most ardent Ramones fan would have to admit that they were past their best by then. Great mosh pit though.
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