Thursday 1 May 2014

The Fratellis and Vigo Thieves at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

Last night was the latest in a series of exclusive and intimate charity shows put on by the Sunday Mail for their Sunday Mail 100 fund - aiming to raise £1 million for 17 charities.

It was an opportunity for Vigo Thieves to return to Tut's, a little over 14-months after becoming the first unsigned band to sell out 2 successive nights at the legendary venue.

Tut's was busy when the band took to the stage, launching into the opening Steal Your Heart before Blood Red. Stevie Jukes looked and sounded fantastic, the 6-piece (Chris Cruickshanks joined them on saxophone) were packed on to the tiny stage.

She's On Fire sounded epic, channelling Simple Minds and Cruickshanks ferocious sax solo was a highlight.

Many (including myself) puzzle over the fact that Vigo Thieves remain unsigned. The band fired off 4 songs that are more suitable to stadiums/festivals rather than Tut's. Jukes came down off the stage and raised his hands triumphantly and the crowd responded as Believe kicked in.

This Love was a highlight, flowing superbly before Forever soared - Chris Gorman on keys and synths was in top form on backing vocals.

Heartbeats closed the shorter than normal set. Vigo Thieves had their share of fans in the crowd and they had won more than a few more; their songs packed with heart and soul generated a great response.


The Fratellis were in sensational form from the off. A rock'n'roll band playing to a rock'n'roll crowd in a rock'n'roll venue. Jon Fratelli looked lean, mean and as if he had stuck a finger in a socket, looking a little like Marc Bolan and channeling more than a bit of Pete Townsend with his guitar moves.

The bands leader was ably backed by the Animal like Mince on drums, the solid Baz on bass and an amazing fourth member on piano.

The crowd responded well throughout the show. The Fratellis have a good catalogue of songs built up with gems and crowd pleasers like Baby Fratelli, Henrietta, Ole Black n Blue Eyes and Whistle for the Choir.

Flathead was a riot, the band playing at a furious pace and the crowd going mental along with it. Seven Days and Seven Nights was a standout from their latest album.

Chelsea Dagger was mental, it must be a joy for the band to play that every single time to see the response. The band closed a great set with A Heady Tale, they were tight and loose, speeding up with ease when they wanted. A top show.







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