A perfect pairing of punk'n'roll bands on Valentine's Eve
It’s Friday the Thirteenth, and The Godfathers are hosting their annual St. Valentine’s Day Massacre gig at The 100 Club tonight.. as frontman Peter Coyne quipped “What could possibly go wrong?” From the huge crowd’s point of view, it all went very, very right!
We already knew this was going to be a special night – tickets had completely sold out for this show at the iconic central London venue – as plenty of music lovers gathered early to watch a unique set from support band WitchDoktors.
WitchDoktors had been teasing us on their socials about the identities of some special guests who would joining them this evening, and these were revealed to be; John O’Neill on saxophone, Jamie Bullock on keyboards and Leigh Heggarty on guitar, all of whom contributed their musical talents to the Doks’ recently released album ‘IZZATSO?’
Dancing down the front and singing my lungs out to opening song ‘No Pain No Gain’, the Doks’ infectious melodies, rockin’ rhythms and genial enthusiasm soon sweep throughout the audience. Joined by John and his sax for ‘High, Dry and Burned’, and also by Jamie for ‘Spanner in the Works’ and ‘Planet of Pain’, this performance is on another level, and we’re delighted to hear these album tracks played live for the first time by the full complement of personnel:
For me, it was beautiful to hear the crowd allowing the final notes of album track ‘One Shot’ to be slowly strummed out in respectful silence – followed by well-deserved loud cheers and applause! This song sees talented tub-thumper Joe Colfar at his best, tapping out intricate patterns and disciplined dynamics to wonderful effect. ‘Planet’ Andy Last, Tony Major and Lee Page front and centre are equally on fire, a triple tornado of guitars and bass, and their vocal harmonies are on point tonight.
First track on ‘IZZATSO?’, the superb ‘Lightning Strike’, sees Leigh Heggarty reprise his role as slide guitar whizz along with Jamie on keyboards. I have been waiting for this moment since.. ooh, before the album came out.. and it absolutely didn’t disappoint! A solid performance, especially as it’s first time they’ve all played together live on a stage. Leigh sticks around for ‘Voodoo Eye’ and crowd-pleasing sing-along ‘Before the War’ to conclude the WitchDoktors set, and our spirits are high (never dry or burned)!
A break to top up our beer and catch up with our pals, before the stage is set for The Godfathers, ready to headline and to play us a set of songs from their extensive back catalogue. Striding onto the stage to much applause come Richie Simpson (guitar), Billy Duncanson (drums), Jon Priestley (bass) and Paul Humphreys (guitar), followed by band founder and lead vocalist Peter Coyne, who hoists his mic stand aloft in greeting.
Wasting no time, The Godfathers launch into ‘This Is War’ followed by ‘She Gives Me Love’, and the place goes wild! This is rock’n’roll at its finest, besuited Peter giving it his gravel-toned all as he seems to be singing to each of us individually and all at once, while Billy grins like a happy maniac as he gives the skins hell. The lady dancing enthusiastically to my left is singled out for a comment from Peter; “I’ll have some of what you’re having!”. “You can’t afford it!” she cheekily retorts! Here’s the band gong ‘OCD‘:
Guitarists Richie and Paul throw an assortment of crazy shapes as their rockin’ and rollin’ riffs blast around the room. Jon on bass is just as impressive, playing both lead and rhythm with consummate professionalism. Entertaining us with a colossal 19 songs in the main set is no mean feat, the sweat upon each musicians’ brow testament to how hard they are working.. They’re having fun though, and so are we! Hilarious quote of the evening from Peter; “If anyone has been affected by the issues raised in the last song, please go to www.gofuckyourself.com, where help is available.”
There are vocal harmonies aplenty as all five band members contribute their voices throughout the set. Concluding with hit song ‘Birth, School, Work, Death‘, the crowd belt out its chorus as loudly as the band. Of course there are yells for more, and The Godfathers gamely return to give us three additonal numbers; ‘Lay That Money Down‘, ‘Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues‘ and a fist-pumping ‘Hup 2 3 4‘. Just brilliant!
The Godfathers new double A side single ‘Going Wrong‘ c/w ‘Lesbian Cafe‘ is out now – order your vinyl or CD copy HERE. Catch The Godfathers live on Sun 9th August at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, UK!
This review is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Toni Bond (1960 – 2025) who was jumping around down the front with me in my heart ❤️ Something he was loved and renowned for at WitchDoktors gigs. Miss you mate x Ruth, Andy, Tony, Lee & Joe x
Main Photo Credit: PER-ÅKE WÄRN
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