When Northside announced last year they were reforming and touring with all four original members – Warren “Dermo” Dermody (Vocals/Words), Cliff Ogier (Bass), Timmy Walsh (Guitar) and Paul Walsh (Drums) – the news was greeted with excitement and anticipation from fans of the ‘Madchester’ era.
Promoter My First Music are building a reputation for bringing high quality acts to Glasgow, and once again delivered big style with the visit of Northside to Classic Grand in Glasgow for their first “Glasga” gig in 22 years. Supported by Losing Ground, Common Ground and Feet of Clay, the near capacity crowd was literally bouncing by the time Northside were introduced to the crowd and opened their set with ‘Weight of Air’.
Perhaps best known for their 3 singles ‘Shall We Take a Trip’, ‘My Rising Star’ and ‘Take 5’, Northside did release one album (‘Chicken Rhythms’ back in 1991) and dipped into this throughout the pulsating set. ‘A Change Is On Its Way’ and ‘Funky Munky’ followed the opener as singer Dermo wasted no time in firing up the crowd.
‘Wishful Thinking’ and ‘Who’s To Blame’ also featured and when the bass kicked-in for ‘Moody Places’ the crowd went into overdrive. An old favourite followed in the form of ‘My Rising Star’, where Dermo engaged the crowd in somewhat hypnotic chanting of the chorus. The intensity continued to build and when singer Dermo introduced ‘Take 5’ the crowd went ballistic – with a few stage invaders joining the band on stage and showcasing their dance moves. The band took this in their stride and even welcomed one birthday reveler to dance on stage.
‘Take 5’ was a reminder of the huge potential this group had back in the day when it made it to number 1 in Canada and number 5 in the US Billboard Alternative Chart. With the band visibly enjoying the occasion, singer Dermo praised the Glasgow faithful for their support and with the opening chord for ‘Shall We Take a Trip’ he commented, “‘you know what’s coming next”, and proceeded to demand more from his audience. The set was then brought to a victorious close with fan-favourite ‘Yeah Man’.
The band have always been loved by fans of the ‘Baggy Scene’, with conversations often leading to the question “I wonder what happened to Northside?” Guess what..? Northside are back, their fans have remembered them and they’re hungry for more.
Bazza Mills
Latest posts by Bazza Mills (see all)
- LISTEN: Refuge Island – ‘Above Board’ - May 9, 2018
- GALLERY: The View @ Caird Hall, Dundee, 01.12.17 - December 4, 2017
- LISTEN: Tijuana Bibles give away new single ‘Catacomb’ ahead of St Luke’s gig - December 1, 2017
