LIVE: The Subways @ Academy 3, Manchester 24.03.2015

As 2015 marks the tenth anniversary of The Subways’ debut album, Young For Eternity, it becomes clear as I stand in Manchester’s Academy 3 that the trio has developed a loyal following – the room is filled with character, and the band haven’t even stepped onstage yet.

The clock approaches the 21:30 mark, the lights go down and the room is drowned in the sounds of unanticipated sirens, with a few police lights providing the stage with a meagre light and burst of colour. The trio take to the stage, consisting of front-man Billy Lunn, beloved bassist Charlotte Cooper and Josh Morgan on drums – who had been hugely missed by the crowds of the European leg of the tour due to illness, but had thankfully made a recovery in time for the home straight of the tour in the U.K. The chords to the opening track, ‘We Don’t Need Money To Have A Good Time’ ring out and within seconds the floor is shaking with hundreds of pairs of feet bouncing off it: it’s rapidly obvious that this Subways gig is going to be full of life.

The first third of the set soon passes by, the classic cliché ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ fits perfectly. It’s plain to see that every member of the crowd is simply having fun, and lots of it – during this part of the gig the band showcase material from every one of their four albums, including the recent addition of the brilliant self-titled album (the review of which can be read here). Throughout the gig, we’re reminded of the sheer strength of the arsenal of tracks that the Subways possess, with tracks such as the beautifully touching ‘Mary’ (still an immensely powerful track even ten years on), new track ‘Dirty Muddy Paws’ and the immensely lively ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ all entering the mix.

It becomes clear that both Billy and Charlotte had both missed the company of their beat-keeper, as Lunn takes a moment in the show to declare his gratitude to have Morgan back on the drums. It’s truly great to see the three of them back onstage, full of charisma, as always.

As the gig continues in full flow, another touching aspect is the sheer happiness that’s spread across Lunn’s face throughout. Following his recent sobriety, it’s clear to see that Lunn is a completely reinvigorated man – his live presence, performance and creativity are as alive as ever, huge congratulations are certainly in order.

The crowd continue to be treated with an array of tracks, such as early number ‘I Want To Hear What You’ve Got To Say’ and of course the legendary ‘Rock & Roll Queen’ – which is as vibrant as ever. Lunn then announces that this would usually be the time that the trio would exit the stage for a few minutes, whilst the crowd chant ‘Encore! Encore!’, but tonight the Subways aren’t going to do that, they’re not going to waste any time: it’s purely non-stop rock ‘n’ roll in Manchester.

The final section of the show sees more early tracks, such as the likes of the majestic ‘With You’ (an arguable highlight) and the fast-paced ‘Oh Yeah’, as well as new number ‘Just Like Jude’, before the final track of the night resounds from the walls of the academy – the suitably placed ‘It’s A Party’ perfectly summarising what this gig has been: one great big party.

 

James Cummins

@CummyBear

James Cummins

James Cummins

James Cummins

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