Review and images by Jonathan Taylor
Instagram: jonathantaylorphotography
To celebrate a remarkable musical career spanning more than 3 decades, 90’s indie royalty The Charlatans take to the road for a 12 date UK tour.
Tonight, in Wolverhampton the crowd is predominantly revellers who have been on a musical journey with the band from the very beginning. Some are joined by younger family members, which is testament to The Charlatans and the impact of their guitar and Hammond driven soundscapes and its ability to resonate and stay relevant to their original fan base and beyond.
The set opens with ‘Don’t Want to See the Sites’ from the bands second studio album ‘Between 10th and 11th’ and as front man Tim Burgess takes to the stage the crowd erupts in a wave of appreciation. Up next is ‘Just When You’re Thinking Things Over’ followed by the explosive and fan favourite ‘One to Another’ which as always sounds absolutely monumental live.
‘Toothache’ follows, and the evening continues with ‘If I Fall’ which is tender in sentiment and a welcomed addition to the set list. The crowd in Wolverhampton are indulged with more epic notes of musical nostalgia with the likes of ‘Then’ from debut album ‘Some Friendly’, ‘North Country Boy’, ‘Tellin’ Stories’ and the iconic ‘The Only One I know’. ‘Chewing Gum Weekend’ gets a rare outing along with ‘Impossible’ and ‘How High’ which are welcomed additions to the set and still sound incredible regardless of the passage of time.
The evening is brought to a close with You’re So Pretty, We’re So Pretty’, New Order inspired ‘Bad Days’ and ‘Sproston Green’, which, with its colossal intros and outros that build euphorically is always a musical highlight when played live.
The Charlatans are a band of great tradition and musical invention. Over the decades they have experienced great tragedy and loss within the band yet continued to produce music true their roots and of the upmost highest order.
Iconic bands are few and far between. But tonight, it remains clear that The Charlatans confirm again that they are worthy of such an accolade. Their music from over the decades is timeless, remains relevant in both lyrical and musical content and its ability to unite the generations was truly an incredible site to behold.
Set List:
Don’t Want to See the Sights
Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over
One to Another
Toothache
Come Home Baby
And if I Fall
Jesus Hairdo
Then
North Country Boy
Tellin’ Stories
Let the Good times be Never Ending
Weirdo
Chewing Gum Weekend
The Only One I Know
Impossible
How High
Encore:
You’re So Pretty, We’re So Pretty
Bad Days
Sproston Green
