poppedmusic

The Courteeners

Liverpool O2 Academy, 25th February 2013
By Rosie Pearson

There was as much adoration in the room for one of Manchester’s sons as had he been born here in Liverpool.  Before the band even came on, the beers were a-flying alongside the tumultuous chanting of lead singer Liam Fray’s name.  After their traditional Christmas homecoming in Manchester’s arena, this tour has seen them stepping back into the smaller venues in which they crafted their trade and built up such a loyal following.  Like his famous Mancunian namesake, Liam has at times been labelled arrogant, but he was in a humble mood tonight, stopping several times to thank the crowd for sticking with the band and for buying the new album, Anna.

The gig took just a few notes to get warmed up – after that, it was full throttle rock ‘n’ roll, blending new tracks with hits from the first two albums.  It’s telling that the band has, after just three albums, amassed such a range of hits that they can afford to drop crowd-pleasers such as You Overdid It Doll.  Almost half the set showcased songs from Anna, and the devoted fans seemed to have learnt all the words in the couple of weeks since the album was released, and kept a wave of energy rippling through the roasting room.  Van Der Graaff and recent single Lose Control went down particularly well live.

Part-way through the gig, Liam’s bandmates departed and left him to play a trio of solo numbers.  He commented that he hadn’t initially rated The Rest Of The World Has Gone Home, but the Liverpool crowd showed him that it’s definitely a fan favourite.

The traditional tandem set-closers, Not Nineteen Forever and What Took You So Long? saw the gig end as it had started: with the drinks flying and the faithful following chanting along in adulation.  No loss of control for this band; quite the opposite, I’d say.

The Courteeners played:

Are You In Love With A Notion?
Push Yourself
Lose Control
Cavorting
Acrylic
Van Der Graaff
Please Don’t
When You Want Something You Can’t Have
Bide Your Time
Sychophant
Take Over The World
Last Of The Ladies
Marquee
The Rest Of The World Has Gone Home
Welcome To The Rave
Here Come The Young Men

—

Not Nineteen Forever
What Took You So Long?