Theatre of Hate / The Fleece / Bristol
We headed down to Bristol and the fantastic Fleece to see Theatre of Hate. Formed in 1980, the band developed a cult following, spearheaded, by enigmatic vocalist and guitarist Kirk Brandon. They released their debut single Original Sin ( a double A side with Legion) in November 1980 which reached #5 in the UK Indie Chart. Perhaps best known for their the Top 40 single Do You Believe in the West World (which was their one and only appearance on Top of the Pops) from the album “Westworld” which was released in February 1982 reaching #17 during a 7 week run in the UK Albums Chart. The band broke up in 1982, and Kirk went on to form the legendary Spear of Destiny.
Initially reforming for a tour in 1991 they have continued to perform and in 2016 released the album “Kinshi” via PledgeMusic. Early in 2021 they released their latest album “Utsukushi-sa” (A Thing of Beauty) to rave reviews. A great album, which achieves an almost impossible task, pleasing the old school 1080’s Theatre of Hate / Spear of Destiny fans, but being modern and welcoming to a new audience of listeners. Kirk manages this brilliantly, and it’s an album I proudly have in my collection. Modern and different, but true to their origins. Well worth a listen.
Having seen Kirk perform only a couple of months ago in Nottingham with Spear of Destiny I was really looking forward to this one….. and I wasn’t disappointed !
The band; Kirk Brandon (guitar and vocals), Clive Osborne (Saxophone), Adrian Portas (Guitar - ex New Model Army), Chris Bell (drums) and Stan Stummers (Bass) took to the stage and dived straight into Black Irony from 2016’s Kinshi. The set comprised all the old favourites and a number of tracks from 2016’s album as well as several from 2021’s “Utsukushi-sa”.
The new material is as fantastic as ever, illustrated so well as the band dive into Solace. Brandon’s voice sounds as good if not stronger than it did 40 years ago, and the dystopian world view lyrics are as good today as they were back then. This is followed by the title track from the latest album A Thing of Beauty, an emotive number which perfectly encapsulates the depth of feeling that is characterised by Kirk and the post-punk movement.
New track Girl was a real highlight with a beautiful echoing sax solo in the middle from Clive, whose playing was just spot on all night.
But the crowd got a good old mix of the old stuff too, with excellent versions of their debut release tracks Original Sin and Legion. As the Bristolian crowd sang along to the lyrics it was evident that the city still holds the band in high esteem.
And of course, no Theatre of Hate show would be complete without Do You Believe In The Westworld? the band’s 1982 single, which topped the UK indie charts for two weeks, as fans young and old danced along.
The show ended with a three song encore of Omen, Incinerator and finally Propaganda.
The show was fantastic. I really enjoyed seeing Spear of Destiny in Nottingham recently, but I actually thought the performance was even better tonight. Kirk’s distinctive voice was in outstanding form and it amazes me the range he has and his ability to hold a long high note. Stan Stummers (bass) bounds around the stage full of energy, and Adrian Portas (guitar) flamboyantly pulls poses for the crowd (and camera). Great showmen. But aside from Kirk’s performance tonight, special mention has to go to Clive Osborne on sax. An incredibly talented performer, he was right on it tonight. The sax element really adds to their sound on stage, and at times almost had a feel of a vocal backing performance.
Kirk may have formed Theatre of Hate back in 1980, but they remain an outstanding live act now, and he fully deserves his legendary music status. No music collect can be complete without at least one Kirk Brandon album, and they are a must see live !!!! Details of the remaining tour dates at the end of the review…
Set List
Black Irony
63
Solace
A Thing of Beauty
It’s My Own Invention
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Original Sin
Poppies
Pariah
Westworld
Girl
Rebel
Freaks
You Can’t Stop the Music
Day of the Dog
Judgement Hymn
Legion
-
Omen
Incinerator
Propaganda
Support was provided by Rita Lynch. Originally from London but now based in Bristol, she is a well known and long standing figure in the local music scene. Playing a solo acoustic set, the strength of Rita’s song writing shone through. Weaving between soft and gentle acoustic, and riotous hard strumming almost screamed punk vocals effortlessly, Rita entertained us with a blinding set. Her passion for her craft is clear to see, and a very enjoyable introduction to the night.
