Can it really be 20 years since the chaotic swamp fuzz of the Gomez debut album ‘Bring It On’ took the UK by storm, songs including ‘78 Stone Wobble’, ‘Whippin’ Piccadilly’ and ‘Get Myself Arrested’ helping garner its creators a Mercury Prize for their troubles?
Being lucky enough to catch the band at the peak of their powers first time round, back at the then Town and Country Club, brimming at the seams in December 1998 it will be some challenge for them to recreate the raucous atmosphere from two decades ago. Since those heady pre-millennial days, the once fabled venue has spent time as one of Leeds’ most popular night clubs before being restored to its rightful place as the city’s premier medium sized live music venue where, at the end of April, the quintet will return, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the record that made them.
Anniversary tours are increasingly popular these days, lapped up by former fans wishing to hear their favourite albums once more, not to mention the chance for new converts to witness the songs played live for the first time. In Gomez’ case, unlike so many other touring bands trying to cash in on former glories, the original line-up of Ben Ottewell, Ian Ball, Tom Gray, Olly Peacock, and Paul Blackburn remains intact, and I have a feeling in my water that the city that witnessed the band’s first ever gig will be out in force to welcome them back.
Should be a cracking night.
Words - Mike Price
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