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Almost 10 years since Nottingham first welcomed Lostprophets to Robin Hood country a packed out Rock City proves they just can’t get enough of South Wales’s finest.
Way back in 2000 Lostprophets played Rock City’s sister venue, The Rig, to a handful of curious (and clearly baffled) Kill2This fans. They were thanked for their efforts with almost complete silence at the end of their short set. Yet, true to their nature, the Welsh boys persisted. And their determination paid off. By the end of the following year they were playing their first Nottingham headline show, upstairs in Rock City’s main room. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Tonight, arriving at the front doors at 8pm I’m surprised to see no queue outside, and very few of the usual kids milling about the nearby streets. On entering the main hall it becomes apparent why. Pretty much the whole of Nottingham seems to be crammed into the same room and it’s almost impossible to squeeze through to any kind of vantage point. Daniel P Carter’s Hexes are already on stage doing their best to get the crowd going but, like me, most of the audience are more concerned about finding their friends and finding a decent spot. And by the time I’ve done just that they’re wrapping up.
Next up fellow valleys boys Kids in Glass Houses bring their brand of catchy pop-punk influenced radio-friendly rock to a familiar crowd. The influence Lostprophets have had on these young guys is obvious for all to hear but it’s far more of a polite nod to their elders, than the blatant wannabe imitations far too common these days.
It’s been a while since Kids in Glass Houses achieved success with their debut album, Smart Casual, and they’ve come a long way since then. Singer Aled Phillips looks far more rock star now in his military jacket and ubiquitous skinny jean/shiny loafer combo, than the shy boy next door of yesteryear. The now classic Give Me What I Want gets the crowd warmed up and before long Aled is confidently teaching “whoah whoahs” for their new song Sunshine. The response starts slow but gradually builds in momentum, winning the crowd over one by one, until he brings the song to an end in rapturous applause. The biggest reaction so far this evening, and it’s a good omen for their second album, Dirt, due for release on March 29th.
But, truth be told, a monkey on a tricycle could have been the support act for tonight’s show, it would have made little difference. We’re all here for one reason and one reason alone. Lostprophets are back. They have a new album, a new drummer and a new attitude. They’ve clearly spent the best part of the past 3 years looking forward to taking to the road. It’s playing in packed out rooms to partisan crowds that they are truly in their element, and tonight is most definitely one of those nights.
New sticks-man, Luke (Jocko) Johnson, sneaks out on stage as a bass tone you can feel before you can hear warns of an impending explosion. The very front of the crowd seems to be actually crying as though the anticipation is too much for them. And the band gradually emerge on stage as If It Wasn’t for Hate, We’d Be Dead by Now,the opener from their new album, The Betrayed, fills our ears. Recent top 20 single It’s Not the End of the World, But I Can See It from Here, cranks the energy up another notch and I’m sure those screaming girls down the front must have passed out by now.
The stage show is subtle but effective. A UV strip running the length of the drum riser and illuminating a cityscape backdrop, combined with moody lighting all blues and pinks, add to the impact of the music.
Streets of Nowhere, Dystryr/Dystryr and Next Stop Astro City see Lostprophets storming through their new album, before slowing things down only slightly for old favourites Can’t Catch Tomorrow and Last Summer. But it’s half way through the show before singer Ian Watkins indulges in some of his usual on stage banter. Relaxed and confident he laughs both with and at the crowd who reciprocate with enthusiastic cheers and heckles.
The inevitable highlight of the evening is when Lostprophets keep the promise they made at the Highbury Garage show, to play We Are Godzilla, You Are Japan. Undoubtedly the fastest and heaviest song they’ve written, Godzilla, as it is known, has rarely been performed live since it was released, back in 2004, on their second album Start Something. The determined chant of ‘Godzilla’ and introduction of a new ‘universal hand signal’ to represent the song, are rewarded with an outstandingly energetic and spirited rendition. Jocko proves his worth, immaculate timing with his thundering beats and everyone is taken by surprise, not least, it seems, the band themselves.
After that it seems there’s little more to do than to round off an unforgettable night with Shinobi vs Dragonninja and head home. But Lostprophets have one more trick up their sleeves. Returning to the stage for a surprise encore of The Light that Shines Twice as Bright brings the evening to an emotional climax. Encores may only be for the likes of Metallica, but tonight Lostprophets have proved they know how to pull one off. Perhaps these valleys boys done good have finally come to accept the true level of their success.
Tags: Aled Phillips, Godzilla, Hexes, Ian Watkins, Jocko Johnson, Kids In Glass Houses, Kill2This, Lostprophets, metallica, Nottingham, Rock City, Start Something, The Betrayed
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I was at every show Lostprophets have played in Rock City including the one at the Rig and last week was definitely the best ever! Who else was there?
The show was incredible and a very good review.
They didn’t play streets of nowhere though…they did darkest blue :)
You’re right, Tom. Well spotted. I was obviously over-excited!
Actually at Leeds, but as one of the screaming girls at the front of that gig, reading that review brought the night back to mind! They were perfect. Great night. Giving KIGH their due, they were good, but totally overshadowed for me, by the anticipation of seeing the guys once more. Brilliant night. Wanted them to play “Streets of Nowhere” (as I love that song), but nothing compares to seeing the guys that close. Can’t wait for them to come back.