Gig Review

Killing Joke
Nottingham, Rock City
30th March 2011

                                                                                               
Killing Joke   
             
Photo Of Killing Joke © Copyright Angela MartinThere aren't too many left. Time as always keeps marching on and bands (and lives) fall by the way the wayside. Since their inception in 1978, Killing Joke are one of the few that are still left standing. After countless band changes and years past, their current album and tour consists of it's original line-up.

There aren't too many left. Time as always keeps marching on and bands (and lives) fall by the way the wayside. Since their inception in 1978, Killing Joke are one of the few that are still left standing. After countless band changes and years past, their current album and tour consists of it's original line-up.

Tonight they bring us to Nottingham Rock City. The crowd has an age range rarely seen at many gigs, yet a fiery temperament which ignites as Killing Joke grace the stage. Bassist Martin 'Youth' Glover and guitarist Geordie Walker appear first, then 'Big' Paul Ferguson makes himself comfortable behind the drum kit. A huge roar reverberates around the venue as iconic front man Jaz Coleman emerges on stage. His body covered in boiler suit, and his face a harrowing pale white and black make-up.

Photo Of Killing Joke © Copyright Angela MartinHis body judders and shakes rigidly as the band fire through a set which spans their 14 album history. Classics such as Love Like Blood and Requiem sit perfectly in balance next to freshly cut track European Super State. Each song is led into the next with a statement. Jaz wastes no time in questioning our motivations and highlighting what is wrong with the world. “There are eight more nuclear power plants due to be built in the UK. Isn't that depressing? I'll tell you, it's more depressing that most of us don't even have an opinion.” Declares Jaz mid set. And rightly so. Killing Joke and their fans stand for more than just a musical relationship. Their methodology and beliefs are a alluring spectacle, and to be included in these snippets of wisdom is truly inspiring.

The crowd really erupts during the unmistakably thumping introduction to fan favourite Asteroid. The whole room becomes more alive then ever as the machine gun riffs and Coleman's roar howl throughout the venue. The audience remain in full flow as the high energy Depth Charge provides a perfect second auditory punch to the face.

Photo Of Killing Joke © Copyright Angela Martin The set has it's few hiccups. Issues with the sound and feedback made for small distractions from the audio assault before us. But all in all the band remained tight, supercharged and relentless.

Disgust covers Coleman's face as a glance at the clock is turned into a quick word from one of the crew. “They want to cut our set short due to a strict curfew. Fuck that. We're playing what we came here to play.” Declared Coleman. Geordie comically chimes in; “I told you it was too long when I wrote it out.”

Their encore consisted of one final track, the unmistakable Pandemonium. A sing along chorus of “I can see tomorrow, I can see the world to come” I hit note for note by the audience is pure amazement. The band leave the stage with a simple thank you, back into the darkness from which they emerged.

Jaz asked us earlier within the set, “Are you happy with your lives? Are you getting a good deal?”

Yes the world has it's issues, and times most certainly are tough. But if bands such as Killing Joke can keep coming back to their native turf and play shows such as this, which are not only inspiring, but truly motivational. Then yes, I think life's not too bad. And tonight was the best deal this audience received in a long time.

5/5

Review By Phil Davies Photos by: Angela Martin

 Killing Joke


Jaz Coleman
Kevin "Geordie" Walker
Martin "Youth" Glover
Paul Ferguson
Reza Udhin

 Band Related Links
Killing Joke Myspace
 Review Score Code
- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
- What Was That?