Photo Credit: Martin Porter
Manchester’s legendary group HAPPY MONDAYS, along with London-based electronic act STEREO MC’S and fellow Manchester band INSPIRAL CARPETS, embarked on their ‘The Been There, Done That‘ UK tour, arguably the line-up of the year, offering fans a trip down memory lane with a plethora of hits from the late 80s to mid 90s.
Clapham’s STEREO MC’S kicked off the evening with an electro-dance performance that transported the audience back in time. With energetic electro-hip-hop mixes, frontman Nick Hallam set the tone for an unforgettable show that primed the audience for two more incredible performers. The much awaited song ‘Connected‘ caused a stir among the Sheffield crowd, inspiring many attendees to start dancing to this well-known tune. Cath Coffey’s voice is still as strong as it was when the band first began, and presented the acts climax ‘Step It Up’ to keep the crowd bouncing.
Just a year after their reunion, Stockport’s INSPIRAL CARPETS returned to the steel city, following an electrifying showing by the opening act. As soon as the acclaimed band entered the stage, the room filled up with fans eager to witness them once again. In order to get the crowd excited, the band began with their signature song, ‘Joe‘. They then quickly made the most of their thirty-minute set by playing a number of timeless hits. ‘Two Worlds Collide‘ received a welcomed reception and remains a staple in the set list.
Keyboardist Clint Boon and vocalist Stephen Holt consistently put in a combined vocal effort that elevates the band and makes them stand out among the “Madchester” acts. Their more well-known song, ‘This It How It Feels‘, lowers the intensity with its more sombre and contemplative vibe, but it’s swiftly lifted by the timeless smash, ‘Saturn 5‘, to round off an outstanding supporting effort by the INSPIRALS.
Even with two formidable performances ahead of them, the legendary HAPPY MONDAYS remained the primary attraction. As the audience applauded Rowetta’s arrival, the rest of the band progressively made their way onto the platform, raising the volume until Shaun Ryder and Bez took centre stage. ‘Kinky Afro‘ kicked off night, and everyone in the room started dancing immediately. The Sheffield crowd was further energised by Bez’s shaking of the maracas down front, showcasing the band still have that special spark.
The harder-hitting song ‘God’s Cop‘ swiftly came next, and this club staple instantly brought back memories of the Hacienda days. Huge applause erupted across the room when the famous ‘Loose Fit‘ entrance played, keeping the crowd moving throughout this slower song. ‘Tart Tart‘, which appeared midway through the set and is still well-received no matter the occasion.
As the evening drew to a close, the remaining three songs consisted of ‘24 Hour Party People‘, which kept the energy going, and ‘Step On‘, their biggest hit, which was introduced in the typical Shaun Ryder fashion as he shouted “Call The Cops!” Finally, the timeless hit ‘Wrote for Luck‘, saw the band conclude their performance and once again proved that, after almost 45 years, HAPPY MONDAYS still have their charm.
Photo Credit: Martin Porter
Taped Magazine 