Photo Credit: Joe Oates

THE K’S embarked on their largest and longest series of gigs yet, having placed #3 in the UK album charts with their debut album, ‘I Wonder If The World Knows?‘ During the tour, the group sold out at many of the nation’s premier venues, including Rock City (Nottingham) and Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse. In addition, the band played a number of modest, low-key acoustic gigs to commemorate the record’s release on their days off. This may have been the final opportunity for both new and old fans to see them perform in such a tiny setting, as it is obvious that they are poised to take the globe by storm from now. One of the final dates was a Sunday night celebration at the picturesque Gorilla Beer Hall in Mexborough, South Yorkshire.

Nearly an hour before the band was due to play; the place was packed with patrons spilling out onto the beer garden that runs beside the Meccie Riveria. This led to a united front as they welcomed the quartet from Earlestown. The boisterous Mexborough mob opened the evening with their customary Yorkshire chants, and the band was beaming even before the first song could be played.

The acoustic set began with ‘Chancer‘, which deviated greatly from the typical minimal approach taken by many bands. This time, the band’s vocalist and guitarist Jamie Boyle donned the acoustic guitar while the others performed as usual. However, the Mexborough audience behaved as though it was the full band experience, with the crowd joining in from the get go.

Photo Credit: Joe Oates

Many in attendance had seen THE K’S in nearby Leeds, and when Jamie Boyle questioned who had attended the event, there were many cheers from all around the room. It’s evident that as the band continues to grow, fans are eager to see them as much as possible. But before long, the set moved on to include songs from their debut album, ‘Hoping Maybe‘ and ‘Black and Blue‘, which are already cemented in people’s minds as the crowd sang along.

The Yorkshire chants soon reappeared from the crowd, demonstrating their affection for the county but also showing that bands are always welcomed when they bless God’s Country. The whole room went crazy during the fan favourite ‘Sarajevo‘, to the point where there was a sea of people on top of each other’s shoulders. It goes to show that fans of the band are always ready to give it their all, whether it’s an acoustic slot or the complete live experience. The Gorilla Beer Hall was lit full with phone torches, as THE K’S wrapped off their brief but magnificent show with the poignant ‘Valley One‘, which truly set the mood and culminated an incredible performance.

The band swiftly exited the stage but soon returned to greet their passionate fan base, taking some time to pose for pictures and sign records/CD’s before heading out of Mexborough for what may be their final appearance in the town, although it’s clear that a return will certainly be welcomed.

Photo Credit: Joe Oates