Street Voice UK

This was a last minute gig for me in which time was running short to catch up with the opening band Desperate Measures. I met a couple of guys who were going to the gig on the train so they took me to the venue via a pub for a couple of drinks.

At the venue I was blown away by the size and the friendly staff and even more surprised that the bar prices were simular to the local bars and nothing like Academy bar prices which are silly!

After bumping into Faye and her parents it was time for Desperate Measures and they didn’t disappoint either! This hig octance rock n roll band really are the business and I’m susprised they aren’t much bigger!

Deperate Measures are an old rock n roll band from New Zealand who formed in 1981. Eugene Butcher the founding member reformed the band in 2021 with some kick ass musicians and they’ve been delivering their magic since then!

I first caught up with them in Birmingham earlier this year but their magic is best done on a much larger stage and I loved them for it despite Drummer James having a slight malfunction halfway through the set!

I for one can’t wait to catch them again – Superb!

After milling around the crowd and looking around the venue it was time for Killing Joke to hit the stage. I had never seen Killing Joke before so I wasn’t really sure how they’d go down! I didn’t have to wait too long and I was blown away with their sound.

Formed in the late 80’s I was surprised to learn I was seeing the original line up. One of my mates was jealous I was seeing them as he was stuck in doors with covid!

Killing Joke were brilliant with Jaz Wiseman being one of the best front men I’d seen in years. The guy was just magical and everyone loved what they were seeing including me!

Part way through the set my body decided to give me a diabetes hypo which set me to sleep. How I managed to have a doze through some of loudest but well played rock music is anyones guess!

After recovering I managed to see the rest of the KJ set. I was surprised they were still playing as it seemed like I was out of it for a while but they were still delivering the goods!

Soon it was time for Killing Joke to end their set and people were on the way out were saying how its one of the best times they’d ever seen KJ and I couldn’t disagree.

Killing Joke are one of the best live bands I’d ever seen since going to gigs from 1983!