lightning seeds — Write-Up

It’s funny how the most unexpected events in life can often be the most memorable or enjoyable, hence why I never turn down any concert/gig tickets I’m offered, no matter how last minute or how little I know an artist’s repertoire. If I didn’t follow this idea, then I would’ve missed out on the glorious opportunity to see the Lightning Seeds.

Admittedly, and somewhat shamefully, my knowledge of the band amounted to three songs (yes, one of them being Three Lions). Although I could sing Life of Riley and Lucky You till the cows come home, I wasn’t all too familiar with the rest of the setlist. This was the bands tour in honour of their album ‘Jollification’ turning 25 years old, so there would be hits in abundance. I thought I’d leave the normal homework of brushing up of my song knowledge prior to the gig, and rather leave it to the night to absorb myself in their greatest hits live- oh am I glad I did.

Despite myself and my boyfriend bringing down the average age of the audience by a good few years, we could not be in a better crowd. Full of fans carousing and swaying along to the rhythmic beats strummed out by lead Ian Broudie, it emphasised the joyful atmosphere of the O2, as not only great live music was on, but it was back!

The Britpop era was back in full swing as the rock pop anthems echoed around the Academy, and Broudie showed that he’s still got it with his indie tones carrying perfect tune. You can tell they’re a band for the stage. The easy, natural flow they followed made it all seem effortless as great pop singles were blasted out, and it felt like we’d never been away from the party.

The bands line-up this time around consisted of course of Ian Broudie, who was joined by Martyn Campbell on bass, Abi Harding on keyboard, Jim Sharrock on drums and none other than Broudie’s own son, Riley Broudie, who took to guitar along with his dad. Father and son touring together must make for a surreal yet special experience, and Riley has clearly taken after his dad with his love, and talent, for music and performing.

Once the Jollification album was played in full, a short break ensued for the band to regroup and switch things around for the rest of the show, compiled with their greatest hits selection. Performing under the giant spinning strawberry, replicating the one made famous on the Jollification album cover, Broudie’s eternally youthful energy allowed him to bring his timeless tunes to the crowd in such a way you couldn’t help but smile and sway.

I found myself dancing away to songs I’d never heard and losing my voice to the ones I did. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this gig but having a smile on my face the whole time and jamming to the indie tunes wasn’t it. Finding new favourites in ‘Sugar Coated Iceberg’ and cheering at covers of classics such as ‘Be My Baby’ was success enough, but seeing the love in the room from people who have been waiting to see the band for years and it reciprocated by the band themselves cemented this gigs status as one of the firm favourites in my selection seen.

What happened to be chance with last minute tickets offered by my godparents who could no longer go, resulted in a new musical experience which has enriched my musical collection for the better. Not only a fab evening full of great music and joyful crowds, but a host of new songs for my Spotify playlists.

Setlist:

Jollification

1. Marvellous

2. Open Goals

3. Perfect

4. Why Why Why

5. My Best Day

6. Telling Tales

7. Punch & Judy

8. Feeling Lazy

9. Lucky You

Greatest Hits