The Jesus and Mary Chain live at The Roundhouse, London (30.3.2024) with Deathcrash supporting.
My second trip to The Roundhouse this month, seated this time, in the balcony with an excellent ‘between the pillars’ view. More on the venue and pre-gig options can be found here in my Lathums blog.
There are about 10 rows of balcony seats, curving right round between two private viewing areas, one to the left of the stage being the members’ bar – I watched support band Deathcrash from up there. I could see why they were picked to support. Interesting and maybe best listened to alone in a darkened room. Slow and shoegazey.
I was so keen to get to this one tonight. Over the years I have had several attempts to see The Jesus and Mary Chain (J&MC) thwarted by cancellations and aside from their set in the John Peel tent at Glastonbury in 2022, I haven’t seen them live before.
I love the J&MC general naughtiness – and they have a history of rocking the boat – walking off, late starts, short sets and the chaotic feedback and fuzz of their sound.
I first noticed them when they appeared on 7″ EPs free with NME music papers…yes actual vinyl records with actual hardcopy newspapers. I bought their 1985 single Never Understand but never added more to my collection. Lots of evening radio play I remember but it never tripped any purchases. Having listened to the new album, Glasgow Eyes, several times I think this could be the prompt for a J&MC vinyl LP… I’ve waited long enough…since the mid-80s.
This was a masterful performance by the Reid brothers, Jim (lead singer) and William (guitarist and main songwriter), and their current band. The setlist was a near perfect selection covering many bases, with 10 singles and just four tracks from the Glasgow Eyes album.
Happy When It Rains makes an early appearance – a lyric underlining the band’s darkness eh. My pick from the new LP is The Eagles and The Beatles and that gets played – almost a pop song in there. All four new album tracks bed in well to the set.
The sound was as clear as fuzz pedals and feedback could be – there must be some benefit to be had from playing a second consecutive night at the same venue. A night for imaginary guitar playing – maybe a small one up in the balcony.
From my vantage point I did grab a video selection which I have saved on my YouTube channel @grey-hairedgiggoer which included Amputation, Sidewalking and the final track if the encores: I Hate Rock’n’Roll. I love Sidewalking. A few songs before that one was Some Candy Talking.
I have waited far too long to see The Jesus and Mary Chain on their tour, but it wasn’t too late. Maybe it was better for the wait. The time honoured test when you leave the venue, how much do you want to see them again… well I would have gone again the next day, and I’m sure some people who went on Good Friday did just that.
Gigs with Ivan 