Review and Photos By Paul McWilliams
It was the night fans had been waiting for: the album launch show for The Virgin Marys’ latest release, right in their hometown of Macclesfield. The historic Cinemac was packed to the rafters with devoted fans and curious newcomers alike, all drawn together by the raw power of this beloved local band. As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, the atmosphere became electric—everyone seemed to feel the weight of the moment.
As the band stepped quietly onto the stage, a calm confidence settled over the room. Without much fanfare, they acknowledged the crowd and jumped straight into “You’re a Killer,” instantly igniting the night. It was classic Virgin Marys style; frontman Ally Dickaty isn’t one for long monologues, letting their hard-hitting, no-nonsense rock speak volumes instead. For the next ninety minutes, song after song unleashed a powerful energy that never wavered.
As a photographer, capturing the intensity of that room was an honor but a challenge; photos simply can’t convey the palpable connection between the band and their audience. Every fan seemed to know the lyrics by heart, singing each line back to Ally and drummer Danny Dolan with a passion that was truly contagious. The incredible sound they achieved with just two members was something to behold, amplifying the songs’ urgency and depth.
The night’s setlist took fans on a journey through the band’s evolution, highlighting their ability to blend gritty lyrics with roaring instrumentation. New tracks like “Trippin’ New York City” and “Lies Lies Lies Lies” held a brutal honesty that resonated deeply, while older favorites like “Motherlessland” and “Urban Seagull” reminded everyone why The Virgin Marys have amassed such a loyal following. This album feels like the most refined distillation of their sound yet, capturing both the raw grit and the uncompromising attitude that sets them apart.
A standout moment was “Where Are You Now?”, where Ally’s vocals rang out with a haunting clarity that silenced the entire venue. The emotions ran high, and seeing the crowd respond with such fervor was incredible. There was a sense of unity in that room, like everyone was sharing in a collective catharsis through the band’s music.
The encore was the perfect capstone to an unforgettable night. As the band launched into “There Ain’t No Future” and “Bang Bang Bang,” the energy surged to new heights, with every voice raised in an ecstatic crescendo. It was a powerful conclusion that left everyone buzzing long after the lights came up.
For me, this night was a career highlight, capturing The Virgin Marys in their element, doing what they do best. If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor: grab the new album and catch them live. They’re a force of nature on stage, and this launch show proved that their music, like their fans, is only growing stronger.
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