Words and Photos by Dave Martin / Faversham Photography
Following on from her performance at the Woman ‘s Rugby World Cup Final, Sophie Lloyd has been on tour in support of legendary singer/bassist Glenn Hughes. The eight dates covering the length of the country from Portsmouth to Glasgow with stops at many venues between. This evening’s entertainment coming from the O2 Ritz in Manchester following on from an extremely successful performance at the Empire Shepards Bush.
In her now trademark entrance, the gongs from Top Gun start over the PA Sophie enters the stage playing the melody for the track before being joined by the rest of her band for a shortened rendition of Battleground. Having been present at many a Sophie Lloyd show dating back to her inaugural performance at the Underworld just over a year ago, it is clear how the band’s chemistry has developed in that time with the group interacting from the start. At the conclusion of the song Sophie addresses the crowd “Hello Manchester, how are you all doing tonight” being met with cheers. “Are you guys ready to rock out with us?” She then proceeds to play You Give Love a Bad Name, having previously covered Bon Jovi before the World Cup Final and had tens of thousands singing back at her as well as being commented on by Jon Bon Jovi himself. From his side of the stage Christian Rivers is animated and moving around in a way I had not previously seen from him. The crowd sing along with track as Sophie shreds through, one foot on the monitor at the front of the stage. Iman Ahmed leads the crowd in clapping along to which they duly oblige and Sophie thanks the audience before welcoming Marisa Rodrigez of Marisa and the Moths to the stage for Hanging On. Iman and Sophie are face to face playing as Marisa delivers a stunning rendition of the album track originally voiced by Lauren Babic. In a now common sight to see Marisa and Sophie go back-to-back, the pair oozing chemistry as Christian and Iman jump around the stage. Marisa calls to the crowd mid song “Manchester let’s hear you, come on” and Manchester lets the band know they are there. Marisa then shows her vocal ability delivering a scream reminiscent of Alissa Gluz-White to start next track Won’t You Come. During the solo section Marisa dances on the floor as Sophie stands over her playing again showing the fantastic relationship between the two. The interaction has provided many a photo opportunity for photographers over the past 12 months. Finishing again with the Arch Enemy style vocals Marisa calls “Scream for me Manchester” in a Bruce Dickinsonesque manner. In another nod to Iron Maiden Sophie and Iman point their instruments forward and move in unison.
Following a cheer Marisa says, “Give it up for Chris Painter on the drums whose birthday it is today”. Chris raises his hand in acknowledgement as Sophie leads the claps. “Repeat after me” commands Marisa as she sings “She’s a runaway” and the crowd reciprocate, and Chris spins his drum stick before delivering the first beats on the cymbals. Iman and Sophie start jumping and Christian interacts with Chris at the kit before the song moves into it’s slower section. Marisa then leaves the stage as Sophie starts the distinctive intro to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. Chris holds his hand to his ear encouraging the crowd to join in as they did for You Give Love a Bad Name. Again, the band jump along to the track with Christian showing how much he is enjoying the show. After a quick guitar change Sophie introduces the first song she ever wrote, Delusions, which is met with a massive cheer. Sophie thanks the crowd then introduces herself and jokes that they don’t want to hear her sing. Marisa rejoins the band on stage for album title track Imposter Syndrome. Chris shows his stickmanship twirling a drumstick and Marisa and Sophie again go back-to-back at the front of the stage bathed in red light. Speaking to the audience Marisa asks “Are you still with us Manchester” before commenting “I think you maybe our favourite crowd so far”. The whole band starts clapping starting the participation from those gathered before Let it Hurt (the track normally featuring Chris Robertson of Blackstone Cherry). Sophie and Iman again interact both flinging their long hair and Iman pulling some moves in the style of Maiden’s Steve Harris. Christian takes to one knee at the front of the stage and interacts with those at the barrier. Marisa leaves, the band swap guitars and Sophie launches into her solo before transitioning into Metallica’s Enter Sandman. The crowd can be heard joining in, singing as they had done for all the famous covers in the set. Sophie calls for those gathered to join her in sermon for the breakdown of the Metallica classic. It a variation from the normal set the group take time to sing happy birthday to Chris and Sophie explains this is the only time they will hear her sing. Marisa then rejoins for the last song of the night Do Or Die. Sophie puts her let foot up on the bass drum and leans back while soloing presenting fantastic phot opportunities for those at the front of the barrier. The crowd start clapping along with the band as they approach the climax of the show before ultimately bringing it to an energetic close.
What a year Sophie and the band have had. I have seen the band perform at 6 shows and this was by far their best performance. The interactions and chemistry were on another level, and I can’t wait to see them perform again in January. The first date of Which is Winters End 29th January.
Set List 1. Top Gun Intro, 2. Battleground, 3. You Give Love a Bad Name, 4. Hanging On, 5. Won’t You come, 6. Runaway, 7. Thunderstruck, 8. Delusions, 9. Imposter Syndrome, 10. Let it Hurt, 11. Sophie Solo, 12. Enter Sandman, 13. Do or Die
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