Quireboys Live Classic Grand

Review By Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson

The Quireboys are a rock band from London, England but with strong ties to Newcastle who originally formed in 1984 by Jonathan Gray (Spike) & Guy Bailey. The band wrote & performed until 1993 when they broke up but reformed again in 1995 with a new line up. Throughout their career the band have performed with The Rolling Stones & Guns n Roses and played Reading Festival, The Marquee Club & performed in front of 72,000 fans at Monsters Of Rock. The band released 6 Albums, 4 Compilation Albums & 15 singles. Spike has assembled a real who’s who of the rock industry to bring the magic of The Quireboys back to life and tonight Spike & the boys bring their infectious brand of rock n roll to Glasgow @ Classic Grand, I had a chance to chat with Spike & Willie before the show where we discussed a new album, tour and plenty of shenanigans to boot, the place is rammed to capacity and we are all eager to get the night underway. As the house PA fades the boys saunter onstage as we await the arrival of the main man himself, as Spike addresses the crowd the music bursts into life and we roll straight into –

Jeeze Louise – Spike steps up to the mic and says ‘good evening everybody’ as the killer keys launch the show as Spike brings out his harmonica and gets this rock n roll show off the ground. The rhythm section is commanding the room with it’s punchy snare drum beats that ease into this honky tonk blues rock track with no bother at all, the place is rocking from the very first chord as Spike bellows out let me hear ya as we scream back. The vocals are gravelly with a real rasp that is unmistakeable Spike at his best as this rockin rollin track erupts with a funky, cool bassline as Nigel stands front and centre and delivers dark, brooding grooves that just light up the venue tonight as the place just wraps their arms around the boys as they take us into –

Can’t Park Here – Spike swigs from a pint as he says cheers to us all as the track springs into life with a raspy, rockin guitar riff that has deep, pulsing basslines running through it as the rhythm section kicks in the doors and really brings the heat. The tinkering keys are bringing the blues to this foot stomping beast as the crowd joins in with the chorus as we feel the energy rise with this energetic, punchy arrangement as Spike swaggers in front of the stage as the boys dig deep and get us all hot and sweaty as we watch Luke shred away and bring the glitz and glamour to this killer track that sounds as good as it has done in the past, the songs are fast, furious and have plenty of swagger that just sets them apart from anything else out there, we catch our breath as the boys take us into –

Misled – Blues vocals are with us and they bring a rasping tone that has sweet piano and acoustic tones before we hit a change up that slides in a really gritty rasping guitar riff. Snare drum punches are easing into this rocking track as the bass drum kicks come thick and fast and are rounded off with cymbal snaps that really let this rhythm section feel the groove. Bass is with us and it is handing out a meaty plundering funk beat that melts all over this honky tonk piano section as it works it’s magic with awesome notes that weave and bob their way into this incredible blues infused rocking track. We are being treated to vintage Quireboys with their usual take and banter that comes with this quality gig and boys have we missed the rawness and quiality of these boys, next up is –

Sweet Mary Ann – Acoustic strumming tones are with us as the cool piano rings the changes as it gets this track on the move with a real sweet awesome tone. The vocals are lingering through the intro as the tempo builds and the rock tones rise from the ashes and really bring the heat. Snare drum punches that combine well with bass drum kicks and cymbal smashes get the rhythm section up and running. Guitar riffs are just off the chart as they bring the attitude that flows with the awesome piano notes that just elevate this track to another level. The place is just heating up as the boys offload with a real vengeance and let Spike lead the charge in this soulful, emotion filled number as we roll into –

Raining Whiskey – A deep punchy bass / snare kick brings this rasping track to our attention as Spike steps up to the mic and unleashes his killer gravelly vocals as this foot stomper unfolds. The mellow keys ripple through the intro as Willie takes the track to the next level with his unique style as the boys settle into their groove and let the good times roll, the place is just bubbling under the surface as this show has been hotly tipped to be one of the shows of the year. The cool, meaty bassline is wandering freely through the track as Nigel brings the heat to tonight’s show as he cranks out the grooves at The Classic Grand tonight. The boys look like they are enjoying themselves as I overhear one gig goer saying ‘SPIKE GIVES ME FANNY FLUTTERS’ which I thought was very funny as he looked like he was really enjoying himself up on the stage tonight, the place is just getting warmed up we roll into –

You & I – A cool strumming acoustic guitar pick opens the track as the place is silent as the smooth, mellow track oozes from the stage as we get nice, little piano keys that let the tempo ease towards us. Spike lets his killer vocals lead the charge in this soulful, bluesy piece that gets us tapping our toes with ease as the gig slows down a little as the place feels the love coming from the stage as the boys shift through their back catalogue and really deliver a well thought out set that has something for everyone. The cool, mellow bass is dropping in and hitting us with smooth, delicious tones that wrap themselves around this awesome arrangement as the place just welcomes the unmistakeable sound of Spike & Quireboys, we catch our breath for a second as Spike again thanks us for showing up tonight and supporting him & live music as it means so much to him and the boys after all these years, we stroll into –

Hey You – A slick guitar riff flows through the intro as this grooving rock track springs into life with a real rasping guitar chord that is just fantastic. The vocals are with us and they have a solid gravelly rasp that just brings this track the recognition it deserves, bass chords are again grooving into this awesome track and dropping funk beats all over this arrangement. Slide guitar riffs are echoing through the mid section as this punchy rocker really brings the blues influence that combines well with the gritty rocking vibe that is coming thick and fast, the crowd lead the chorus as we belt out Hey You as loud as we can and really get into the party mood as the boys deliver a night to remember, up next –

Whippin Boy – A deep snare drum is coming in and has a cool bass drum kick that is finished with cymbal snaps that get this track on the go. Acoustic chords are sweet and really give this track an edgy feel that allows this piece of music to grow and really let us feel the emotion. Vocals are with us and they deliver a real blues rasp that gets this track rumbling on and really cutting loose, Piano tones are working well with the stringed section that is littered throughout this awesome track, bass comes in and gives this track a cool blues feel with awesome plundering beats that are just incredible. A snare drum roll is easing into the mid section as the cool backing vocals bring the sweetness to this fantastic track, the crowd really show their appreciation with punching the air and singing at the top of their voices to really let these boys know they have been missed, as we calm down and eagerly await the next track we get –

I Think I Got It Wrong Again – A real dirty, sludgy guitar riff oozes from the stage as Harry brings the heat with a cool, meaty rhythm groove that gets us all warm & fuzzy inside as the track comes to life. The tempo changes pace a little as Willie brings the ivory’s into play as this foot stomping, blues groover grabs our attention as the place gets into the swing of things as the boys just deliver in spades, the gravelly, mellow vocals really let the track sing as we watch the stage as Spike wanders all over the place and waves at fans, blows kisses and looks like he is really enjoying himself. Luke steps forward and deliver a real sludgy, blues soaked guitar solo that has depth, swagger and tons of attitude as we hurtle through this awesome setlist which is rolling back the years for many inside the venue tonight, up next –

King Of New York – Spike takes to the mic and addresses his old friend and former bandmate Guy Bailey who we sadly lost a couple of years back as the crowd cheers loudly remembering the great guitarist that is no longer with us. Spike says that this is his song and we cheer with approval, a nice, melodic piano tone lingers through the venue as Spike grabs the mic and lets his gravelly vocals lead the way in this real emotion fillled, thought provoking number that just stops us in our tracks. The rhythm section leans in and gives us sweet, soulful cymbal snaps that just let the track grow as the snare drum punches fill every corner of the venue as we sway from side to side as this fantastic track just builds and builds as the full on bassline wraps itself around us as we just allow ourselves to float away with Spike & The Boys as they bring us a cool ditty about Guy and what he meant to the boys, after that killer piece we gather ourselves as we stroll into –

Happy – Cymbal snaps open the track as Luke brings a real gritty, rasping guitar riff that really lets the track breath as Harry brings the heat with a cool bass / snare combo that lets this track tell it’s own story. The tinkering keys are really giving the track swagger as Willie gives us a real smooth tone, the bassline is hitting us with a real dark, delicious groove that has us stamping our feet with real joy as Spike and the boys shift through the gears and deliver a no nonsense, Happy set that just puts a smile on your face. The place is just rockin and rollin as the boys dig deep and give us a night we won’t forget in a hurry as this kick ass track just builds and builds with a punchy snare / bass punch that is just on the money, coming at us next is –

Man On The Loose – A solid snare drum punch is with us as this rocking rasp driven track comes at us and really brings the heat as the groove is let loose. The vocals are with us and they bring that recognisable gravelly rasp that The Quireboys are known for, piano tones that bring a real cool honky tonk feel are with us as the guitar lets loose with a rasping killer lick that helps this track gather momentum to send us rocking with a real deep funking beat that is just incredible. Bass chords are oozing in and they are handing out sweet mellow funk tones that just wrap themselves around this cool rocking track and bring the swagger that we all know and love, up next –

Roses & Rings – Acoustic chords are oozing from this piano style toned intro as the vocals bring the rock element as they take this track off into the distance. Drums are with us and they deliver a solid snare drum punch that works well as the bass drum kicks bring the groove that is finished with cymbal crashes that work really well in this blues laden monster. Bass is working it’s way into this track as they deliver a funking groove beat that combines well with a stringed section that has a real sweetness attached to it, Hammond style tones are littered throughout this track as the country / blues influences ring through. The vocals are the real star as they give us a real insight into Spike and his vocal range and what it brings to this record, Luke is perched on the drum riser as he really gives it his all for this classic track, coming next is a real classic that will really leave you starstruck as Spike pours his heart out with classy vocals to bring us –

There She Goes Again – A solid snare drum beat comes through and really sets this track up as the funking groove is brought to us with deep bass drum kicks that just give this track direction. Piano tones are doing their thing and really getting this groove track off the ground as the infectious tone works wonders with the strings as they come through and really give this track attitude. Vocals are just incredible as they come at us with a real gravelly rasping blues tone that just gets this track moving, bass is with ius and it brings the heat as the grooves are running freely into this punchy blues / rock track as it works it’s way home, the atmosphere is just electric as we are taken on this journey with Spike & the boys as he enjoys supping on his beer to celebrate this over excited Scottish crowd soaking up the groove, the classics keep coming and next is –

7 O’Clock – Honky tonk style piano rings in this cool rocking track that has harmonica tones filling the air as this punchy beast comes to life. We have a solid snare drum punch that gets the rhythm section on the move as the bass drum kicks combine well with cymbal crashes that just give this track some depth. Vocals are with us and they have their usual gritty rocking tone that really lifts this track with it’s awesome tone, bass grooves are floating freely as they drop cool plundering grooves all over this pure rocking beast as the tempo builds and builds to allow this track to open and soar with a real cool rasping guitar riff that combines well with the awesome piano tones that are littered throughout this closing monster, the crowd are going nuts as we stamp our feet to these boys and what they delivered tonight. As they come back for the encore we get –

Sex Party – A cool rasping guitar shredding riff is easing itself into this full on rocker track as it comes to us on full volume. Snare drum punches fill the air as the bass drum kicks bring the heat that is finished with cymbal crashes that are just fantastic, bass comes through and drops killer grooves that are just insane and really get this track moving. Guitar licks are strewn all over this phenomenal track and really lift this rocking beast as the thundering groove is just getting us stamping our feet and punching the air as this rumbling rock track comes to a grinding halt. Spike is wandering around the stage and just soaking up the atmosphere as the place is bellowing out one more song, one more song as the boys drop into –

I Don’t Love You Anymore – Gravelly rasping vocals are easing into this track as the piano tones linger in the intro as this blues ballad comes to life. Sweet guitar chords are flowing freely into this blues laden rocker track as the track comes at us with meaty bass grooves that are just incredible as they let the track flow freely and work so well with this fantastic arrangement. Guitar licks ease into this fantastic track and offload with clean crisp picks that are awesome as the whole track moulds together with the sweet acoustic strumming that really makes this track work. Vocals are just incredible as they deliver a faultless tone that just brings this track so much emotion as we feel the tender tones link up well with the whole composition. The audience show their approval as we disappear into the night sky with our hearts full and our heads feeling the impact of Spike & the boys.

Quireboys –

Spike – Lead Vocals / Harmonica

Luke Morley – Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals

Nigel Mogg – Bass / Backing Vocals

Willie Dowling – Piano / Keys / Backing Vocals

Harry James – Drums

Setlist –

Jeeze Louise

Can’t Park Here

Misled

Sweet Mary Ann

Raining Whiskey