Live Review: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Friday 27th October, Manchester Academy

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s music is vibrant, but there is something magnetic about listening to them live. Last Friday, Manchester Academy’s walls were flooded with BRMC’s emotional and honest tracks, as well as a devoted crowd and the soft mist from the smoke machine.

Opening their show with ‘Little Thing Gone Wild’, BRMC showed themselves keen to give their fans all they had. In exchange, a euphoric audience sang their hearts out from the second the band appeared on stage. The majority knew every single lyric. BRMC performed a total of 24 songs including their hit ‘Beat the Devils Tattoo’. When this track was played the initial energy seemed to have been multiplied by a thousand.

Although the staging was simple, it was enough for the band to excel on their performance. Alternating blue, red, and white dim lights fell over the artists. These lights pulsated to the rhythm of the bass which was at the same time supported by the clapping of the show-goers.

Altogether, the music, the cheering fans, the staging, the smoke, all went together to create a unique atmosphere. The band, formed by Leah Shapiro, Peter Hayes, and Robert Levon Been, rarely conversed with the audience between songs, cutting the chitchat to “How are you guys doing tonight?” BRMC played one song after another without interruption, however, words weren’t needed, and the fans didn’t really seem to care that the verbal interaction was practically non-existent.

One of the highlights of the show — besides the amazing guitar skills of Peter Hayes — was the fan relationship. Before they got on stage, you could see complete strangers engaging in conversation over their love for the group. Overheard conversations went something like: “BRMC is my favourite band not only because they make great music, but also because they give us an experience that not many artists give you. After concerts, they come out and ask you how your day was. They’re very real and that’s cool.”

Overall BRMC’s performance reminded me of musicians such as Lou Reed or the Rolling Stones — the latter’s influence on the band is clear. In other words, they pour themselves into the music and make their performance an exhilarating experience for everyone witnessing it.  Personally, I think BRMC are incredibly underrated. This garage and alternative rock band are definitely worth listening to.

9/10