Visit the "Converse With Chris" message board at Chris Connelly.com for more Damage Manual live show talk!
Neil Cavenham sent this report of the June 6, 2000 Cambridge, UK show to The Damage Manual list on 9/11/05:
This was originally done for another site back in 2000 but went unused. Although it's largely negative Ithought I'd send it in to you as, reading through the DM gig reports, it's interesting that similar things were being said by others at the time. Better latethan never. Possibly.
What's THIS for...?
Damage Manual at the Cambridge Junction 6th June 2000
Reunite Public Image Limited's greatest rhythm section Martin Atkins and Jah Wobble, add Geordie of Killing Joke - possessor of The Most Fearsome Guitar Sound On Earth - and in theory you might end up with something a bit special. Sadly, just as Dr Frankenstein's idiotassistant had to drop the perfect brain on the filthy chip shop floor before it could be wired in properly, this creature never stood a chance from day one.
Things to remember when starting a band:
1. Do not call yourselves "Damage Manual". This kindof name conjures up visions of an unhealthy bat-eared gork in his bedroom naked apart from a sleeveless Sepultura t-shirt, weeping through his facial piercings as he contemplates his pale, lifeless genitals.
2. Avoid venues that turn one's sound into anunderwater performance given via mobile phone.
3. Ensure your keyboard player understands thatelectronics have progressed somewhat over the last two decades.
4.Never ever EVER hire a singer whose idea of communication is to stand motionless with his back to the audience, then whirl round dramatically and pace leopardlike to the microphone stand when his vocal part comes in. Prevent him also from arching his backand singing towards the ceiling. Bad for the kidneys.
5. Do not attempt a nationwide tour without materialthat justifies your existence. Quite important, thisone.
The last time I saw Jah Wobble he was on the main stage at Glastonbury with the Invaders of the Heart, winning over a crowd of God knows how many thousand in the afternoon sun - Natacha Atlas' celestial vocals over his dub basslines: a plump, entrail-cradling rumble that made you want to roll around like a dog in carrion. On Tuesday night someone had dragged himaway from Match of the Day still wearing his grubby tracksuit, balanced a bass on his beer gut and told him "Go on dad, play us a couple of tunes. You know,like you used to do in the old days..." His eyes hadthe glassy, Stepford Wife look of a man on autopilot. He even had to sit down at one point, as if confronted by an appalling spectre of musical oblivion wearing a London Underground uniform.
Father Time was kinder to Geordie. Less hair, but thesame angular features and drooping fag, the same curiously gentle hand movements belying the brutal wall of noise coming out of the same Gibson. Completely at ease, now and then strolling across the stage like Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner to get all touchy-feely with his bored bassist (about the only time Wobble perked up and cracked a smile, blesshim). Interesting that neither had any rapport whatsoever with singer Chris Connelly, which begs the question what the buggered blue arse do they think they're achieving alongside this blank space with his rock bitch moves? If the Junction had had a monitor,this man would have put one foot on it. Oh yes he would.
This unpleasantness recalls nothing so much as the criminally wasted 1992 Murder Inc LP. Another project that looked great on paper (Geordie, Raven and Paul Ferguson of Killing Joke with Atkins as second drummer), buried by Steve Albini's inappropriate one-dimensional production and Connelly's perfumed ponce vocals. You don't sing over this kind of music,you perverts. Jaz Coleman cut it because he was amonster of biblical proportions who came across like Hitler at Nuremberg. John Lydon cut it because hewas...John Lydon. Shoddy industrial dirge definitelydoes not cut it. Too much has happened since theprescient aural terrorism of Killing Joke's first LP and Pil's "Metal Box".
No coincidence, then, that Damage Manual only became tight, resolute and danceable when they covered Pil's "Careering", "Poptones" and "Lowlife". Atkins poundedaway gamely, Geordie carried on where Keith Levine left off. Even Wobble woke up, shambled around andgurned at the sparse crowd briefly (and how many of them slithering away down the front realised this stuff came out before they were born?). However, bythis time I had soiled myself repeatedly and was fighting to live. One of my esteemed colleaguesdescribed the whole distasteful experience as being "like watching your parents having sex, and doing it really badly." The only sane solution lay inalcohol's sweet embrace, and the fragrant bosom of vicious drunken heckling. I genuinely believe thatthe sudden hideous realisation of being surrounded by a hellish mob of werewolves with heads full of beer and savagery would have done wonders for the band's subsequent output.
"If you want any more, you'll have to come and see us in Sheffield!" giggled Martin Atkins like a goosed schoolgirl as he left the stage. Thank you, no, MrAtkins; I would rather be hunted by baying bloodhounds through foul-smelling marshland. It was 10.30pm. Thebar was shut. We were angry men. Angry, bitter men.Passing the solitary boot fair trestle table with its pathetic cargo of merchandise (no I do not want a fucking Damage Manual shoulder bag, you cowboy-hatted goon), we left the empty gravel pit acoustics behind
and emerged like somnambulists waking from some evil dream. Hear me O my people, for truly have I winessedhorror beyond comprehension. Once-mighty warriorshave fallen on their swords, and lo, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth....
Josh sent this report of the October 26 Chicago, IL show to The Damage Manual list on 10/27:
What an incredible show it was..
I don't think I can bring anything new to the reviews of the DM gigs, but rather reinforce a couple things:
Chris Connelly is an absolute maniac onstage and needs to be doing this sort of thing more often. He's a fantastic performer and his vocals get better and better. He never ceases to inspire me w/his lyrics, vocals, and all around charisma. I'm looking forward to his show tonight at Fireside Bowl.
Geordie is in fact the embodiment of cool.. Perfectly hitting all those riffs with not so much as glancing even in the vicinity of his fretboard. He probably went through an entire pack during the show, I haven't such a serious onstage smoker since Nick Cave. 8)
I'll second Brenda's comments on Martin Atkins.. This guy rocks my world. The end of Broadcasting seemed to go on for ages, and this is in a good way. I love how the band plays off each other rhythmically during that track.
Charles Levi was definitely doing more than just playing fill in duty for Wobble. There was a lot of talk on this list regarding the earlier shows, so I went in wondering... but for those who saw him last night, it was a total no brainer. great stuff.
Attrition had some good beats, and I was digging the keyboardist's Nord Lead II, and the male vocals were cool, but I could not get into the female vocals. Maybe it was because ver voice was so high in the mix. Attrition reminds me a little of Regenerator, only I think Regenerator is much better live.
I ended up having to play internal crowd control front and center during DM, keeping the "pit" from running into the more reasonable folks on Geordie's side of the audience. It always starts off the same - my role as inadvertent bouncer begins as I protect my girlfriend from those people who bum rush the stage while pushing into her or almost elbowing her in the head (she's 5'2"). Later I find myself shielding not only her, but also others in the crowd.. Then it finally escalates to where I'm part of the wall, pushing the pit further back until it dissipated. It actually was a pretty cool crowd last night - Although the rare occasion occured where I had to take care of that really annoying bumrusher jumping up and down while next to my girlfriend. After the 5th time he bounced on my foot I had enough, and picked him up/pushed him out of the way, placing him back about 4 feet. Ah well, I don't think he was too upset, as it's all part of the fun. Yes, I was the 6'4" guy up front blocking your view.. ;)
Oh yeah, and Brenda, the show *was* taped. I saw at least 4 cameras going during DM's set.
Anyone else catching Chris at the Fireside Bowl tonight?
-M sent this report of the October 26 Chicago, IL show to The Damage Manual list on 10/27:
Greetings....
Last night's show (CHICAGO-Double Door) was incredible... great turn out... a lot of fun and I'd give you a set list and more but I pulled a Geordie (3 screwdrivers, he poured the first one, it was downhill after that!) and ended up stepping on people's feet all night... you can call me "Shakes" today.
........ on a more sober note, Chicago was the last stop this time 'round... there will be another tour next year... more Pigface is on the way, too.
Chrissi Doll sent this report of the October 25 Cleveland, OH show to The Damage Manual list on 10/27:
Looks like the setlist for the Chicago show was the same as the Columbus show:
King Mob
Sunset Gun
Damage Addict
Blame & Demand
Peepshow Ghosts
Leave the Ground
Age of Urges
Top Ten Severed
StatelessDenial
Expand
BroadcastingI had to get up and go to work after the Columbus show and it about killed me. Foxpuppy was right, i was quite the lush that night! *laughing* I was having a great time at the show, everyone in the crowd was so friendly! The three hour car drive home was a complete drag though. My guy and i agreed that next time we go to a show that far away from home we are getting a hotel room!
Jerry sent this report of the October 26 Chicago, IL show to The Chris Connelly list on 10/27:
I too saw the Chicago show. Phenomenal. I think it was the coolest experience I've had at a show. I got to meet Martin Atkins, Meg, her backing vocalist, and Attrition. Now I can only hope to talk with Chris at Fireside. If any of you were at the show last night, I had a Thrill Kill Kult shirt on and was dancing quite profusely. I would like to meet anyone on this list who is going tonight if possible. I will be wearing a shiny maroon shirt with velvet spider webs.
Brenda sent this report of the October 26 Chicago, IL show to The Chris Connelly list on 10/27:
Oh Man....
Well the Chicago show was tonight....I just got home a little while ago...the hour and a half ride back to Milwaukee seemed to take FOREVER....I gotta work in the morning, but I couldn't fall asleep to save my life right now!!!!!!! I'm still bouncing up and down...
Had to stop in and give you all my thoughts on the show!
Considering that I almost was not able to go due to a wedding rehearsal that was changed from Thursday to Friday night, I am quite fortunate. It was a real privilige to be in the same room with such great talent...
Atrittion opened the show and were amazing. I like some of their stuff and this was the 1st time I got to see them live....very good. I found myself dancing....
Then there was Meg...what can I say? She sure has a TON of energy. Very Rock n' Roll, Punky and Funky...her crowd tho was a bit "rough" for me...I had to step aside. My friend T.J. was totally getting into it!
And Damage Manual....Sweet Jesus!....Chris can do NO wrong. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him most of the evening....what a voice. I found myself going back in time during parts of the show...I was at a Rev Co show and then a Ministry show and even a Pigface show....Geordie's guitar playing blew me away. And there are barely words for Martin... I swear, I really didn't think he was ever gonna stop playing... Incredible! My arms got tired just watching him! I would have loved to hang out after the show and talk to them, but we had to leave right away to get back home. I really do wish they could played all night, cuz I would have stayed all night....
Now I really bummed that I have to miss Chris's solo show tonight (Friday)...I need a bigger Chris "fix".....LOL!
Anyway, here is the set list:
King Mob
Sunset Gun
Damage Addict
Blame & Demand
Peepshow Ghosts
Leave The Ground
Age Of Urges
Top Ten Severed
StatelessEncore:
Denial
Expand
BroadcastingI am praying that this show was taped???? Video or Audio or Both.... gotta have it!!!!!!
Bill sent this report of the October 23 Washington, DC show to The Damage Manual list on 10/25:
I thought the DC show was great...I was planted right in front of Geordie the whole time...snapping a shitloads of pictures of the great one and the others fellas on stage. My only complaint was that Geordie was kinda low in the beginning but that was not really the soundman's fault. His equipment was messing up..I think it was his pre-amp was on the wrong setting or something like that. But it was fucking awesome when it got fixed and he kicked into "Blame and Demand"..it just cranked up at the right moment.. Totally fucking cool stuff..
I got to hang out with most of the band (minus Martin) on the tour bus after the show and I have to say they are the coolest bunch of fellas to hang out with. None of them really knew me but they treated me and my friend like we were old buddies by just sitting down, drinking, and partying with them. Geordie was totally cool to talk to and just chit chat (and drink with..he already downed three screwdrivers by the end of their set!) and Charles Levi is a total trip..the dude is funny as hell. He definately fits in with the band personally..
The one shitty thing that happened that night is that someone broke into my car while as was the show and stole some of my cds (one of them being the Damage Manual cd!) and my cd player.. Grrr... Made me very pissed off the whole drive back down the Richmond... But other than that..it was a very cool night!Oh if anyone is curious which person I am..I was the really tall guy with long brown hair wearing the Killing Joke "Laugh, I Nearly Bought One!?" shirt...
Damon sent this report of the October 23 Washington, DC show to The Damage Manual list on 10/24:
i planted myself front and center in geordie's line of fire -didn't want to have any gothhair blocking my view of a master--geordie was quite obviously irked at the guitar tech--never entrust a fat,backwards baseball cap wearing,week old goateed guy with 5 grand of bad tattoos to set your gear up--i was fearing a meltdown --he was onstage with a maglite in his mouth with geordie's amp rack tipped upside down--this went on until 3/4 of the way through the 4th song-blame and demand, when geordie's 2nd cabinet finally kicked in on it's own-roadie boy was offstage smoking--geordie seems like an able piss-taker--he was blowing kisses and seemed kinda drunk-- truly great to see after all these years
martin atkins was flawless--inspiring as hell --massive amounts of energy expended on that kit-he's so inventive and melodic and powerful--and he unloaded a classic comeback on one of the inevitable pre encore "play some fukkin rokkn roll motherfucker--fukk you-"knuckleheads--martin shouted" shut up and have another coors lite" off mic and launched into the encore which concluded with,yes,broadcasting
chris connelly and lee fraser filled their roles quite well-though less entrancing than geordie and m.a. , in my mind
charles levi was absolutely repellent though, i actually felt bad for him sorta, he was milling around by himself and seemed really out of place onstage to me-in his jim morrison belt,stretch jeans and pearl necklace. he played a 5 string very sloppily , his tone was unchanged throughout ,though he ran through a cheesy zoom/boss multi floor pedal type junk--after i noticed he was miming the words to the songs all mush mouth style i just kept him out of sight,out of mind. for the most part he just bypassed wobble's lines anyway no big set surprises except-stateless which wasnt on their printed set lists--12 songs in all--no bloodsport or poptones
i think the highlight for me was the old, turn off the spots,fill the room with smoke and turn on the strobe trick at the end odf broadcating-with m.a. fucking GOING OFF--im always a sucker for that
damon hearts damage
Adam sent this report of the October 23 Washington, DC show to The Gathering (Killing Joke) list on 10/24:
As Paul mentioned, I went to the DC DM concert last night. It was likewise a pleasure meeting Paul, as he was a very good, pleasant guy.
I was never a big fan of Murder Inc or DM. I think I listened to the DM cd one and a half times and now I dont even know where it is. Geordie is tops enough in my book to go to the show w/o liking the band/music so much.
When their last opening act came on, Geordie came out and was just standing there on the side alone, so I took the opportunity to go say hello. I guess you could say I was a bit star struck (which is weird b/c from a young age I was around big time musicians and know a lot of fairly big musicians still) and all I said was how big of a fan I was and how much I appreciated his work over all these years. He just started laughing. He seemed very cool (as Paul said) loose and a bit goofy. He allways seemed so stoic and maybe a bit arrogent (for lack of a better word). I kicked myself after for not asking about the latest KJ stuff (or bringing my camera)
I cant even remember the names of the songs (b/c I only gave thier cd a brief listen) but overall I had to say they sounded good. The 4th song they did I was actually feeling that completely into it,elated feeling ones gets- well when your completely into it.
I actually split after that. My good sport wife came along and wasnt feeling so well to begin with. She bailed to the back after the 2nd song so after the 4th I went back and she said (Atkins) drums were drilling holes in her (laugh) so we left.
Overall I will say I liked it much more than the CD (which live music can do for you) Glad I went
Adam
P Bernardi sent this report of the October 21 and 23 NYC, NY & Washington, DC shows to The Gathering (Killing Joke) list on 10/24:
Gatherers - Thought I'd give a review of the two Damage Manual shows that I caught this past weekend. I'll start of with the D.C. gig and for N.Y. I'll just supply commentary to Alex's post.
- Our own Adam (Devacor@aol.com) showed up with his new bride. Im glad I had the chance to meet them. They're a great couple, very friendly.
- In D.C., Damage Manual played at a dance hall named "the Cage". The sound system and atmosphere was better than I expected. Strobing lights, fog machines and at times, almost complete darkness added to their stage show/presence. The band wore all black and seemed more together than they were in N.Y.
- Same set list, with no covers. Lee Fraser was pushed to the back, figuratively and literally. Thankfully, the Loops and samples were toned down. Allowing the bass and guitar to stand out more.
- Geordie did not sit down or walk off early. He did have problems with the amps, especially at the beginning of the show. When the guitar did kick in, (On Blame and Demand) it sounded amazing. On Expand, Geordie took the lead and for a minute and that K.J. sound came streaming through.
- A mosh pit broke out midway through the set, with the rest of the audience dancing.
- I talked with the entire band, except for Lee Fraser. Geordie is one cool fucker. Both Geordie and Levi apologized for the Saturday show, they werent happy with it.
- Atkins: Lots of crap has been blasted at him (Even from me about the mixing of the Cd), but I met him Saturday and he guest listed me for Mondays show. He is an amazing drummer with great back up vocals. whew! now for the N.Y. gig replys.
Geordie was having a hoot up there. talking to his friends off stage. But when it came time for introductions, Mr. Walker got the loudest and best reception. At the D.C. gig, everyone was chanting; "GEORDIE, GEORDIE!!!"
I will say the Monday show was better, it had a lot to do with the Venues. I was dreading the show at the Cage because its a dance club. But with no promotion or airplay, the club had a good size audience with a good vibe. Its not the Joke in the slightest and I wanted to grab Geordie by the scruff of the neck and tell him to get his ass in gear. As its own entity, I enjoyed the D.M. shows.
Finally, heres the set list:
King Mob
Sunset Gun
Damage Addict
Blame and Demand
Peepshow Ghost
Leave the Ground
Age of Urges
Top ten Severed
Stateless
Denial
Expand
Broadcasting
Anthony M. Rubbo sent this report of the October 22 Philadelphia, PA show to The Damage Manual list on 10/23:
'just got back - let's see....
Very small venue. I think there might've been 30 people? Not too much energy from the crowd, but all seemed to enjoy.
Meg Lee Chin: excellent performer, the house was really into her. She stuck around on the floor with the crowd as TDM played.
Geordie / Levi: I've never seen more stoic performers than these at a concert before. Geordie sat down for a bit in the middle - how old is he? Did they really want to be there?
Martin: hysterical, utterly hysterical. His head looked like it was about to fly off at one point. Definitely into the band and his music.
Chris: Very energetic, animated. Fun to watch.
Not in order, they played:
King Mob, Sunset Gun, Damage Addict, Blame and Demand, Stateless, Leave the Ground, Age of Urges, Top Ten Severed, The Peepshow Ghosts, Encore: Denial
On the whole, the songs were phenomenal, with Stateless as the highlight. I was hoping for Broadcasting, but it never came (Denial as a closer was a bit of a downer). Damn.
The band stuck around afterwards. I asked Chris about future TDM work, and he said he really didn't know what the future will bring.
On the whole, good times. I was debating heading down to DC tomorrow, but I'm not going to be able to swing it. Damn them if they do Broadcasting there.
Jeff Watters sent this report of the October 20 Detroit, MI show to The Gathering (Killing Joke) list on 10/22:
Yup, went to the Detroit show. Fucking St. Andrews hall double booked the venue so we had to sit through one concert (Dynamite Hack, Marvelous 3) just to wait for the Damage Manual concert to start around 11:30pm.
Opener Meg Lee Chin was boring. Not too impressed. Seemed like the crowd was into her though.
I was a bit disappointed that Jah Wobble was not on this tour. Replaced by some other dude that swayed to the music and snapped his fingers a lot. Anyway, I must admit, Martin Atkins was a better drummer than I had previously thought, having never seen him before.
Geordie was incredible and played his guitar with the ease of a knife through butter. Great to see him again, though I wish it was with Killing Joke instead.
Overall, not much to say. It was good. Not great.
I guess I'm just bitter because my wife and I drove for almost 6hrs to see the show and they only played about 7 songs, and lasted only 45 min. Especially that after waiting at the venue for 5hours watching the other previous concert of crap just waiting for the DM show to start.
Glad I saw it anyway, but wouldn't go out of my way to see them again.
Richard Squibbs sent this report of the October 21 NYC, NY show to The Damage Manual list on 10/22:
After reading the full-on trashing of the NYC gig, I have to wonder whether the guy who wrote it attended the same show as I did. Like him, I went in not expecting much - just some loud, abrasive rock with Atkins bashing away behind it. But they took me completely by surprise. The songs - which have a "project" feel on the album - came completely alive (especially "Broadcasting" and "Denial"), and the band had real chemistry. While Levi couldn't quite match Wobble's sound (who could? It's like trying to match Robbie Shakespeare's or Flabba Holt's), he wasn't trying to. Nonetheless, he injected some real energy into the performance by appearing to really dig what he was doing. While I still would've like to have heard Wobble live, at least Levi doesn't lie on a sofa.
Geordie was largely inaudible for most of the set (when he was playing, the sound was fuller than when we wasn't, but that's about the extent of it), but towards the end, and especially during the encore, he reaching maximum volume in the mix. Great textures (and that's his role as a guitarist in this band, in case anyone didn't notice), and he seemed about as into the performance as he ever is. Imagine Max von Sydow as a guitarist and you get near Geordie's stage presence.
Simply put, these guys transformed their recorded material into a monstrous, pulsating mesh of original sounds. Like all great artists bound to a tradition, they recall past sounds but ring original changes on them in the process. The Damage Manual could have fallen flat on their faces, but instead they proved that their strength as a live unit transcends the "star-power" aspect of the band that fell apart with Wobble's departure. I still don't know what band that other guy saw, but the one onstage last night packed a
wallop like few out there these days. Bottom line: go see them.
Alexander Smith sent this report of the October 21 NYC, NY show to The Gathering (Killing Joke) list on 10/22:
Okay gang, I just got back from seeing the DM gig at Wetlands. Herewith my review. I'm a bit drunk, so I'm just going to do this in "bullet" format.
- The opening band was Ari Up, ex of The Slits. She's basically an annoying German woman who is obsessed with dancehall reggae. She also believes herself to be a trillion time sexier than she acutally is. I cannot describe how crap she was. Trite, stupid, talentless. Had I been an extreme reggae fan, I would have been offended to the point of speechlessness. Yeah, I know she broke gender barriers and new ground with the Slits, but you know what? SHE SUCKS! SHE SUCKS BIG TIME!!!
- The Damage Manual were complete crap.
REASONS FOR THE ABOVE ASSERTION:
1) Pure & simple: THE SONGS ARE JUST NOT THERE! Just loops, the occaissional riff and repeated stanzas of piss-poor poetry do NOT a "song" make.
2) You really could not hear Geordie, and when you did, he was just providing textural guitar wash. It was all bass, drums and samples. Geordie actually sat down every now and again (his services not always needed, and you could barely hear him when they were). He also left the stage prematurely (not realizing he had another two songs to play). He seemed MUCH more interested in getting offstage and getting a drink than playing. To be perfectly honest, he seemed like he was having a laugh up there, but maybe because he's so INCIDENTAL to the proceedings (unlike his role in Killing Joke, where he pretty much DEFINES the sound). Perhaps that's why he is enjoying this stint....no pressure. He's clearly not the star of the show (and many, many times he was not even highlit by the spotlights. Odd.)
3) Chris Connelly is a tuneless bellower. When he's not barking in a mind-numbing monotone, he stands glowering at the audience. In my mind, no one has the right to appear this intense when his talents are so sorely limited.
4) Their keyboard player, Lee Fraser, looked like someone playing in a "new wave karaoke" band at a bad New Jersey bar. A dork.
5) Did I mention that the sound system sucked complete ass?
6) They opened with the woefully poor "King Mob."
7) No cover versions.
8) The replacement bass player, Charles Levi (from My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult) doesn't even warrant mentioning, in my mind.
9) The worse fate of all: IT WAS COMPLETELY BORING!!!!!!!
In all fairness, I have to say....perhaps he's a complete asshole to deal with, but Martin Atkins is indeed a mighty drummer. He is without question the star of this particular line-up (although there were an alarming number of dyed-hair alterna-brats singing along with Chris literally word-for-word. Inexplicable!) Atkins has relentless stamina, and also sings the choruses along with Chris...virtually surpassing Chris in vocal ability (although that's not a tough feat).
Poor Geordie is balding beyond repair. Only a faint, whispy hint of hair sprouts from his forehead in a pale, sad tribute to his former stately quiff.
I snapped a number of pics, so we'll see how they come out, but don't get too excited.
Overall.....I was left bored and dissapointed....not that I really expected greatness, but I'd really turned a corner before coming to this show, fully prepared for them to be alright. They weren't.
And no...I did NOT buy a t-shirt.
Pissbag sent this report of the October 19 Grand Rapids, MI show to The Damage Manual list on 10/20:
OK folks, went to the G.R. show last night....all I have to say is you absolutely, positively, must do whatever it takes to see them. The show was FUCKING INCREDIBLE....Chris was at his most deranged, lunatic stare, unholy wail best (and newly bald, I might add); Martin was an absolute madman on the drums...think "Insemination" Pigface intro times about 5; Lee and Geordie interacted perfectly to create some of the coolest soundscape noises I've heard in a long time; and to anyone concerned about Levi filling Wobble's shoes - there was not one moment during the enitre show that I missed Wobble being there; Levi was fucking awesome and the show itself was so good I can't for the life of me understand why Wobble wouldn't want to be a part of it...oh well, his loss. If you're interested, I posted a setlist on the message board at chrisconnelly.com. Going to Detroit to see tonight....now if I can just diminish the ringing in my ears a little before that time :P
set list:
Sunset Gun, Damage Addict, Blame & Demand, Peepshow Ghosts, Age Of Urges, Leave The Ground, King Mob, Top Ten Severed, Stateless / Encore: Expand, Broadcasting
Martin Dupras sent this report of the June 11 Bristol, UK show to The Gathering (Killing Joke) list on 6/22:
(so late now that maybe no one cares; sorry, I just came back from vacation.)
I browsed through the list'ss messages and didn't find a review of the DM gig in Bristol, so I thought I'd write a brief review.
First of all, I don't know if there were any opening acts elsewhere (the invisible records page seems to imply so) but DM came onstage at exactly 9:30pm, no support. I have especially bad memory and I failed to nick a set-list at the end, but if I remember correctly, they started with Sunset Gun and Damage addict, and played the other three (?) tracks of the EP interspersed with maybe 3 more tunes. They came back for an encore of four tunes, during which they played Poptones (PIL) and (according to my drummer, who's old enough to remember) a song off of Jah Wobble's first album (don't ask me.)
Wobble started not lounging on the sofa but completely reclining on it as if sleeping. Somehow, he started waking up and by the fourth song was sitting down on the edge of it, and about 2/3rd into the show he was actually standing and moving!
Geordie, on the other hand, was a real disappointment. Most obvious gripe is that I saw on the set list that they were supposed to play Bloodsport in the encore, but they didn't. Otherwise, played as little as possible, leaning back to drink some orange juice while leaning on his speaker cabinets. Having said that the minimal amount of playing that he did sounded really great in the EP tracks. Otherwise, very minimal and not very involved.
Despite all the Atkins adversity on this list, I do not think that Atkins sucks or that he's as evil as everybody seems to make, and found the guy quite likeable in person, and in my estimation he played beautifully. There was quite a lot of dynamics and variety in his drumming (within the confines of the kind of drumming that he does) and he was actually listening to what was going on. Say what you might, I think Atkins is a great musician.
Connelly was doing his usual. I'm getting used to his voice but I never liked him that much to start with, and I think his Bowie-wannabe-style on "One" is a bit over the top, but somehow, I was more impressed with him in the show than on the album. More like the best bits of Murder Inc., in a way. More restrained agression and more musical sense. Maybe the live setting is more his element.
Lee Fraser was alright. It's a bit hard to tell what a guy playing samplers is doing really.
The whole thing was very loud but less than I anticipated (hurray for earplugs) and the sound was actually spectacular for the sack of shit that is the Bierkeller.
All things considered, if they had been a new band of nobodies, I think that everyone would have been dead impressed and would have been extremely enthusiastic.
Last thing: there was a merchandise stand. Now, who the hell thought of the stupid idea of _giving_ away the EP when you buy the T-shirt? That's abloody insult considering that I had to waste an afternoon trying to find the EP when it came out and nearly paid 10 pounds for it, when I got it _again_ for free with a T-shirt.
I gave the extra copy to my drummer. Call it subversion.
- martin
Bonemachine sent me this report of the June 8 Portsmouth UK show on 6/19:
We supported Damage Manual at Portsmouth, damn fine gig, Damage Manual were officially the loudest band at the Wedgwood Rooms ever. there were approx 200 people there, not bad considering the lack of official DM press, we flyered as many local clubs etc as poss, and it turned into a good night, Martin Atkins is a bloody nice chap (bought one of our CD's), and Geordie was off his fucking head, we dropped him outside his hotel looking a bit worse for wear. But big shout to Jared Louche (Chemlab singer) on merchandise and Dave the professional ligger.
Over all cracking gig..
any chance of a link to our site, cheers mate
www.bonemachine.co.uk
Sean Riley sent me this report of the June 7 Sheffield UK show on 6/14:
Having served my apprenticeship with killing joke since a never to be forgotten gig at manchester polytechnic(cavendish house) almost 20 years ago, I made the short journey over the pennines to see if this latest project was the real thing. After a punishing set lasting almost an hour and half, i can confirm it definately is for real. I hadnt heard anything from the debut ep '1', even with the advent of internet i only found out about the gig three days before, but the anticipation and desire to see a real band live still pulls strong. The sound they produced was simply awesome, Geordie still manages to produce the most amazing and unique guitar sounds you are ever likely to hear, complemented by the ex PIL duo, and not forgetting the vastly underrated Connelly on vocals. Its funny really, because all four of them know that they excel in what they do best, and by the end of the evening the gathering of around 150-200 were simply begging for more. Highlights included one track where Wobble did a ten minute stint with a particularly manic bass line, Atkins(complete with Juventus football jersey) doing likewise on the drums. The ep was duly purchased, but serves only as a taster for the heavier stuff to come on the forthcoming album, which is a must for everyone to buy and play LOUD. My sincere thanks to the band for a great gig, and giving a post punk in his mid thirties a break from living on past memories when good bands were around.
Pete Jones sent me this report of the June 9 London UK show on 6/11:
Mark,
Caught the Damage Manual at he Astoria and met up with me old mate Martin Atkins. Good show but not as "awesome" as I was expecting. As good as Wobble is, he couldn't match Atkins' drive and energy.
Skif @ Elastic Fiction Records sent me this report of the June 8 Portsmouth UK show on 6/13:
(in the form of a reply to an email recieved from the "wedgeweb" e-mailing list)>Don't think I've ever seen a headline band clear the floor so fast.
I think that probably was an issue of the volume - some people can't take it you old buggers :-)
I remember Jaz from the Joke once saying that people used to vomit at their gigs
I can see why
must be Geordie's guitar
I felt as if my chunks were gonna blow at one pointI must say though that I did NOT leave the Wedge disappointed last night
for the best part of the main set I thought I would
I was awestruck by the majesty of the people up there
but I was feeling a little short-changed by their efforts
thought it was cool, but not as cool as perhaps I had believed it would bego in with no expectations and it would probably been a different gig
however, the Damage Manual blew me away with their encore
as I was saying the main set was making me feel a little existential and I felt like I was at my lowest ebb -
not sure where it came from, but there it was
but it wasn't making me feel betterbut that encore, THAT ENCORE
only one song
but it was probably the most intense moment I've ever had at a gig
(alongside the time I caught Rollins Band at Phoenix in '97 and feeling that
I wanted to leave the gig physically damaged - broken nose - whatever - it
would have been perfect - not painful)but the song
the pure emotional intent
the drive of Chris Connelly's delivery
the fact that Jah got out of his sofa for basically that song alone!!I think I could make out the lyric "THE TIME IS NOW"
oh yes!I left the gig feeling more energised than I have for some time
fuck polite applause
I could not applaud - my body was caught up in it
perhaps an absolute one-off
perhaps a product of circumstance
perhaps I should not qualify a classic night by the strength of only one
song
but fuck it - I MISS THIS ENERGYbut I had to tell you all this
this is what going to gigs should be abouta gig I will never forget
"The Brainchild" sent this report of the June 9 London, UK show to the Pig-list (Pig) on 6/10:
The Damage Manual live in London were damned good. The star of the show has to be Jah Wobble who manages to elevate the music, with his dubby basslines, from becoming a Murder Inc-style failure. As ever, Chris Connolly is abysmal as ever, with his idiosyncratic out-of-tune shouting. But as a whole the band were trippy, dancey, and hypnotic. Whatever the mcd sounds like, this is music for the live setting.
Raymond Watts, Bryan Black, Brutal Deluxe and some guy from Skunk Anansie were in the audience.
Andreas Misera sent this report of the June 9 London, UK show to The Gathering (Killing Joke) list on 6/9:
...just came back from watching Damage Manual in the London Astoria 2. They were ok, but not spectacular. The sound was not as good as in Cambridge - too much bass, not enough Geordie ("They killed the guitar sound - you bastards!"). And Connelly was too loud.
Jah Wobble didn't just sit on a chair this time, no, he was lying on a fucking SOFA half the time. Not really a good contribution to the show, but this seems to be his thing. Whatever.
They played a couple of PIL songs again (none of which I recognized, but I'm not the expert), and towards the end Jah was playing the bassline of Change, but Geordie obviously doesn't play KJ songs without the real gang.
Atkins was wearing the black-and-white-striped shirt again. Connelly's voice was not really strong, but I don't like his voice/style that much anyway.
Of course, a couple of Gatherers were present, too! *grin*
And I really should get some sleep now.
Cheers,
-Andy M.
Brian Whitehead sent this set list for the June 7 Sheffield, UK show to The Gathering (Killing Joke) list on 6/9:
King Mob
Damage Addict
Sunset Gun
Blame And Demand
Top Ten Severed
Leave The Ground
Denial
Age Of Urges
Peepshow Ghosts
Broadcasting
---------------
Expand/Careering
Bloodsport
Poptones
Low Life
Stateless