Amyl and the Sniffers need no introduction. They certainly did not need any introduction this evening as they played a sweaty, punked up drunked up gig at The o2 Victoria Warehouse, and raised the roof, caused mayhem and left a lasting impression on many a gig-goers gig back catalogue.
As I set off on my journey from my local tram stop Shude Hill, I seemed to collect a merry troupe of Amyl fans on the way. By the time we reached Deansgate and Castlefield I appeared to be some sort of unofficial tour guide ensuring everyone arrived at the venue safely…(yes me who only last week went to photograph Self Esteem at the wrong venue).
As we approached the venue the excitement in the air rose as fans dressed in extremely adventurous outfits gathered at the entrance, many already merry, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the band. The crowd were already moshing to the warm up music and a pit appeared to be forming, security knew the drill, and Amyl gig is not for the faint hearted or tame, and they were lined up ready to catch revellers throwing themselves towards Amy from track one.
The crowd screamed as Amy and co arrived on stage, energetic from the get go, bouncing around and head bashing before the first note had played out. The first few tracks were pure fire, and it took a whilst to acclimatise to the utter chaos and noise. ‘Doing in Me Head’ seemed to provoke a few crowd surfers and one young lady who tried to climb onto the stage to get to her idol, swiftly stopped by security.
It has been a good while since I have witnessed a band cause so much mayhem and it is wonderful. As one of the tram team said en route, they have filled a much needed void in the punk scene, and it does feel like what I’d imagine those heavy punk days of the 70’s to be like, no holds barred manic gutter punk blood sweat and tears.
The band were feeing very generous set wise as they played over twenty tracks, ‘Maggot is a personal favourite and came mid-set’ and of course the encore ended the evening on a massive high with ‘Jerkin’ and ‘GFY’. This band are a must see live as although I have their records, it does not do justice to this sort of show. Bravo Amyl and The Sniffers for yet again satisfying the cravings of the punks of Manchester.
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