Bang Bang Romeo : Manchester Deaf Institute, Manchester

On another grey day in Manchester’s recent history the BBRMY troops descended en masse to the intimate setting of the Deaf Institute to observe how this Doncaster outfit have developed in little over 12 months since the Sonder set across the road at the Bread Shed – this being the middle date in 3 consecutive sold–out gigs in the North West.

The stage sets the scene with numerous tube lights and a TV monitor displaying the band logo. After a brief intro recording is played over the PA, building the anticipation further, Ross, Richard, and Cooky take to the stage to cheers of approval from followers old and new, the atmosphere almost exploding as Anastasia appears.

They don’t hang about and go straight for the jugular with their 2018 hit Shame On You which immediately gets the sold-out crowd bouncing, and there’s no respite as they launch into Bag Of Bones and then the What’s Up cover that went down so well on the recent P!nk European stadium dates.

Finally it’s time for the fans’ favourite of Chemical, Stars asking her army of recruits to sway their arms, with phone torches blazing, to create her own little galaxy with the house lights dimmed. This track has a special place for me after the Social showcase in London last year which arguably sealed the aforementioned summer tour.

Almost P!nk like, our leading lady then disappears for a costume change while the remainder of the band jam away before blending into Cemetery which again gets the whole room bouncing.

 After a few issues with the mic, not that Stars needs one with her powerhouse vocals, the new single Love Yourself gets an airing accompanied by Example on the screen onstage. The ever increasing back catalogue then supplies more treats, Natural Born Astronaut, You Scare The Love Out Of Me, and You & I, further enhanced by Cooky on backing vocals, the blasts of Ross’ screaming guitar licks, and Richard beating the hell out of his new kit.

The emotional anthem Adore Me follows before the entire band exit stage right leaving the hopeful crowd chanting for more. After a brief break and another outfit change by Stars, the screen crackles into life and a NASA style countdown begins with the hordes joining in.

The band reappear to practically blow the roof off with Invitation, enabling the fans to participate in a sing-off with Stars before heading off into the welcome cool Manchester air outside.

Yet another memorable night with this talented group who are surely going to explode onto the national scene when their long-awaited debut album ‘A Heartbreaker’s Guide To The Galaxy’ drops on the 8th November.

In the meantime, their Star Crossed Species tour continues.

Catch The RGM Review of the latest single Love Yourself featuring Example HERE