The Lemonheads returned to Manchester to play a very busy and very sweaty O2 Ritz on Saturday night. The American alt rock trio led by the only original member left Evan Dando, wearing a Lemonheads T-Shirt (a bold choice, but there’s nothing wrong with a little self promotion!) and the band kicked off their set.
Dando looked quite dishevelled and anxious but seemed to settle by the third track. The audience were quite intense, many leaning on the barrier to get a better view of the band. The setlist was an ambitious twenty one songs and a huge cheer emitted when Dando launched into ‘Into Your Arms’.
There were a number of covers included, ‘So Far Away’ by Carole King was well received and suited Dando’s intense vocals perfectly. There was minimal audience interaction with Dando et all using the music to do the talking this evening. The band have received some criticism in recent years, mainly stating that their sound isn’t as good as theirs heyday. This seems a tad unfair, and this evening the vocals were solid throughout.
The final track was a cover of ‘Skulls’ by Misfits, an interesting take on a punk track by The Lemonheads, and a decent way to end the set. Whilst the band did not blow me away, I would not say I am now a huge fan, however, many audience members were smiling and seemed to appreciate what they had just witnessed. Perhaps a smaller venue would make for a more appropriate and intimate setting next time.
You can find out more about the band and their upcoming tour dates below.
MORE ON THE LEMONHEADS HERE
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