02 Academy Birmingham saw the return of Tom Meighan, touring with his full band playing tracks from his ‘Roadrunner’ album released in January this year. As a side order to Tom’s ‘Raw’ acoustic performances, this is a welcome contrast to the more stripped-back intimate sessions that lets you sample the best of Tom in all
his glory.
Meighan enters the stage to Star Wars’ ‘Imperial March’. He immediately has the audience in his hands, as always, sincerely thanking everyone for their attendance and continued support before emerging into ‘shout it out’ taken from his first solo album ‘The Reckoning’. This was followed by deafening audience chants of ‘Kill me if you dare’ as ‘Underdog’ was blasted out across the venue. Audience members giving knowing looks to each other that this was going to be a loud gig!
Personal favourite ‘High on you’ lit the audience touch paper, setting the standard for rest of the evening. Tom’s frenetic pacing of the stage while the rest of band jump and swagger made you want to get up on stage and join in. This powerhouse anthem with an indie ‘glam-rock’ flavour didn’t disappointment.
The audience is a mixture of Kasabian old-timers, Tom Meighan faithful’s and a smattering of impressionable children, no doubt being handed the musical baton from their parents. And what a baton to hand down! A 12 year old boy with his dad told me this was his first gig whilst a mid-40’s gentleman hanging out at the merch stand told me he’d seen Tom 32 times.
While Tom still continues to struggle with the ‘cancel culture’ five years on from his fall, he admirably continues with the fight to bring his music to his intensely loyal followers. He openly talked of his battles with mental illness and addiction, thanking his wife who watched on before dedicating ‘A Better Life’ to his family.
In the midst of ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ (12-18 May) it feels appropriate to mention Tom’s collaboration with ‘Andy’s Man Club on the sobering single ‘Would you mind’ where Tom writes about the desperate need to talk but struggling to find the courage to do so. Flawlessly singing it to a perfectly silent crowd, some were tearful at the gut-wrenching sincerity of his delivery – including myself.
The set was dynamic with a well-considered level of ‘light and shade’ that had fans intently listening to sensitive ballads one minute and then dancing and chanting to Kasabian classics the next. There’s no doubt that Meighan’s heartfelt stage presence is what puts his ability to engage his audience on another level. Admittedly at points, I held my hands up,thinking “way better than Gallagher” (controversial I know). Every song was well devoured. Audiences are given the spotlight as Meighan extends his mic stand to the crowd while they sing ‘Shoot the Runner’.
His band are immense, intense and lively with their own ‘frontman/woman’ vibes going on, jumping and moshing. They engage with the audience on an equal level to Tom. Everyone using every square inch of the stage to beckon the attentions of the crowd with open arms. Inclusive and embracing. ‘Fire’ closes the evening. I don’t really need to say how this played out as I’m sure you can imagine.
Meighan may have faced some of the most difficult battles of his life but what he’s produced as a result, seems to have been the catalyst to cementing his position as a serious solo artist. To summarise – This really didn’t feel like a gig. It felt more like a party. ‘No Tom No Party’. Tom continues to tour throughout May, June, July and August – See official website for details.
WORDS AND PHOTO CREDIT – SHAVORNE WILBRAHAM
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