The gig was part of a small tour of record stores around the country to celebrate the release of the York band’s new album ‘Liquid Gold’, a greatest hits record featuring new recordings of the band's classics with added strings and orchestras.
Local band Bear Park opened for Shed Seven playing several original songs as well as a cover of ‘Caught by the Fuzz’ by Supergrass. By 7:15pm the room of nearly 500 lucky fans was full of excitement and tension as Shed Seven walked on stage.
Not only was the gig a celebration of the release of the new album for the band but this evening had become a double celebration with the news that the band had gone to number one for the second time this year. The bands sixth studio album ‘A Matter of Time’ went to number one at the beginning of the year and was the first number one album for the band despite their long and successful career.
“There are only 19 acts in the world with two number one albums in a year and we're one of them,” frontman Rick Witter told the crowd as he walked on stage proudly holding the bands new number one plaque.
The slimmed down version of the band featuring Witter on vocals and guitarist Paul Banks, as well as a percussionist, opened the set with 1996 hit ‘Getting Better’ and followed it up with a 10-song set that featured hits such as ‘On Standby’, ‘Going for Gold’ and ‘Chasing Rainbows’.
The owner of Beyond Vinyl record store and the man responsible for putting on the event is David McGovern, who told the Courier, “Friday night was everything we hoped for and more. Shed Seven were on top form, and the energy in the room was incredible. Bringing a band like them to the West End of Newcastle, and seeing them celebrate their second No. 1 album with 500 dedicated fans was truly special. The show went off without a hitch, the crowd was electric, the band delivered an unforgettable performance, and the response has been overwhelming. This gig was the start of something bigger for the local music scene, and I'm excited to continue giving this community the chance to see world-class performances right on their doorstep.”
The John Marley Centre, a former art deco school where beyond vinyl is located, will also be playing host to rock legends Razorlight on Thursday 31st October to celebrate the release of their upcoming new album ‘Planet Nowhere’.
By the end of the evening the crowd was ecstatic and so was the band. Before leaving the stage Witter said goodbye to the fans and said he looked forward to returning to Newcastle this month when they will play to a sold out O2 City Hall as part of their 30th anniversary tour.
