NEW YEARS GIG - ABERDEEN, LANGSTANE STAGE

To see The Sham headline the Langstane stage and give such a magical performance in front of a crowd of thousands, was the best start to the new year. I'm going to have a grin as wide as a cheshire cat for the next few weeks - awesome!
The Sham sound charged through the speakers in front of us, with the band lit in red and oranges against a black background. David's vocals mixed such a powerful effect from the pit of my stomach down to my toes. The Sham went down a storm.

I arrived by train in the granite city known for its 'Northern Lights'. With the crystal grey sky, the waters and the winter stillness, this was a crisp, dry day. Fortunate for The Sham as the year before saw such heavy storms, the New year entertainment had to be cancelled.

David looked cool in jacket and scarf, and John was dressed for the Scottish hogmanay in black cap and grey kilt. The band have a casual retro look. John's smile could light up any stage as he looks around for familiar faces in the crowd.
There was a lively, young, though mixed crowd at this stage. There was good security so apart from the energetic bopping, there was no trouble. The first band were the local band who'd won the Battle of the band comp. They were tight and entertaining, doing some rocky songs. The lead singer enjoyed himself and danced to a strong beat.

Next up were The Sham. The band performed for a 45 minute set and really rocked Union Street. Despite a cold David's vocals were dramatic and moving, and have a rare depth and emotion. Although at one point he looked at John as the high notes seemed harder to reach.

What a difference good lighting and sound system make. Loved the warm oranges giving the band a vibrant energy only surpassed by the boom from the speakers. David moved with excitement and was on top form - I've never seen him put so much into a performance. David's clear, moving vocals pierced the air. What a wonderful experience to see the band obviously enjoying themselves, with arms raised and energetic playing.

Apart from the usual set, a special mention for the two new covers; and also No More Words, Fallen Angel and Little Blue -
*Mustang Sally - A delight to hear this favourite David cover live, brilliant!! great song choice for hogmanay.
*20th Century Boy - This was The Sham encore and what an encore! This sounded like a band giving it their all and a brilliant Sham version of the T Rex classic, giving the song an urgent contemporary feel.
*No More Words - The vocals on this song were powerful to match the moving emotions and depth of the song. No More Words moves with drama backed by charged instrumentation by the band. It's like a jewel to treasure.
*Little Blue - With some reworking Little Blue gave a welcome return, and it has a wonderful lightness and a new energy.
*Fallen Angel - has developed so much, with more dynamic backing.

The Sham were outstanding. I was dumb struck afterwards but managed to tell John and Si they had been fantastic. With their energetic sound blasting through large speakers, they showed how the band have been developing their innovative, dynamic and fresh sounding music. This was a strong and confident performance.

To ring in the New Year we had the Darkest tribute band in white lycra - enough said!
I hope the pics convey some of how fab it was.

Thanks guys!

PS Big thanks to Bill, Stuart and Marian for the great chat!
And a special mention to Jake and partner for some fancy footwork after the new year - very entertaining!