When The Mission come to town it’s not just for the fans, but about the fans, and let’s face it they’ll be the ones doing most of the singing tonight.
As they head into Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom for The Mission’s much anticipated Deja Vu tour, it has to be said they’ve gothed-up superbly with even a couple of old black leather trench coats sweating it out at the bar amongst the crinkle cut hair and peely-wally faces. It’s certainly a refreshing change from the Irn Bru spray tans of Merchant Square, but what the heck? Anything goes, and isn’t that how it should be?
Of course a few of the punters tonight are here primarily to see another of the Leeds 1980s goth ensemble, tonight’s support band, The Rose of Avalanche, who many of us thought were long buried. In fact when I asked my friend what she was wearing tonight and she said “jeans and Rose of Avalanche t-shirt”, I thought she was having a laugh, I mean is a Rose of Avalanche t-shirt even a thing anymore? Well more the fool me as it’s actually a very fine cotton garment and something which the band have encouraged their fans to wear to their gigs, some doing just that tonight.
THE ROSE OF AVALANCHE
The Rose of Avalanche are one of those bands that disappeared before they really got going. Their John Peel-approved single LA Rain hit the number 1 spot in the Independent Charts back in 1985, throwing the band into the spotlight, but although they toured with The Mission, the dream had melted by 1992. After reforming in 2019, and on the back of the re-issue of The Rose of Avalanche At The BBC on vinyl and CD, featuring sessions for John Peel and Janice Long in 1985 and 1986 respectfully, they’re back touring and having a ball with their pretty darn catchy groove of goth rock.
Tonight they open with Too Many Castles in the Sky, a rollicking blast of Cult-like guitar as lead singer Philip Morris declares his love for American dreamers. Well there’s certainly no denying that as his Leeds accent swims helplessly around the Atlantic shores while he hijacks an American drawl, no doubt inspired by the band’s love of Lou Reed. It’s that very drawl which gained them fans and critics alike back in the day, and a few years ago when I heard the deep intones of Hash Redactor’s Alec McIntyre on the grimy In the Tank, I had one of those deja vu moments with The Rose of Avalanche tumbling down from the alcoves of my memory as I hunted out their old tunes.
Their sound tonight is amazing, possibly better than when I saw them back in 1989, if only my dry-ice infused memory would let me remember. Ok, the edge of murky youthful angst has disappeared along with the long locks and leather, but tonight they’re quite a feast for the eye, with the ever-shaded Morris pin-striped and dapper while guitarist Paul James Berry is a bit more Mad Hatter. He’s probably the most energetic of the bunch, possible down to the banana he eats on stage which is certainly a darn sight more acceptable than the Ozzy Osbourne school of stage snackage. Meanwhile bassist Alan Davis looks rather noble, and perhaps a little like the lovechild of Captain Sensible and Michael Caine, heaven forbid such a thing could ever happen. Guitarist Glenn Schultz and drummer Mark Thompson complete this eclectic bunch of self-confessed dour Yorkies.
Drums echo around the ballroom as the luscious Velveteen sends the crowd into a trance with that classic reverb-heavy guitar, so synonymous with ‘80s goth, building to the melancholic chants of ‘A rock star’s death she does not mind’. The metaphors pours out on LA Rain as its mesmerising bass-driven beat broods behind its chiming riff. Always There, title track from the 1987 album, is both energetic and melodic, the band warming up nicely under the encouragement of the audience.
The short performance is spot on, the sound flawless. A few fans, old and new, hang around for an encore but it’s not to be. Meanwhile, my friend proudly shows me a photo of her Rose of Avalanche mug, yes that’s a thing too. Rock n roll!
THE MISSION
The Mission take to the stage in a leisurely fashion, teasing the audience into a frenzy of anticipation with the atmospheric stirrings of 1988 epic Beyond the Pale. Their laid back approach certainly compliments Wayne Hussey’s attire which appears to include black cycling pants, complete with fluro stripes in case we lose him in all that dry ice. The legendary vocalist and guitarist is enveloped by his original dream team of Simon Hinkler on guitar and Craig Adams on bass, both clad in black, complete with headgear. Their experience and rapport is indisputable; they just look so darned relaxed and delighted being back in the spotlight. Meanwhile, over on drums is a fresh-faced new recruit, Alex Baum, but he too seems to be taking things in his stride even though he’s only been with them a few weeks.
By the time Hussey’s being sold down the river, arms are swaying, mines included, which is a bit of a bummer as I’ve just bought a pint of cider. They slink into Serpent’s Kiss, before their blazing rendition of Neil Young’s Like a Hurricane takes the crowd by storm.
Hussey is reflective on 2016’s Met-Amor-Phosis, and how refreshing it must be for them to see a newer track become such a favourite on the live circuit. But those trapped in their nostalgia tunnels needn’t fear as tonight is very much a stroll through The Mission’s most cherished tunes, heading straight back to 1986 for God’s Own Medicine’s enchanting Garden of Delight and spellbinding Severina. Crikey, these songs hold so many memories for me…unfortunately the one in my head right now is the day I powdered my face with talc and headed off to school, looking more dork than goth and smelling like someone’s granny.
But on with the show, as Carved in Sand’s blissful Belief sees Hussey at his most earnest, while fan favourite Butterfly On A Wheel delivers an uplifting joy that spans the ballroom.
The lights dim as the psychedelic opening bars of Wasteland build, creating a tension that’s finally broken when that famous riff explodes into Hussey’s wistful wails of ‘There’s a crystal view from my window’ and a flurry of confetti engulfs those standing centre crowd. By the chorus, moshland is well and truly in full swing on the spring-loaded floor and a few chaps have got their taps aff, nothing unusual for Glasgow’s Gallowgate but just a month after the rise of the hairy back cleavage at Edinburgh’s New Model Army gig, I’m starting to hope it’ll be a cold, wet summer.
Adams and Hinkler skulk shadily in the dusky light, Hinkler’s brooding guitar deliciously dark as he stands astride like a menacing lone ranger, before Hussey’s 12 string takes us into an interlude of Marian, The Sisters of Mercy number which he co-wrote with Andrew Eldritch back in 1985. As the number draws to a close, Adams lurches towards the front row, punching the air as if to say they nailed it. Outstanding!
The set seems short as last number, the hotly anticipated Deliverance, drapes us under the hypnotic ambience of its meandering intro. Yep, these guys really do love to string out the old intros, I mean most bands could’ve squeezed another two or three songs into their sets. Then again, The Mish aren’t most bands and the grandeur and hope their music brings is what has kept their faithful following coming back for more over the last 37 years.
Some of these faithful are following them around the country on this tour, including a beardy chap with a head for heights. He clambers up onto a willing set of shoulders as fans behind him plot to grow genetically-enhanced Madge Simpson beehives and stand in front of him next time round. Mind you, it’s nothing compared to the ancient tradition of pyramid building which seems to have died out, perhaps due to a health insurance clause around brittle bone breakages at Mish gigs. Hussey seems to be singing straight to this lofty chap as he gestures with open arms, Adams giving nods of encouragement before putting down his bass and heading over the stage, arms aloft to mirror Beardy McBeardface’s actions. Finally it’s time and Hussey hurls his empty wine bottle across a sea of nervous heads towards him. The crowd erupts as he catches it and I wonder if Hussey’s really got him in training for goals with his beloved Liverpool FC should another pandemic take out the current squad. He initiates this game of catch most nights after he’s downed his bottle of red, so get a ticket and you never know your luck, but remember why we’re here two years later than planned and do not lick the bottle, I repeat do not lick the bottle!
The encore kicks off with Grotesque from 2007’s God is a Bullet. Although this album only featured Hussey, Hinkler guested on this number with a soaring guitar solo, and they seem revitalised and refreshed in this performance tonight. It’s then back to 1987 as the woozy waves of The Crystal Ocean surge towards the audience, definitely a Mish favourite in my contingent. There’s no keyboards tonight, Hinkler trying his damnedest to recreate that beloved synth sound on guitar as Hussey shae shae shae shae shae shakes away to the delight of the delirious crowd.
We’re still trapped in that nostalgia tunnel as the immense Tower of Strength brings the night to a majestic close, the gravity of this anthem never to be underestimated. Hinkler does a wee hip-thrusting guitar swing as the crowd chants the famous lines, arms weaving towards the iconic star-infused ceiling of the ballroom. It’s my top tune and conjures up more memories than an episode of 1988’s Best Records To Listen To While Drinking A Pint Of Snakebite & Black. As the outro spins on, Hussey frees himself from his 12 string and does that endearing wee dance move where he turns and kicks out his leg. Gotta love Mr Hussey! In fact, gotta love them all, they’re clearly elated to be here and drinking in every minute, none of that nonchalant rock cool. And kudos to young Baum, whatever he makes of the audience!
As the fog clears and we fumble back to 2022, the atmosphere is one of great camaraderie, people snapping and chatting to randoms they swear to keep in touch with come hell or high water. Yeah right…
Tonight’s music hasn’t been about the dark dirges of goth but rather the more melodic, uplifting aspects, the sort where everyone’s having a bit of a laugh at the same time. And isn’t that exactly what we need right now? It’s a night I won’t forget for a very long time for so much more than just the music.
The Mission continue their Deja Vu tour around the UK before heading to the US and Canada later in the year with The Chameleons and Theatre of Hate. Catch that bottle if you can, but remember, do not lick it, I repeat do not lick it!
Words: Shirley Mack @musingsbymarie
Pictures: Calum Mackintosh @ayecandyphotography