Photo: Edd Wright
Ian Brown made his return to Sheffield’s 02 Academy, a year after the now infamous Sheffield gig which saw him pulled from the stage, splitting his head open and requiring ten stitches.
Born to be a frontman, Brown oozed an effortless sense of cool, complete with trademark swagger, jogging on the spot routine and indoor wearing of sunglasses. His air of cockiness certainly had a Gallagher-esque element to it, the difference being that it was carried off with a sense of humour.
There was no sense of audience and performer being separated by an invisible wall, the mildly abusive banter directed at certain audience members signalled a camaraderie which was further embodied by the many thirty-something year old lads sporting the now iconic bucket hat, as modelled by the Stone Roses some twenty years ago.
The set consisted chiefly of tracks from the new album My Way, bullish as ever but now tinged with a hint more self reflection. Laconic and witty, the lyrics “I’m the marathon man / catch me if you can” were delivered with an intensity amounting to a two fingered salute aimed at his many detractors.
Criticisms of Brown’s inability to sing in tune at times are not unfounded. However one cannot help but think that those who pan his live performance on those grounds are missing the point. The faithful seemed to relish the opportunity to leave their inhibitions at the door and relive the glory days of lad rock.
A cast of slick musicians more than compensated for what Brown’s voice lacks in melodic beauty. Hypnotic synth harmonies on tracks such as ‘Laugh Now’ coupled with uncomplicated and insistent beats, created a rich and layered sound which was punctuated by the occasional trumpet cameo or high speed rap.
Unapologetic and unpolished he may sound at times, but this veteran of the British scene knows what it takes to keep his punters coming back for more.
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