Photo: Stephanie Mullins
”My position is somewhere between the waitress and the table and the service is still so so”. Devoto was nothing more than bemusing when he creepily uttered those lyrics.
Nevertheless, a sea of leather jackets and receding hair-lines gathered around the stage in a frenzy of nostalgia. When Howard Devoto and the band took to the stage, the crowd of 70′s children roared. The handful of women in the crowd cheered and reminisced, as a now, hair-less slightly larger Howard began to sing.
Ever the dramatic performer, Howard opened the set with his own quirky way of thanks: ”Version 6.0, service point 1. Thank you for upgrading”.
Described by many as the ‘connoisseurs choice’, Magazine began to illustrate why, after over thirty years in the business, they are still one of the most inventive and influential bands of all time.
With great instrumentals and enthusiasm, Devoto even look set to begin a protest whilst he held a placard to the crowd which read, ”You do the meaning”. Howard Devoto is certainly a man of mystery and antics. With peculiar dance moves and strange eyes, he managed to create quite an intense and atmospheric show.
Their most successful hit, ‘Shot by Both Sides’ was the biggest crowd pleaser. However, it felt like Magazine lacked appeal beyond their era and that the crowd were enjoying the nostalgia more than anything else.
Despite moments of promise and a besotted crowd longing to be eighteen again, Magazine were barely more than a group of ageing men performing migrane-inducing, ear-piercing sound. Their lyrics also left a lot to be desired with references to ‘a song about the wrong kind of sex’.
It was, however, clear to see why they are still bringing in the crowds. Their post-punk, avant-garde style was once hugely popular as the crowd proved. Magazine have a loyal fan-base but it’s difficult to see them breaking back into the modern music scene.
Related posts: