WORDS AND IMAGES BY WARREN MILLAR
Tonight we are back in the city of music, Liverpool and at one of its best venues The Arts Club on the always busy Seel Street. Delilah Bon is the self described brat-punk-hip-hop artist we have all come to see on the last gig of her debut U.K. tour.
Delilah is the is the rap-rocking alter-ego of Hands Off Gretel’s Lauren Tate and was created when Lauren was struggling to deal with some of the totally unacceptable behaviour of some male audience members at her Hands Off Gretel’s gigs. In Laurens own words
“A man started shouting ‘hashtag me too’ at me on stage as I tried to sing, and I saw girls getting shoved to the back. I had so much I wanted to say but I was hitting a wall creatively, I guess that’s why I started rapping last year, I had so many words and this allowed me to get them all in. Delilah’s songs started off to empower myself when I felt small. I realised quickly she could be that for other people too, she’s like a big sister to so many girls and non-binary kids now.” Quote Credit – “Rachel Roberts” from “Guitar.com” https://guitar.com/features/delilah-bon-hands-off-gretel/
I for one as a male gig goer salute this, why on earth should women, non-binary kids and young girls not feel totally comfortable and therefore enjoy what every live music fan loves doing when at a gig either with friends or alone ……… Rant over and on with the review.
First up on stage in support we have “Natalie and the Monarchy” with a great little set. How would we describe this 5 piece band, well if you think Siouxsie and the Banshees meets Kate Bush’s punk little sister you would have it just about right. Natalie has a full on powerful voice which is well complimented by her band. With changing beats and rhythm’s in her songs the set is a great success with the ever growing crowd. Natalie and the Monarchy are a band well worth checking out and will no doubt have a fair few more fans after tonight.
Next on stage we are well entertained by the more poppy rock sound of “Bronnie” this girl can belt out a tune and has the rock chick look to suit. Moving about all over the stage tonight like she’s been doing this for years beyond her age. “Bronnie” warms up the crowd with a tight energetic set to just the right temperature for what we are about to enjoy next. Nice one “Bronnie”
The crowd are now well up for the main attraction of the night the alter ego of Yorkshire born, Hands Off Getel’s lead singer Lauren Tate “Delilah Bon”. The shout it out loud feminist and power house behind safer gigs for women comes on stage with her other band members DJ Goldenaxe behind the decks and Ruena on bass. Forget the girl power of the twee pop Spice Girls, This is what REAL girl power looks and sounds like. It’s not Hands Off Gretel music, its raw punk/rap and gunge we are treated to and we really are treated to it in style. The three girls just belong together on stage and it’s a joy to watch and listen to. Delilah’s songs are full powerful and in ya face feminist rage and you can understand why she has so many fans of a fairer gig going society. It’s powerful stuff from the start with “Freak Of The Week” opening the set. Rena on bass is a real force, moving about the stage while at the same time laying down some wicked bass lines in each and every song.
The set goes from strength to strength with our highlights being “Chop Dicks”, “Rat Boy”, “Cannibal Summer”, “Devil” and “Bad Attitude”. During “Ready To Kill” DJ Golden Axe comes from her decks to join in the fun on stage with Delilah and Ruena which is a joy to see.
Delilah and her band mates end the set with “Dead Man Don’t Rape” which is met by the fans with with a totally frenzied sing, clap and dance along. What a night, what a special night and what a special and important message Delilah and her pals are putting across, everyone no matter who should be able to go, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of live music without being hassled or feel uncomfortable when doing so.
This is Deliah’s message, and one message I personally totally agree with 100%. This is real “Girl Power” and I endorse it I hope it happens and if it does well we know who did a lot to make it happen, Delilah Bon ………. Remember that !
SET LIST
1/ Freak of the Week
2/ Chiquitita
3/ Where My Girls At ?
4/ Chop Dicks
5/ Homework
6/ School
7/ Red Dress
8/ War On Woman
9/ Ready To Kill
10/ Clown
11/ Rat Boy
12/ Cannibal Summer
13/ Devil
14/ Chun Li
15/ Bad Attitude
16/ Godzilla
ENCORE
17/ I Don’t Listen To You
18/ Dead Men Don’t Rape
FOLLOW DELIAH BON
FOLLOW BRONNIE
FOLLOW NATALIE MONARCHY
Warren is a live music and festival photographer based in Cheshire and covers gigs/festivals mostly in the North West of England. He has been photographing live music for over 10 years and has covered major artists and festivals
