WORDS AND IMAGES WARREN MILLAR
Liverpool was buzzing with excitement on Saturday 8th of July as fans eagerly gathered at one of the newest live music venues in the north of the City, the Salt and Tar situated on the canal side next to The Strand shopping centre, Bootle is a refreshingly new venue with street food and bars and All Music Magazine UK’s Warren Millar was there to check out headliners Red Rum Club.
With less than an hour to go before the doors opened, the area was subject to some large thunderstorms which delayed the start of tonight’s event. The rain and lightning were so heavy that the first two bands had to be cancelled unlucky on “Keyside” and “The Cheap Thrills” but the safety of the public and the venue must come first. Hats off to all the staff at Salt And Tar for even getting the venue ready even if a little delayed and working so hard during some horrendous thunderstorms.
Just driving the 15 or so miles to the venue proved a little daunting with the rain lashing down and the odd cracks of thunder and lightning making us wonder if tonight’s gig was going ahead but thankfully as we arrived the rain and thunder stopped.
We got into the venue just in time to catch “The Royston Club” a four-piece indie band from Wrexham, North Wales who we have seen before and we were impressed. Consisting of Tom Faithfull (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Ben Matthias (lead guitar and main songwriter), Dave Tute (bass) and Sam Jones (drums) these Welsh guys know how to put on a great show. Tom Faithfull has a classic indie voice and a vibe that the crowd loved. His acknowledgement and appreciation of the crowd for showing up in such bad weather was greeted with loud cheers. Ben Matthias played some classic and brilliant indie guitar riffs throughout their set of some real killer indie bangers. Check these guys out if you love indie music and also check out their latest album “Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars” Great support set!
So after an extreme and stressful couple of hours and getting to the venue ready and safe the stage was set and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Red Rum Club, one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the city of Liverpool in recent years.
To the delight of some of the crowd (The Red Side Of Liverpool) on stage walks ex-Liverpool and England player “John Barnes” to introduce “Red Rum Club” At this point this writer must point out that I am a “Blue” a life long Everton fan so will ignore his cheap quips about Everton’s new ground being built just down the road from where we are.
“Red Rum Club”, are known for their unique blend of indie rock and Latin influences, and it captivated the audience from the very first note. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers as the familiar sounds of trumpets and guitars filled the air. Opening with the infectious “Vanilla” the tone was set for an evening of catchy hooks and irresistible rhythms, fans danced, sang along, and soaked in the electric atmosphere. Red Rum Club’s stage presence is undeniable, with each member exuding charisma and a genuine passion for their craft.
Lead singer Fran Doran’s vocals were nothing short of mesmerizing. His distinctive voice soared through the venue, effortlessly commanding the attention of every listener. The band’s tight-knit musicianship was evident throughout the performance, with each instrument weaving together seamlessly to create a sound that was both powerful and intricate. As the setlist progressed, “Red Rum Club” treated the audience to a mix of their beloved tracks from their debut album and newer material that showcased their evolving sound. Songs like “Angeline” and “Would You Rather Be Lonely?” ignited the crowd, with everyone singing along at the top of their lungs. Even the onslaught of heavy rain during their set didn’t dampen anyone’s enjoyment.
Red Rum Club’s energy was contagious, and it was clear that they were thoroughly enjoying every moment on stage. The band members interacted with the crowd, making everyone feel like an integral part of the performance. Whether it was guitarist Tom Williams delivering a blistering solo or trumpet player Joe Corby adding an extra layer of vibrancy, each member brought their A-game and left a lasting impression.
Red Rum Club’s performance was a night to remember. Their infectious melodies, impassioned vocals, and undeniable stage presence left the audience craving for more. It is clear that Red Rum Club is a band destined for greater heights, and their captivating live performances continue to solidify their reputation as one of the most exciting acts in the UK music scene.
If you ever have the chance to catch Red Rum Club live, do not hesitate. Their dynamic sound and engaging stage presence are an absolute treat for music lovers of all genres.
Set List
1/ Vanilla
2/ Angeline
3/ The River
4/ Dorado
5/ Nightcalling
6/ Monaco
7/ Eighteen
8/ How to steal the world
9/ Vibrate
10/ Honey
11/ Black Cat
12/ Come Back, Anna Marie!
13/ The Elevation
14/ Favourite Record
15/ Love Me Like You Wanna Be Loved
16/ Drown
17/ Eleanor
18/ Kids Addicted
19/ Would You Rather Be Lonely?
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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
