WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
On a cold, wet December evening the industrial grandeur of the O2 Victoria Warehouse, a stone’s throw from the iconic Old Trafford football ground, is about to be transformed into a sanctuary of music, nostalgia and unrelenting energy. One of Britpop‘s enduring icons are about to grace the stage to deliver a performance that encapsulates the three decades of their career. Shed Seven stand as one of the enduring icons of the U.K Britpop scene which captured the zeitgeist of the mid-’90s. “Going for Gold” and “Getting Better” propelled them to both critical acclaim and chart success with their knack for writing hook-laden, anthemic songs and their ability to balance swagger with introspection. Rick Witter’s magnetic vocals capturing the optimism of the era, as Paul Banks’ guitar work provided their distinctive edge.
Since the demise of Britpop, the band have continued to record and release successful music combining their signature sound with a mature, reflective perspective bridging the gap between nostalgia and relevance. 2024 has seen the band become more successful than ever, achieving two number one albums in the same year. A feat only achieved by a select group of artists which includes The Beatles, Dylan, Bowie and Presley Not a bad group to be part of is it? A cornerstone of Shed Seven’s success has always been their live performances and ability to create communal, euphoric moments during their shows. This should be good, very good.
The Victoria Warehouse, with its raw, industrial aesthetic, provides a fitting backdrop for a band whose music has always been grounded in authenticity. Inside, the atmosphere is electric, with a diverse crowd from longtime devotees to younger fans discovering Shed Seven for the first time. The audience is in fine vocal form. I get shivers down my spine as they sing loudly to The Smiths “There is a light that never goes out” and the Stone Roses “I am the Resurrection”.
As the theme to “The Magnificent Seven” plays over the PA murmurs turn to cheers as York’s finest (sorry Skylights!) finally emerge and the thunderous, driving rhythm and anthemic chorus of modern Shed Seven classic “Room in My House” sets the evenings tone. Witter commands the stage like a frontman in his prime. His charismatic presence matched by the band’s raw energy, with Paul Banks’ sharp guitar riffs cutting through the room like a clarion call. Without missing a beat, the infectious buoyant rhythm of “Speakeasy” transports the audience back to the heyday of Britpop. The crowd bouncing, their voices rising in unison during the chorus and their energy echoing the raw vitality that Shed Seven captured so well in their formative years
The tempo shifts with the darker, introspective ballad, Devil in Your Shoes. Witter’s emotive delivery carries a mix of vulnerability and strength and pairs perfectly with Banks’ haunting guitar work, creating a poignant atmosphere as the crowd sway, lost in the melancholic beauty of the song. Melancholy continues with the bittersweet Waiting for the Catch, the interplay between Banks’ intricate guitar work and steady basslines adding layers of texture to the performance, the crowd hanging on every word as its lyrics resonate, the song’s crescendo bringing the crowd back to life, preparing them for the next wave of energy from the bands expansive back catalogue.
The haunting strains of “Ocean Pie” and “Starlings” provide two of the evening’s standout moments. The atmospheric lighting bathes the stage in ethereal hues as it washes over the room like a wave for “Ocean Pie”. Witter’s vocals tender and heartfelt soaring over the intricate instrumentation. With a stunning animated backdrop, “Starlings” is a song that showcases the band’s evolution. Its introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation demonstrating their ability to create contemporary music that still felt quintessentially Shed Seven. Fans sway and sing along, proving that newer material resonates just as deeply. It’s a stunning performance so far and the band genuinely look like they are happy to be here.
The night rises to an even higher level as Rowetta from the Happy Mondays joins the band on stage. Together, they deliver electrifying versions of In “Ecstasy”, “F:K:H”, and “Disco Down”. Rowetta’s powerhouse soulful vocals bringing a euphoric dimension to the songs and transforming them into unforgettable live moments. Her stage presence undeniable as the audience erupts in appreciation, knowing they are witnessing something truly special.
As the concert nears its climax, the hits came thick and fast. “High Hopes” and “On Standby” reignite the crowd’s energy, their soaring choruses filling the cavernous venue. “Bully Boy” brings a gritty edge, “Talk of the Town” is celebratory and the quintessential Britpop anthem “Going for Gold”, has the crowd chanting every word. “Let’s Go Dancing” and “Getting Better” continue the momentum, Witter engaging the audience in spirited call-and-response moments. By this point, the connection between the band and their fans is electric, a shared celebration of music and memory. The bands emotive performance creating moments of raw intimacy and a poignant reminder of Shed Seven’s ability to touch hearts. “Chasing Rainbows”, perhaps the bands most beloved anthem, ends the night with the entire venue erupting in joyous unity. The crowd’s voices almost drowning out the band during the soaring chorus. It’s the perfect way to close a night of nostalgia, passion and unbridled energy.
With a setlist that has honoured their past while embracing the present, Shed Seven have delivered a show that has been both nostalgic and forward-looking. Special moments, such as Rowetta’s guest appearance, have left the Manchester crowd with memories to treasure and songs to sing for years to come. Tonight has been a reminder that Shed Seven remain a vital force in British music. They are as relevant today as they were at their peak and tonight they have reaffirmed their place in the pantheon of great British bands.
SETLIST
1/ Room in My House
2/ Speakeasy
3/ Devil in Your Shoes
4/ Waiting for the Catch
5/ Ocean Pie
6/ Starlings
7/ Where Have You Been Tonight?
8/ Dolphin
9/ In Ecstasy
10/ F: K: H
11/ High Hopes
12/ On Standby
13/ Bully Boy
14/ Talk of the Town
15/ Going for Gold
16/ Let’s Go Dancing
17/ Getting Better
Encore:
18/ Parallel Lines
19/ Disco Down
20/ Chasing Rainbows
FOLLOW SHED SEVEN
I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)
