WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
It’s Parr Hall in Warrington tonight for Shed Seven, the indie/alternative rock band, formed in York in 1990. One of the main bands which contributed to the Britpop music scene of the 1990s. They may have been overshadowed to a degree by Oasis and Blur, but they have a huge fan base and a very impressive back catalogue of 90’s Indie bangers.
I arrived at the venue and it was already full, you don’t normally see venues full for the support band…. unless that support band happens to have a number 1 album under their belts and is called The Lottery Winner.
If you are not familiar with The Lottery Winners, they are a 4-piece indie/pop/rock band from Leigh in Lancashire consisting of members Thomas Rylance, Robert Lally, Joe Singleton, and Katie Lloyd.
The Lottery Winners play infectious Indie Pop; jangly guitars, tight rhythm section, clever lyrics, great vocals, and sweet harmonies, all tied together with an energetic, interactive live performance and the charisma of frontman Thom Rylance, they remind me in parts of The Housemartins / Paul Heaton, Jacqui Abbot, sprinklings of The Smiths and the guitar work of Johnny Marr. The all-ages crowd at Parr Hall tonight got it all and the crowd enjoyed every minute of it, song after song of the purest Indie Pop. So, to sum it up, great band, great songs, great live,
Shed Seven walked onto the stage to the sound of the in-house PA playing the theme tune to the movie “The Magnificent Seven” and the sold-out Parr Hall crowd exploded as the band kicked straight in “Room in My House”, “Speakeasy”, and “She Left Me on Friday”. the band ignited a collective surge of energy among the audience, who instantly erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause.
With a career spanning over three decades, Shed Seven showcased exactly why they have become one of the most beloved and enduring bands in the British music scene. Frontman Rick Witter’s voice is like a fine wine and has just got better with age, delivering the anthemic melodies of their timeless songs to perfection. His stage presence as always was captivating all snake hips and daddy dancing (his words not mine) The whole band exuded a closeness and camaraderie that only comes from years of collaboration, playing off each other’s energy and effortlessly creating a tight-knit live band.
Ripping through their extensive discography, Shed Seven mixed the well-known hits with lesser-known gems, and songs from their new album, catering to the die-hard fans as well as the new listeners. Each song was met with an enthusiastic sing-along from the crowd, intensifying the connection between the band and the audience.
Highlights of the night included the infectious guitar riffs of “Speakeasy”, which had everyone dancing and singing along, and the powerful crescendos of “Chasing Rainbows,” which showcased the band’s ability to create euphoric and anthemic moments.
Aside from their musical prowess, Shed Seven displayed a genuine appreciation for their fans. Witter regularly interacted with the audience, sharing anecdotes, and expressing gratitude for their continued support. This personal touch helped to create a true sense of intimacy, making the larger venue feel as intimate as a small pup gig.
As the set ended, Shed Seven left the stage to thunderous applause from an audience left eager for more. They returned for an encore, culminating in a grand finale with their beloved hit “Chasing Rainbows”.” The entire venue erupted into a massive sing-along, with fans of all ages uniting in their love for this timeless classic.
Shed Seven’s concert at Parr Hall was a masterclass in classic British indie/rock and a testament to their enduring appeal.
Delivering a setlist that showcased their greatest hits alongside deep cuts. Shed Seven proved that, even after all these years, they can still captivate an audience and leave them hungry for more.
SET LIST
1/ ROOM IN MY HOUSE
2/ SPEAKEASY
3/ SHE LEFT ME ON FRIDAY
4/ WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN TONIGHT
5/ IT’S NOT EASY
6/ DOLPHIN
7/ KISSING CALIFORNIA
8/ HIGH HOPE
9/ A NEW ENGLAND (Billy Bragg cover)
10/ GETTING BETTER
11/ GOING FOR GOLD/SUSPICIOUS MINDS
12/ ON STANDBY
13/ BULLY BOY
14/ THE HEROES
ENCORE
15/ DISCO DOWN
16/ CHASING RAINBOWS
FOLLOW SHED SEVEN
FOLLOW THE LOTTERY WINNERS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
