Ian Broudie brought his “Lightning Seeds” to the majestic home town setting of The Olympia, Liverpool as part of their 2022 U.K. tour. Hot off the heels of their latest studio album release “See You In The Stars” ( All Music Uk Review here ) and after a gap of 13 years since their last studio album. All Musics Warren Millar joined in with the die hard “Lightning Seeds” Liverpool fans. For Ian Broudie and his Lightning Seeds “It’s coming Home”
With the winter nights drawing in it’s dark when we arrive at The Olympia, Liverpool but it’s not cold or wet which is a real bonus. After a bit of a stressful time trying to get in, and a few phone calls we finally get our passes and get into the pit just before the first support of the night come on stage.
Up first are 5 piece band “Casino” who we saw not so long ago supporting The Heavy North here in Liverpool. These guys are getting about and rightly so with their tight and very accomplished soul/jazz sounding tunes. Vocals are spot on as is the musicianship which is much appreciated by the ever growing crowd. You really think to yourself that these five young lads shouldn’t be playing music this bloody good, but they are and are doing it extremely well. Expect to see a lot more from “Casino” in the next few years, honest they are brilliant.
After some technical problems with the sound techs and an acoustic guitar we are ready for our second support act “Badly Drawn Boy” (Damon Gough) It was just Damon and his acoustic guitar for most of this enchanting set although he did switch to his electric guitar for a couple of songs. Best known for writing the sound track to the film “About A Boy” Badly Drawn Boy’s set was a master class in how to own the stage musically with no frills. At one point it got quite emotional as Damon told us that he had lost his brother Simon not so long ago and how he had loved the city of Liverpool wanting his ashes to be spread at Anfield. For his last song Damon took to the keys to further show us his undoubted musical talent. A beautifully executed set which I know for a fact was looked onto by Ian Broudie side stage.
After a short re set up on stage the house lights dimmed and on to stage came “The Lightning Seeds” Ian Broudie alongside his son Riley Broudie (Guitar) Martyn Campbell (Bass) Jim Sharrock (Drums and Adele Emmas (Keyboard). Ian telling everyone that it was so nice to be back in Liverpool again and then straight into the bright and airy “Sunshine” from their latest album “See You In The Stars”. Then we are delighted to go back in time a little as it’s straight into “Ready Or Not” from their classic album “Dizzy Heights” with Ian showing off his prowess on the guitar. We are all treated to some real top classic “Lightning Seeds” songs from the past such as “ Luck You” “Sugar Coated Iceburg” and “Life Of Riley” a song written for his son.
By now the crowd are loving every second of the gig. Ian’s voice is sublime and alongside the bands immaculate musicianship its mesmerising to watch and listen to, pure class with mixed in emotions of a great 90’s era of music. Tracks from “See You In The Stars” are greeted tonight with just as much enthusiasm, which they very much deserve as the album is excellent in every way.
At the end and with the upcoming World Cup what else could we expect but “Three Lions” and it truly did kick off big style, every single person in the venue singing at the top of their voices “Its Coming Home” never ever heard anything like it at any gig or if I have I don’t remember it as much I will remember this particular ending to a fantastic night with “The Lightning Seeds” Never mind “Its Coming Home” …….. Ian Broudie and The Lightning Seeds ……. You Brought It Home Tonight without a doubt !! What a night !!.
Set List (As Best As I can Remember)
1/ Sunshine
2/ Ready or Not
3/ Change
4/ All I Want
5/ Lucky You
6/ Perfect
7/ Great To Be Alive
8/ See You in the Stars
9/ Feeling Lazy
10/ Sense
11/ What If…
12/ Waiting for Today to Happen
13/ You Showed Me
14/ Losing You
15/ Emily Smiles
16/ Whole Wide World
17/ Sugar Coated Iceberg
18/ Pure
19/ The Life of Riley
Encore:
20/ Marvellous
21/ Three Lions
FOLLOW THE LIGHTNING SEEDS
FOLLOW CASINO
FOLLOW BADLY DRAWN BOY
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