Those Damn Crows Rock Hard at the O2 Ritz 14th of October 2023

October 16, 2023
UK Concert Reviews
by Billy Seagrave Photographer/Writer

WORDS AND IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE

O2 Ritz in Manchester played host to an electrifying evening featuring two dynamic British rock bands ‘Those Damn Crows’ and ‘The Cruel Knives’. As I made my way into the venue, the air was charged with palpable excitement, promising a memorable night. Both of these bands have a track record of supporting renowned acts like The Goo Goo Dolls and Pretty Reckless, and the anticipation for this show was through the roof.

The stage at O2 Ritz Manchester saw The Cruel Knives kick off the night with a bang. Their setlist was a blend of tunes from their debut EP “Side One” and their album “Side Two.” The band’s performance was nothing short of high-octane, showcasing their contemporary and infectious rock sound. Frontman Sid Glover wowed the crowd with his gritty vocals and a magnetic stage presence, even engaging in banter and encouraging the audience to sing along. Guitarist Tom Harris displayed his melodic and masterful guitar skills, while the band performed hits like “Black Eyed Friday” and “Life That We Made,” as well as fresh tracks like “Hollow People” and “Shotgun to the Head.” The set concluded with the powerful and emotional single “Crawl,” with bassist Rob Ellershaw and drummer Al Junior tearing it up. The band’s chemistry and energy were evident, and the crowd wholeheartedly embraced this opening act.

Set List

1/The Life That We Made
2/ Overdose
3/ Hollow People
4/ Black Eye Friday
5/ If This Is the End (I’ve Been a Fool from The Start)
6/ All Your Heroes Hate You
7/ Shotgun to the Head
8/ Crawl

Following a brief intermission, Those Damn Crows took the stage and proceeded to deliver a barrage of songs from their albums “Murder and the Motive,” “Point of No Return,” and “Inhale/Exhale.” It was abundantly clear why they rank among the top hard rock bands in the UK, with their infectious melodies, commanding vocals, and spirited live performances. Shane Greenhall, the band’s frontman, held the audience in thrall with his vocal prowess and emotional delivery. Kicking things off with “Who Did It” and “Man on Fire,” the band’s guitarist, David Winchurch, left an indelible mark with his heavy riffs and scorching solos.

The setlist featured crowd-pleasers like “Blink of an Eye,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Ain’t Dead,” and “Sin on Skin,” but it was the tracks from their latest album “Inhale/Exhale,” such as “Wake Up” and “Lay It All on Me,” that resonated most. The night reached its crescendo as they closed with “See You Again,” leaving the sold-out crowd in awe. This was a masterclass performance in front of a devoted and growing fanbase.