Liverpool is famous for its docks, its football, its architecture, its simple lamb stew and – arguably, most importantly – its music. No city in the world has spawned more Number 1 artistes, no city in the world is as revered for its musical diversity and no city in the world can hold a candle to its people’s passion for the next new wave that goes way beyond those “four lads who shook the world”.
In 1976, Eric’s opened its doors and so set in motion the establishment of anti-establishment music that was change the face of popular culture forever. Frankie Goes To Hollywood, OMD, The Ramones, Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen and The Sex Pistols amongst a whole host of others graced its stage before originally being closed down. An eclectic mix of raw, youthful expression that inspired all that heard it to, as The Who would have it, pick up their guitars and play.
Now, the new Eric’s is not simply following in its predecessors footsteps, judging by this event, it is setting its stall out to encourage new talent to break free of the mundane shackles of the Cowell Express Route to Five Minute Stardom and so become known and respected for their musical abilities, not simply because they can smile nicely, on cue, whilst getting to know the rest of their band mates.
Bird are a five piece who exemplify Liverpool’s musical depth, with rich controlled vocals that are not only haunting, but beautifully constructed to underscore their power-folk genre superbly well. Similarly, Dave O’Grady – who has appeared live with Bon Jovi and Seal – quite simply sets the venue alight with his powerful vocals that have to be heard to be truly appreciated. Cold Shoulder are all about power. A recent collaboration of Chris Kearney on vocals and guitar, Andy Ashton on Bass and former Echo & The Bunnymen drummer, Nick Kilroe, their rocking, twenty minute set here brought the house down, not least because of Kearney’s masterful performance that anyone will be hard pressed to beat.
Finally, Wirral band 5,4,3,2,1 brought proceedings to a fitting climax with their own unique brand of pop-rock that had the assembled eating out of the palms of their young hands by the end of the evening.
All of which would not have been possible without the venue itself. Often, cellar settings stunt or diminish the acoustics or, instead, provide so much reverb its like listening in a barn. Not here. The management of Eric’s have not only revived a worthy cause in providing Liverpool’s – and the world’s – burgeoning talent a platform on which to perform their own songs in their own way, they have invested in making the whole experience of being in the artistes company an experience never to be forgotten making this a terrific night that bodes well for the next thirty five years of this very special venue.
9/10
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