Caught Live: Thunder - Academy 1 Manchester, 22 November 2008

On the eve of this tour, the unthinkable loomed: Thunder were to tour without Harry James! The band's website had announced that the irrepressible sticksman was forced to withdraw from the shows, he'd been diagnosed with kidney stones (owwwwieee!).
At extremely short notice, the band recruited John Tonks in Harry's place, and played the first date at Exeter. The next night, the band were due to play a sold-out show at the Manchester Academy, this was the only date yours truly could make this time around. Word came through that Harry was *in the building*, and so it proved, shortly after 9pm when the guys came on stage, and that familiar figure took his spot at the drumkit, Harry - back!
They were greeted like homecoming heroes, Harry especially, as they commenced their set.

This time around, Thunder have a new album 'Bang' to promote, and played their customary solid set, mixing old and new material. They opened with the lead-off from 'Bang', a rant set to music called 'On The Radio' which takes aim at the 'business' in general for not giving the band much in exposure down the years. The packed crowd were into it from the off; this song contains a 'f- you!' which was delivered, with relish, by the crowd after some 'wait for it!' prompts from singer/master of ceremonies Danny Bowes. It was one of those nights where Thunder could do no wrong, MC Bowes once again had them in the palm of his hand. It never ceases to amaze me how good he is at controlling a crowd, as well as being one of the best singers in the business he is a born showman, a leader.

I rave-reviewed their last show at this place last year, when the Academy was a building site. It was essentially more of the same this time round, but in a completed (and much-improved) venue rather than a hard hat area!
The new songs went over as well as the oldies, suggesting many present had already got the 'Bang' CD, but they brought back some of my personal favourite old songs in this set, including the stunning 'Don't Wait For Me', the epic 'Empty City' and the one that tops my favourite songs list: 'Higher Ground'. I only wish I could have seen more of the shows on this tour; I always enjoy Thunder's shows but this one especially so. Basically, see last years' write up and multiply it by two, you might have an idea of how great it was! ;-)

Support came from Get Vegas and Heaven's Basement; I'd missed Get Vegas by the time I got to Manchester (sorry lads, but that's what happens when there's a home game at Anfield!) but I did see Heaven's Basement. Previously known as Roadstar, they've started again after some business-related hassles. They played to an already full crowd, and went over very well. I never really got Roadstar until I'd seen them a few times but this was a definite step up. Singer Richie Heavnz has matured into a more assured frontman and the band are a notch or two heavier than in their previous life. I would like to see the guys again in the near future.

All in all then, a great night for lovers of rock like it used to be; to think that less than a decade ago, Thunder were calling it a day after repeatedly bashing their heads against the music business wall, now here they are, selling the Academy out with very little publicity. If this upward trend continues, they could well be doing the arenas soon, this time as headliners! (We've got one here now lads - oh you know that, you played it in July!)

Go and see Thunder next time they come anywhere near you!

Set list (thanks Thinny!!)
Backstreet Symphony
On The Radio
Carol Ann
Low Life In High Places
The Devil Made Me Do It
Empty City
Dirty Dream
Love Walked In
Stormwater
Can't Keep A Good Man Down
Don't Wait For Me
I Love You More Than Rock 'n' Roll

Encore:
Candy Man
Higher Ground
Dirty Love