Words and Pictures: Dave Martin / (C) Faversham Photography
Additional pics – Collateral (C) Matt Hayward
This event at the Scala, Kings Cross was my first at this venue. As I walked up the stairs of the 800 capacity setting past the bar and merch stand I entered the auditorium for my first glimpse of the stage. The venue has various tiers which makes viewing for the crowd easy and helps add atmosphere to the room. At the front of the stage the pit area was intimate but provided the position for some fantastic and close shots of the bands. Sitting there already was fellow photographer Matt Hayward who is well know for his work with bands around the Southeast, particularly Dover.
Collateral
First to the stage were Kent based opening act Collateral led by their larger-than-life front man Angelo Tristan. To quote one fan the “band played a blinder” delivering their hits including “Glass Sky”, “The Long Road” and finished with their most streamed track “Mr Big Shot”. Louis delivered blistering guitar solos, Angelo worked the crowd, Jack slapped the bass and entertained with his distinctive hair flicks (somebody buy that boy a shirt ! – Ed) with the power being supplied by drummer Ben. To put it simply, the band were fantastic delivering a tight and entertaining set to warm up the crowd.
Members
Angelo Tristan Vocals,
Louis Sebastian Malagodi Lead Guitar,
Jack Bentley-Smith Bass,
Ben Atkinson Guitar,
Setlist: 1. Glass Sky, 2. Elysium, 3. Just One of Those Days, 4. On the Long Road, 5. No Place For Love, 6. Big Shot
Kira Mac
Second to the Scala stage were Manchester formed group Kira Mac. Fronted by the Voice contestant Rhi Kira Hill the band connected well with the crowd and made use of the barrier steps to deliver some up close and personal interactions with the fans. The band site influences such as Black Stone Cherry and Nickleback and delivered their own brand of classic rock to those gathered. Many of the songs taken from the 2022 album “Chaos is Calling” were on show and well received by the crowd. The group teased new music with the track “Monster” announcing an album release and launch show in London in the new year.
Members
Vern Whitmore: Bass,
Joe Worrall: Guitar,
Rhi Kira Hill: Vocals,
Loz Riley: Drums,
Setlist: 1. One Way Ticket, 2. Downfall, 3. Chaos is Calling, 4. Play the Game, 5. Monster, 6. Farewell, 7. Climin’
Gun
After a brief intermission the headline act Gun took to the stage to warm applause. The 5 piece Scottish band have been through many incarnations in their 37 year tenure in the music industry and founding members and brothers, Dante Gizzi (Vocals) and Giuliano Gizzi (Guitar), were joined by current members Paul McManus (Drums), Andy Carr (Bass), and Ruaraidh MacFarlane (Guitar).
https://www.gunofficial.co.uk/about
The crowd were in an interactive mood and from the bands very first song “Lucky Guy” they were singing along creating a great atmosphere in the building. This continued through the first few tracks and following fourth track “Don’t Say it’s Over”, Dante announced their new album before launching into first track from the LP “All Fired Up”. Asked whether they enjoyed that the crowd responded in the affirmative and the group were cheered into next track “Welcome to the Real World”.
The audience connection to the band stood out throughout the set with it being clear that there were some die-hard fans in the room. There were instances of the crowd singing along, singing back, clapping, cheering and simply singing in the place of Dante. The culmination of which was an electric atmosphere.
A fun interruption in proceedings happened when the group stopped midway through “Money (Everybody Loves Her)” to wish guitarist Ruaraidh a happy 30th birthday. After Champagne and a brief celebration, the crowd gave three cheers for the birthday boy.
The participation in the room continued through the bands cover of Cameo’s Word Up which entered the UK top 10 in 1994. Then singing “Inside and Outside” so loudly that Dante stopped singing and was clearly moved. Following “Steal Your Fire” the band exited the stage to cheers and stomping before returning moments later for their energetic two song encore of “Shame” and Beastie’ Boys hit “Fight (For Your Right To Party)”.
The band announces that they will be back next year and judging by the energy in the room they will have no trouble garnering support. The current embodiment of the band had great energy and a tremendous rapport with the audience. The Hombres tour promoted by the Gig Cartel has several more dates left this year so don’t miss out.
https://www.gunofficial.co.uk/tour
10th December Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
11th December Wylan Brewery Tap, Newcastle
12th December Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
14th December Barrowland Ballroom Glasgow
Members:
Dante Gizzi Vocals,
Giuliano Gizzi Guitar,
Paul McManus Drums,
Andy Carr Bass,
Ruaraidh MacFarlane Guitar,
Setlist: 1. Lucy Guy, 2. She Knows, 3. Vicious Heart, 4. Don’t Say it’s Over, 5. All Fired Up, 6. Welcome to the Real World, 7. Falling, Pride, 8. Money (Everyone Loves Her), 9. Take Me Back Home, 10. Word Up, 11. Better Days, 12. Inside Out, 13. Steal Your Fure, 14. Shame, 15. Fight
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