Location: Brixton o2 Academy - London, UK
Bands: Gene Loves Jezebel, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission
Prelude:
With the tube line to Brixton being closed (surprise, surprise), the large majority
of fans were forced to take replacement buses to the venue. After arriving via
the short bus trip with goths packed in like sardines, the fans departed the
bus only to see that the line for the entrance into the sold-out gig went
around the block.
Gene Loves Jezebel:
Unfortunately for a large number of fans (including myself),
Gene Loves Jezebel played the majority of their set while we stood in line waiting
to get in. Only managing to catch the last song, there were no surprises as to what
it was – of course they ended their set with Desire. The crowd seemed to enjoy
it with a few keen fans joining in. As upsetting as the delay was, it was great
to see GLJ playing again as they do consistently put on an entertaining show.
Setlist:
(no-one was in the venue while they were playing)
Fields of the Nephilim:
They took to stage just after 8pm with McCoy appearing after
the introductory song. At times it appeared as if the smoke machine had been
left on for a little too long with the smoke being so thick that you couldn't
actually see the band. Although having said that, it did do quite well in
providing an appropriate atmosphere together with the lighting. I wish better
things could be said about this performance as the songs themselves were well
performed, however, the levels from the sound desk weren't set correctly which
meant that the best place to hear the band was by the bar and I think this is
what lead to quite a few of the fans being disappointed overall. As one fan to
whom I spoke to on the train said, "they never quite climaxed."
Setlist:
Shroud
Straight to the Light
Preacher Man
From the Fire
Watchman
Moonchild
Penetration
Zoon
Psyconaught
Last Exit for the Lost
The Mission:
After a brief respite at the bar, the crowd seemed to flood
in to get a good spot inside the venue (including the shirtless, sweaty ones
pushing their way through). The gig kicked off on an amusing note with the theme
song of the movie Damnbusters playing as the members walked on stage, followed
by Hussey strumming the opening for Beyond
the Pale under the banner of the bands logo. As they progressed through the
songs, there were points during which some fans were scampering onto each
other's shoulders to get either; a better view, to be the centre of attention
or just to have that close intimate moment with their fellow fan. The crowd
continuously sang through a majority of the songs to the point where (from my
vantage point) it was almost as audible as the house PA, especially throughout
songs such as Severina and Butterfly on a Wheel. Besides it being
the 25th anniversary of the day that Craig and Wayne parted ways with Sisters
of Mercy, this performance was made even more memorable by the announcement
that The Mission will be going on tour again in 2012.
Setlist:
Damnbusters Intro
Beyond the Pale
Hands Across the Ocean
Serpents Kiss
Naked and Savage
Garden of Delight
Severina
Butterfly on a Wheel
Stay With Me
Wake
Wasteland
The Crystal Ocean
Deliverance
Encore 1:
Like A Hurricane
Tower of Strength
Encore 2:
Blood Brother
1969
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