Misfits - O2 Newcastle Gig review

The Misfits, Juicehead, Naughty Whisper, Those Furious Flames

4/2/2012

The aptly titled 'Devil's Rain Tour' brings with it, the worst weather I've seen in Newcastle for a while. I also heard that the Misfits' tour bus got stuck in Leeds due to it; so unfortunately, they were late soundchecking; meaning late doors and sets being cut short.

First up, Switzerland's 'Those Furious Flames', who bring a hard rock/metal sound, that doesn't really do anything for anyone, and the crowd remains in the cold for the first 15 minutes.

Soon after, Italy's 'Naughty Whisper' take the stage, and kick it up a notch with a heavier metal sound. Unfortunately, microphone problems means the notch doesn't stay up, and they prove to be another forgettable support act.

The final support act 'Juicehead' bring more of a Misfits' style punk sound, and the crowd seems to wake up. They're fine. Even attracting some curious fans, on their way from seeing 90's 'You're Gorgeous' singers, 'Babybird', who are upstairs.

Enough badly named support bands, it's time for the Misfits! They sound great. It's fast and loud. They're lit with eerie blue light; exactly what I expected from a Misfits show. They start by playing most of their new 'Devil's Rain' album, which having not heard before, sounds pretty good to me. After a while, though, I can't help but think "just play some old stuff…"

Jerry Only finally speaks to the crowd, and storms into 'Static Age', followed by a selection of pre- and post-Danzig classics, which the crowd are clearly loving; beer goes flying, as well as the young punks at the front.

Sadly, because of venue curfew, they have to cut the encore, instead, diving into a finisher of 'Hatebreeders', 'Descending Angel', 'Die, Die My Darling', and leaving us in the unison chants of 'We are 138'.

You can find our more about the Misfits from their official website here: http://www.misfits.com/

Review by Stuart Wharton, photos by Liz McDade