Hip Parade
Wembley Arena (w/Stereophonics) (Thursday 11th March)
“This is the last night of the tour and what a place to finish – it’s been amazing!” front man Rob Shah roars at the already swelling Wembley crowd, before launching into ‘Girl On The Radio’. The energetic set drew a lively response – impressive for a support band and a testament to their catchy song-writing talents and sing-a-long choruses. Rob and brother Sal’s experiences of tough Glasgow estate Easterhouse were played out in the frenetic and punky ‘Getting Chased’ before “one that isn’t about getting battered…”, next single ‘Catastrophe’.
Clearly relishing every moment of the set, the band looks relaxed and make the most of their final night on tour, with even a number of technical problems with Rob’s guitar failing to hamper the moment. An impressive cover of New Order’s ‘Blue Monday’ is completely outshone by the band galvanising Wembley to join in with the raucous ‘Dynamite’. The sight and sound of thousands bellowing “Dynamite, you’re fucking dynamite!” back at the band with lighters and phones in the air will stay with the young group for a long time to come. “This has been fucking epic Wembley – thankyou!” shouts Rob before launching himself into the crowd.
Katy Whitelaw
