Shed Seven at Brixton Academy

Shed Seven complete the final leg of their tour at a rammed Brixton Academy, belting out banger after banger.

Early contributors to the Britpop music scene, the group paved their way with a number of top 40 singles. This 30^th-anniversary tour celebrates three decades since the release of their debut record, Change Giver. Shuffling the band’s formation around – as well as breaking up in 2003, but later reforming in 2007 for a greatest hits tour – Shed Seven demonstrate this evening they are stronger than ever. Frontman and lead singer, Rick Witter, is clad in a sparkling black shirt, very much looking the part for the festive season and in high spirits. A natural on stage, he’s got the warm Northern banter and comic timing of a stand-up. The Academy is abuzz, and with a ten-piece band on stage, there is no shortage of music or positive vibes; tonight’s live set includes everything from a trombone, trumpet and saxophone, to keyboard, acoustic and lead electric guitars, as well as drums and two backing vocalists.

However, a shortfall comes in the acoustics department, which soon become overwhelmingly loud, but there is clearly a sense of enjoyment and entertainment for the punters who chant like they’re in a football match. The early highlight of the set is Waiting for the Catch (ft Issy Ferris,) with a sweet and memorable melody. Ritter takes us back to each year before the start of every song, like a convenient little time machine, providing a wide-ranging glance into their extensive back catalogue. Following their second highlight, 1994’s Dolphin, which contains a highly danceable backing bongo beat, Ritter disappears for a short moment, returning with a list of names, calling out loving birthday dedications and an audience member’s cancer free news, bringing forth a thunderous ecstatic cheer from the crowd. Inviting the “Queen of Manchester” Rowetta, to duet on In Ecstasy, the pair light up the stage with their passion and verve, a quick-tempo, new-age sounding tune. With On Standby, there is a distinct sense of being in a 90s gig, which is what Shed Seven do very well, with delicious licks of guitar melodies and raucous singing. Similarly, with Bully Boy, there is a beautiful nostalgic tune that carries both the audience and band into ever higher emotional states. And for the pièce de résistance, of course, Ritter and co give us Chasing Rainbows, a sublime, timeless track that brings everyone together, singing well into Brixton high street and onto the trains.

Tonight, the York group have shown they are going for gold, and on a maximum high as much as their audience.

Selina Begum
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Shed Seven’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Let’s Go here: