Breaking the silence like never before
McQueen return triumphantly to the Roadhouse for the third time, strutting their stuff even more this time around. Arriving early, I expected to catch some of the support bands though sadly, the venue had decided to change the door times and McQueen were actually on in 5 minutes! Good job I decided to turn up early!
In true McQueen swagger, Leah takes to the stage to a cacophony of guitars. The first thing I notice is that Sophie is looking a little different, then it dawns on me that this isn't actually Sophie, but another bassist called Gina. Seems that the McQueen's bassists have caught 'Spinal Tap drummer disease'. Nonetheless, the bass is still solid.
The crowd is somewhat thin on the ground, especially towards the front, though there certainly is a little more movement going on this time around. Of all the band, Cat seemed to play with the most vigour. In fact, given the fact she was ill, she must have been possessed, playing with more energy than I have ever seen from her before! Clearly, that energy was contagious. Occasionally, there were a few slip-ups in the solos but no-one really cared since it still sounded great. Sadly, poor Hayley was trapped at the back of the venue, underneath the overhang and between two large amp-stacks, but her drumming coul still be felt and was still as top notch as ever.
Since this is McQueen's debut headline tour, I did wonder whether or not there would be an encore. To my great delight, the band decided to come back and play "Like I Care"; a song off their very first EP which I used to listen to over and over again (although personally, "You Leave Me Dead" is my favourite). With a little sing-song action going on from the crowd during the chorus, McQueen have the audience in the palm of their hand.
The sound at the Roadhouse isn't the best and it's not the most "wholesome sounding" set I've heard from McQueen. Nevertheless, considering the fact that the band were absolutely wasted the night before, the sheer energy was undeniable, proving that McQueen have what it takes to rock. The venue, I felt, crushed the atmosphere a little, especially after we were all kicked out at 9pm! A great addition to the McQueen tour. Let's hope next time McQueen play in Manchester, they get offered Academy 1.