Clutch at the Forum

Nearing the end of their European leg of the Earth Rocker tour, Clutch performed to a sold-out Forum. Not bad for a hard-rock band who debuted at No.15 on the US Billboard earlier this year, hitting London to promote their 10^th album the turnout seemed impressive.

Neil Fallon arrived on stage minutes before their performance, pleasing the patiently waiting fans. He wanted to take photos of them, while ordering tech guys to sort out the lights so that he could capture the packed venue.

Launching straight into Earth Rocker, Fallon delivered his instantly recognisable brutal bellows with much amusing air-punches and arm manoeuvres which seem to have become his tour signatures.

His apology for forgetting the lyrics due to being awestruck at the mass of revellers fell on unaware ears whose owners’ mouths had drowned him out regardless.

Fallon commanded the stage throughout and put every ounce of ferociousness and vigour he had into his vocals – Crucial Velocity and Book, Saddle, & Go were particular set highlights. With little jovial interaction between the band and the crowd the encore was going to have to be spectacular.

Its undertaking caused chaos. Faces lit up, limbs gnarled together with foreign limbs in the pit and a sea of devil horns flooded The Forum when Clutch returned for performances of Electric Worry and One Eyed Dollar – throwbacks to their fourth album.

The sheer number of bodies that had to be pulled from the crowd during these final two songs was testament to how loyal and long-standing their fan base is.

The Forum saw Clutch delight the sold-out crowd. From die-hard fans to recent recruits, no one missed out. However, the shame here is that the band didn’t appear to try to achieve this.

Tonight felt more like Neil Fallon and company rather than a joint performance from a group with 23 years together behind them.

Clutch delivered a highly enjoyable gig which did not disappoint those who simply came to see them perform. Fans of this hard rock, stoner-metal band no doubt left wanting more.

Clarissa Waldron
Photos: Sarah Tsang

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

Watch the video for Earth Rocker here: