Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Troxy
Since 1998, California psych rockers Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have been writing, recording and playing to the beat of their own drum, never following trends and doing whatever they please. The culmination of this arguably lies in their 2005 album Howl, showcasing a pivot to folk, country, gospel and Americana following their first two albums of heavy, scuzzy guitars, and polarising fans and critics alike upon its release.
Nevertheless, a 20th anniversary tour feels like a suitably BRMC thing to do (bassist Robert Levon Been has stated in interviews they want to give Howl the justice it deserves) – and tonight marks its final show in London’s gorgeous Troxy, an art deco gem of the East End. At long last, they finish a lengthy string of dates across North America and Europe.
Gigging non-stop for weeks and pushing through illness has taken its toll on the band, though. They’re exhausted, and it shows, especially in Been; his well-known outspoken sarcasm tips over into cynicism a couple of times. That being said, such as when he’s telling a chatty reveller to “shut the f*ck up”, the Troxy crowd for the most part remains on side.
As for the set itself… Well, there are some lulls. For instance, the extended outro of Gospel Song overstays its welcome, and The Line never really takes off. An impromptu rendition of Windows towards the end should be more noteworthy, given it’s not been played for over ten years, yet its place in the setlist screeches the momentum to a halt.
It’s not all fatigue and sarcasm, however, as the mighty Spread Your Love takes the trophy for most joyful singalong of the night, but Whatever Happened to My Rock ‘n’ Roll (Punk Song) isn’t far behind as pogoing and chucked pints ensue. Been even works his gripes with the staging in his favour, perching on one of the oddly-placed podiums between the stage and barrier to see the crowd better (“Oh hey! People!”) to play the whole of Mercy kneeling down and note-perfect.
Co-lead vocalist Peter Hayes (who staunchly keeps his hood up all night) gets his chance to shine as well – he opens the show with the haunting Americana of Devil’s Waitin’, and his next moment in the limelight comes during Fault Line, where his harmonica solo gets the room clapping along. Hell, he even gets to play a little bit of mournful trombone for the bluesy Promise. As for Leah Shapiro on drums, when she gets to let loose, she gives it her all on the kit.
So there were ups and downs for sure, but unfortunately, the Howl anniversary tour ends with neither a bang nor a whimper, more of a “there you go”. Still, we thank Black Rebel Motorcycle Club for soldiering on, and no one can deny that they played Troxy on their own terms. Whatever happens now, let’s hope the next tour sees them back in full force.
Gem Hurley
Photos: Miguel de Melo
For further information and future events, visit Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s website here.
Watch the video for Spread Your Love here:
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