Primal Scream at Hammersmith Apollo
Scottish party rockers Primal Scream are back touring their 12th studio album, Come Ahead, which marks their first release in almost a decade. The record was released two years after singer Bobby Gillespie’s father sadly passed away, a well-respected trade union figure whose picture fronts the cover of their album.
Tonight’s gig takes place at London’s Eventim Apollo, with an audience consisting largely of Gen X party people. Primal Scream’s shows have gained a reputation as being exciting with a notably festival-suited vibe, spearheaded by a genre-defining sound that first exploded in the 1990s.
The group opens with Don’t Fight It, Feel It, a slightly lesser-known track off the band’s joyfully drug-fuelled Screamadelica album, although Gillespie stated in 2024 that he had been free from class-A drugs and alcohol for 16 years, and the 62-year-old frontman prefers to stay focused these days.
While tonight’s set still nods to the party scene, with the backing singers dressed head to toe in sequins and strobe lighting so intense it’s almost blinding, there are some more serious and subdued moments.
During heavy-hitting political number Deep Dark Waters, the band plays a series of video clips from the war in Gaza and Ukraine, including images of US President Donald Trump. The track is influenced by the philosopher and activist Franco “Bifo” Berardi, and, according to Gillespie, warns: “Those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Unfortunately, the show seems to lose momentum slightly during the middle of the set, but things quickly pick up when the band play their massive anthem, Loaded. The audience is noticeably elated, and the venue takes on an altogether different atmosphere.
Swastika Eyes, Movin’ On Up and Country Girl play fantastically to the crowd, while the encore brings forth new track Melancholy Man, and old favourites Come Together and Rocks. Come Together is a particular highlight, spreading a warm nostalgic glow throughout the venue.
Primal Scream may have got older and wiser, but they can still pack a punch and throw a party. The band’s new music is thoughtful, political, and at times melancholic, which adds an interesting element to a show that’s often noted for its euphoric energy.
Hannah Broughton
Photos: Douglas Irvine
For further information and future events visit Primal Scream’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Deep Dark Waters here:
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