Liam Fray - O2 Academy Liverpool - September 19 2013 (Live Review)
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Written by Lee Johnston
Following the success of his last acoustic tour, Liam Fray, frontman of the Courteeners, kicked off another jaunt by tackling a full house at Liverpool’s O2 Academy.
The crowd was liberally dotted with Courteeners fans, who chanted Fray’s name from the second he appeared on stage until he played the first chords on his opening song, How Come.
This started of a night full of lesser-aired b-sides and rarities, alongside his band’s more popular tunes, assembled in such a way that when it seemed Fray was losing the crowd he deftly brought them back into line.
The O2 Academy can be an intimidating venue, especially when you only have a solitary guitar to defend yourself with, but Fray took it in his stride. He was less cocky that usual, without the support of his bandmates, but he admirably managed to kick-start his solo tour in more than competent style.
It was refreshing to hear tracks like Car 31 and Please Don’t, just as it was a thrill to hear stripped down acoustic versions of more anthemic tracks Van der Graaff, Cross My Heart And Hope to Fly and Sycophant.
When it came to Marquee, Last Of The Ladies and The Rest Of The World Has Gone Home, Fray turned in almost a capella versions which the crowd was more than happy to sing along to. Before signing off with Not Nineteen Forever, Fray informed the crowd just how much of a pleasure it was to be able to play for them. The feeling was mutual.
Wed September 25th 2013 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
Thu September 26th 2013 - LONDON Scala
Fri September 27th 2013 - SHEFFIELD Leadmill
Sun September 29th 2013 - MANCHESTER Ritz
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
