Gerard Way - O2 ABC, Glasgow - November 7 2014 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Written by Heather McDaid
Shows at the ABC have something of a ritual to them. Around 20 minutes after doors, a cluster of people will form at the barrier, with the stragglers safe at the bar, before the crowd gradually grows as stage time approaches. But when Gerard Way comes to Glasgow, apparently, all of that stuff goes out the window. The doors open and, seemingly from nowhere, the place is rammed.
And he is quite something. He’s a hero to many as the theatrical frontman of My Chemical Romance, but also a Britpop aficionado and a fantastic songwriter as his recent solo bow, ‘Hesitant Alien’ displayed. But it's here, in a live setting, that all these elements come together. Tonight, The Bureau, Action Cat and Zero Zero don't waste any time. As an opening statement they’re big, bold and in your face.
His solo material possesses new brilliance in front of a crowd, from the thundering basslines to Way’s ear-shattering shrieks. He covers every inch of the stage with Jarvis Cocker-inspired tics and, while a string of covers might not be quite so familiar to the crowd, everyone seems to be having a great deal of fun as Sleater-Kinney's I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone draws a line under things.
Way also talks freely between songs about the stigmas of mental illness and issues of body shaming and is met with thunderous cheers of support.
But, the night is not without its problems and there are technical issues aplenty. The bass overpowers everything in its path at one point, there are multiple problems with the drums and Way is forced to roll out some childish jokes to fill the void as the band leaves the stage in order for one mishap to be fixed.
Sure, it's a little rough and ready at times, but it's nights like these that remind the regular gig goer exactly what got them started with all this in the first place. The presence, enthusiasm and energy from Way and the Hormones is a joy to watch and papers over any cracks.
He's everything you'd expect from his time in My Chemical Romance and more: over the top, dramatic and entertaining. His past may have been what brought the room to capacity early, but it's his live presence that points to a bright future.
Gerard Way Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue January 20 2015 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Birmingham
Wed January 21 2015 - SOUTHAMPTON O2 Guildhall Southampton
Fri January 23 2015 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
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