Re-packaged, re-issued and re-scheduled, the mighty Futureheads grace the BIG stage at the end of their uber-succesful UK tour. Surfing majestically on waves of love, buoyed by the deserved success of their very respectably selling album, this was a fine reward for about 200 years of constant gigging.

From the beercrate stages of countless northern social clubs to NME cover-stars and media darlings in the twinkling of an eye (about 12 months, actually) and seriously bigged up both sides of the pond. This was the biggest show I’ve ever seen them play, it was certainly the hottest and stickiest, and thankfully the sound was spot-on - better than the abysmal sub-DAB p.a. on the NME Brit tour earlier in the year.

"I've just loved these guys for YEARS!",
squeals one 11 year old.

The crowd seemed different this time, younger, fresher - and a bit more girl-friendly, lots of Top-Shop indie and student smiles. "I’ve just loved these guys for YEARS!", squeals one 11 year old.

The big time beckons, as does a new world of Mexican waves, mobile phones flashing in the dark and bright young things snogging in the darker corners.

It was a good time to hear some new stuff - and a brilliant time to hear some classics - I wonder how Kate Bush‘s sales are doing - "Hounds of Love" seems like the most popular song they’ve never written.

It may have been the unremitting adulation, the euphoria that comes at the end of a tour, the heat, the lights, the drink...something, but this was the best show I’ve ever seem them play. Tight, sparkling and energetic - drenched in sweat from the off and with bright-eyed brilliance.

Well done boys! Now, get off home and sort out that difficult second album. I’m waiting!

Any band that has the
Lead Singer's Dad on Guitar
deserves a mention.

Whilst we're at it - well done to excellent support from Ladyfuzz - who scared me a bit (and gave me nightmares about Wendy James), and a special mention to The Mystery Jets - a little bit of old school sub Floyd trippy fugue with big chunks of BSP and the Boo Raddleys. Any band that has the lead singers dad on keyboards and guitar deserves a mention - and they were actually quite good!

There is a first class site at www.thefutureheads.com - probably one of the best music sites I’ve ever seen - but I’m biased.