Support act Ron Hawkins started the proceedings at The Gaelic Club on Saturday night. The solo act was just that – alone onstage, accompanied by his acoustic guitar. Canadian Hawkins, who had previously fronted Ron Hawkins and the Rusty Nails and The Lowest of Low, sang songs on the back of his EP Constellations, churning out numbers 1994, 1800 Radio and Peace and Quiet, joined from time to time by members of Weddings, Parties, Anything for the non acoustic numbers. The crowd was won over by Hawkins’ enthusiasm and a set that varied from acoustic to electric, resulting in a performance that was never dull.
As my girlfriend and I perched ourselves on the balcony for uninterrupted views, it was clear that the Gaelic Club had been filled to maximum capacity. The first concert (Saturday’s) had become the second, due to a strong demand for another concert. The crowd was varied from early 20s to those in their late 40s. There was something very rock and roll about seeing a bunch of middle-aged men moshing.
Weddings, Parties, Anything, otherwise known as WPA and Weddoes, started their set with Thin Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back In Town. The following track Roaring Days had the crowd bopping as they let their hair down and submerged themselves into familiar tracks such as The Wind and Rain. One of the highlights was Ticket in Tatts, as the audience threw 10-cent pieces onto the stage; something that has become a staple tradition of WPA live performances. Singer Mick Thomas was hit in the eye by a stray coin, which looked painful but amusing nonetheless.
Thomas’ showmanship was first grade, as he swept through songs, introduced the band members and threw some stories and jokes in for good measure. The whole band was in their element as they played a long set list comprising of 23 songs in total. Their enthusiasm was ever-present and encouraged by the audience, who eagerly sang along to favourites Industrial Town, Father’s Day, Rain In My Heart, Under The Clocks and Sergeant Small among others.
The night ended on For A Short Time, with Thomas mentioning to the audience, “People ask, ‘Why do you always finish your set with a slow song after a fast one?’” Thomas’s response, short and sweet: “Why do you always finish with a cigarette after a fuck?” The audience exploded into rapturous laughter.
After some cajoling, WPA re-emerged and violinist Jan Anderson joined singer Thomas as they sang the amusing duet Remember It Well. Support act Hawkins reappeared to help kick some ass on Halifax, assisting the high energy levels onstage. One more song and it was game over for WPA and many satiated fans.
