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So there we are, walking towards CamdenTown through NW1 when suddenly standing right there in front of us on the corner of
Crogsland Road are Dan, Pete and Jimmy.
“Hi, fellas we’re on our way to see you!” says a startled Dunc. “Do you know where it is? I’m mean, exactly?” says Pete. The consensus of opinion
is that it’s probably safer for the guys to jump in a cab. Already our trip to the Underworld is off to a good start.
The venue is maze of caverns. The tiny stage is offset on the left hand side
of the room with a small balcony on the same side and a large load baring column slap bang in the middle of the crowd. It’s standing room only for Naz’s diehard fans, both young and old.
Another
signpost for a great night is the support band. Allegedly this is Leafhound’s first ever gig. Not to be confused with a song of the same name by St Etienne nor the name of the band who harvested the classic album
‘Growers of Mushroom’, Leafhound are a fine new band well into the mould of late 60s, early 70s riff based rock served up with exquisite gruff sounding vocals. When can we buy a CD of your stuff, fellas?
And so to Dumferline’s finest, Nazareth, sadly there is no Manny Charlton or Darrell Sweet (1947-1999) tonight but two of the founders, frontman Dan McCafferty and bass player Pete Agnew are here.
Pete’s son Lee has been behind the drums since ‘99, the obvious replacement for Darrell. Aberdonian Jimmy Murrison has been the band’s lead guitarist since 1994.
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This date is part of a headline tour of the UK, the band’s first dates here since 2001’s triumphant tour with Uriah Heep.
Touring is very much a way of life for the band. They have just completed an extensive US tour. After dates home in Scotland, the band is booked right through until Christmas with dates across Europe.
‘Miss Misery’ sounds great tonight with its fabulous riff. The title track from the band’s ground breaking album ‘Razamanaz’ has all jumping up and down.
There are hits here
too although ‘My white bicycle’ is sidelined in favour of ‘Bad bad boy and the Joni Mitchell cover of ‘this flight tonight’. ‘This month’s Messiah’ and ‘Hair of the dog’ are both spot on
but without any doubt at all the best track of the night is ‘Love hurts’ delivered with raw emotion and some great guitar work from Jimmy and a stunning vocal from Dan which has the entire audience utterly
spellbound.
Nazareth promise they will tour in the UK next year. Take a tip. Join the crusade in 2005 and you’ll be converted. I’m a believer.
Set list: (from memory) Changin' times; Not
fakin it; Miss misery; Razamanaz; Kentucky fried blues; This month’s messiah; Bad bad boy; Love leads to madness; Cocaine; Turn on your receiver; This flight tonight; Hair of the Dog; Love hurts. Encore: Dream on;
Broken down angel
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