It’s Brighton. It’s a Bank Holiday. It’s QUADROPHENIA!

Quadrophenia:The Album Live, Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

I have to say, this is a highly recommended live show that relives a “captured in time” moment and movement, and an iconic album. The whole show was lively,  surprising , well planned and beautifully presented. Of course you’re never going to get the full Who experience unless you get to a show, and it would be a bit rash to expect that, but these guys The Goldhawks are close, real close.

Quadrophenia; The Album, Live: Concorde 2 – 24/08/2018

Firstly, an admission, I have never seen The Who live. I have come close a couple of times, but sadly it never happened. Okay, it was a Bank Holiday Weekend in Brighton, and it was Quadrophenia Live. Perfect timing as it was the long standing Brighton Mod Weekender. For months Brighton was bathed in sunshine and 30 degree heat. Not tonight, it was cold on that seafront, the sea was rough and it was lashing it down with rain. Actually the weather timed in with some of the Brighton scenes in the film – Love, Reign O’er Me – more suitable for tonight maybe Love Rain on Me.

A sizeable crowd had gathered for this event. A wide range of ages, both young and old. A great spectrum of clothing on display, and outside some finely dressed scooters.

The Goldhawks

This world-class, eight-piece band is fronted by Doug Freeman, who is widely regarded as the world’s greatest ever live tribute to Roger Daltrey took to the stage with the band to the sound of the sea crashing, with a suitable video running in the back ground. They put together an authentic, exciting recreation of the sound of the album, and this was backed with an ever changing video wall. Doug was a powerhouse, he gave us everything. He nearly decapitated a few band mates, and there was a lot of them packed onto the stage, and me with the swirling microphone – fabulous!

The Band – A slideshow

A fabulous performance from these guys. The set as I say was opened with I Am The Sea and straight into an absolute show stopper from the get go The Real Me. If you know the album, then you will know the set list! If this was what the rest of the set was going to be like, then we were indeed lined up for something special.

The Set. The Album.

As I understand this was produced specifically for the theatre stage and tailored to appeal to all generations. It really is an emotional  storm of a show (literally!). The band had brought a full-on set of sound effects as used on the original album. The lighting in Concorde 2 tonight was supreme, all the band could be seen, and the mood and tempo changes were perfectly executed. I also have to shout to the sound crew. Once again that experience they have was fully utilised to bring us an enthralling atmosphere wrapped in sound perfection, it really did enhance the performance and showed off the bands sound in all its power.

Quadrophenia, The Album Live,: Doug. Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The set was full of authentic radio clips and audio sequences from the album. Nothing was overdone, it was perfectly used and timed. What these guys did was bring the album to life, which is what they wanted to achieve.

This show captures a tremendous piece of Mod history for all ages to experience today and a chance for all who were or are still part of the phenomenal Mod movement to relive its glory. This all wrapped with those fine tunes from The Who. These guys may actually have introduced some of the audience to the music, or the album, or even just revitalised the album for others. That’s quite an achievement.

Quadrophenia: The Album Live

The show was split into two sections. The interludes set to mark the ends of the albums. We had a 20 minute wait and The Goldhawks were back. In the film, Mod Jimmy (Phil Daniels), rides his scooter along Goldhawk Road to meet up with Steph (Leslie Ash), yep that may be a bit nerdy – but perhaps that’s how the band got the name? Be interesting to hear back on that.

Quadrophenia: The Album Live – Wolfy Foxlow as Bell Boy

Back on stage we had the mighty 5:15 served up, with the gentle keyboards perfectly played as Marco (guitar) sang “why should I care” – then the band kicked in, mic swinging and a fine sound from the horn, sax section piercing through. This was perfectly executed. The band had stepped it up a notch after the break. Doug owned the stage as he delivered his jaw dropping performance. He also delivered some fabulous harmonica playing. The musicians, were totally on point with some terrific guitars, a pounding bass working with the fine drummer. The track 5:15 as I say gave a chance for some damn fine rock and roll vocals, keys and horns! After the break, the crowd were ready and showed their appreciation by singing, dancing, cheering and well deserved applause after each track.

The attention to detail and a love for the material consistently shone through. The legendary Keith Moon vocal track was delivered by a bowler hatted guest on stage, Wolfy Foxlow did Bell Boy, and was backed by some exceptional drumming. He and Doug rocked this one, it was clear they were having a great time. Such a good job on the drum kit. It was a great percussion display for this track.

Quadrophenia: The Album Live

I am not listing the set list, you will either know it, or will have to go see the show, or just dig out the album. I can assure you it was all there. You also get the sense the band is performing just for you at times, they stop to take on some water, chat with the crowd at times and interact and engage through the set. The fascinating multimedia footage, including the Goldhawks logo, was shown on a large screen projected over the drummer behind the band as they performed. Everything  was delivered to go with the music in a dynamic and balanced way.

A Video

Just a short montage clip and just one of the show close numbers!

These guys and their crew have given Quadrophenia, The Album Live, a high level of live production and performance values and now it’s available to everyone, they have done it right and deserve a successful 60+ date tour around the UK.

I have to say, this is a highly recommended live show that relives a “captured in time” moment and movement, and an iconic album. The whole show was lively,  surprising , well planned and beautifully presented. Of course you’re never going to get the full Who experience unless you get to a show, and it would be a bit rash to expect that, but these guys, The Goldhawks, are close, real close… If you are not a Who fan, or never been part of the Mod movement, it really doesn’t matter as this is a great, down to earth rock and roll show for everyone. You are going to know some of the songs, trust me. Well worth the ticket price and, just as you thought it was all over, following the end of Quadrophenia, everything ended on an absolute blinder! Doug asked if we wanted more. That lit the touchpaper! We had some classic Who numbers!  The crowd erupted into a jubilant dancing collective.  No spoilers though – go see the show and see for yourself.

This show was great. No complaints!

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Quadrophenia The Album Live: Encore!

The Band:
Doug Freeman – vocals, harmonica / Marco Cape – guitar / Dan Selway – bass guitar / Fabio Parisella- keyboards, musical director / Steely Thatcher – drums / Ivan Williams – guitar / Kas Lipkowski – brass/keyboards / Colin Jones – brass

Concorde 2 – on the web

Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.

All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2018.

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