Spizz Energi and Johnny Moped. 2 legends. 1 review!

SPIZZ ENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Spizz Energi – SPIZZENERGI / Johnny Moped: Patterns in Brighton  05 May 2023

Get ready to rock out with Spizz Energi’s and Johnny Moped’s legendary live concert gig! Our review covers all the electrifying moments of these unforgettable performances.

SPIZZENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Electrifying Atmosphere at the Venue

From the moment I stepped inside the venue, I could feel the energy of the crowd. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, eager to see their heroes take the stage, Johnny Moped and Spizz Energi. The air was electric with anticipation, and I knew this was going to be a night to remember.

SPIZZENERGI: Ben – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The venue was filled with a sea of people, all eagerly waiting for the show to begin. The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air as fans shared their excitement with one another. The lights dimmed, although I think Patterns were saving on the electricity bills as it was pretty much pitch dark in the venue, and the crowd roared with excitement. The stage was set, and the anticipation was high.

SPIZZENERGI: Luca – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

As I looked around, I noticed the crowd that had gathered for this event. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds had come together to enjoy their shared love of music. It was a beautiful sight to see so many different people united by their passion for music, and to see two legendary outfits Johnny Moped and Spizz Energi.

SPIZZENERGI: Phil- photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Energy of the Crowd

As soon as Spizz Energi took the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers. The energy was infectious and it was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. The band members, dressed in their rock attire, looked out at the crowd with big smiles on their faces. There was evidence of much guy liner on display, but no heavy make up for Phil Ross tonight.

SPIZZENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The lead singer, Spizz, greeted the crowd and thanked them for coming out to see them play. The audience responded with even louder cheers, and it was clear that Spizz and the band always have a special connection with their fans.The last time I had seen Spizz and the guys was at the wonderful Jordan Mooney memorial concert.

SPIZZ ENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

As the band played their first chords, the crowd began to move in unison. People were jumping, dancing, and singing along to the lyrics. The energy was so intense that it felt like the floor was shaking beneath us.

A Trip Down Memory Lane with Spizz Energi

For many in the audience, seeing Spizz Energi live was a trip down memory lane. The band played most of their classics hits, transporting us back in time. That being said we were given a couple of newer songs, Christmas In Denmark Street and a new song that had only been played live twice before, The Death Of The Free Man.

The SpizzEnergi concert was full of memorable moments that I will never forget. From audience interaction as Ross held out the mic into the audience, the climbing onto speakers, confetti canons and Spizz and his add on lights. They poured it on right up to the encore, they really did keep us engaged and entertained throughout the night.

Classic Hits that Rocked the Night

The band opened with fan favorites  6000 Crazy with Mega City 3 and didn’t relent from there. The crowd went wild as the band launched into the catchy chorus, singing along and pumping their fists in the air.

SPIZZENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

As the night went on, Spizz Energi delivered hit after hit, after that storming opening, we were treated to Soldier Soldier, European Hero and a newer track Shallow End. Each song was a reminder of why the band was such an important part of the music landscape in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

SPIZZ ENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Surprising Deep Cuts and Rarities

In addition to their classic hits, Spizz Energi surprised the crowd with some lesser-known deep cuts and rarities that left us all pleasantly surprised. Red and Black highlighted the band’s ability to experiment with different sounds and styles, while Christmas in Denmark Street is a stunning, thought provoking and atmospheric ballad that showed a softer side of the band. Luca laying down some superb fret work for that one. As the song closed Spizz led the crowd with “So here it is merry Christmas”. Spizz reminding us that Christmas was just around the corner! Yeah, thanks for that Spizz!

SPIZZENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

They played a few more songs, including Soldier Soldier and City Of Eyes, and the crowd on their feet for the entire time did not stop dancing, singing and fist pumping the air. Lets not forget Here Come The Machines!

SPIZZENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

It was clear that Spizz Energi had put a lot of thought into the setlist, balancing their classic hits with a couple of lesser-known gems that delighted the audience and kept us on our toes. Despite initially forming over 40 years ago, Spizz Energi still knows how to put on an electrifying live show. The band’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and it was clear that they were having just as much fun onstage as the audience was having in the crowd.

SPIZZ ENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

It was clear that the members of SpizzEnergi have a strong bond and a deep appreciation for one another’s talents. Their chemistry was palpable, and it added an extra element of excitement to an already incredible show.

SPIZZ ENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Watching the band members interact on stage was a true pleasure. They played off each other’s energy and seemed to anticipate each other’s every move. It was clear that they were having a great time performing together, and that joy was infectious. Seeing a band that truly enjoys playing together is a rare treat, and SpizzEnergi did not disappoint. Seeing them all collapse into a mangled mess of guitars at the end of the set was something to behold, and for no one to sustain an injury is a miracle!

SPIZZ ENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Audience Interaction and Sing-Alongs

Spizz Energi’s lead singer, Spizz, had an incredible stage presence that kept the audience engaged from the moment he stepped on stage. He encouraged audience interaction throughout the show, often prompting us to sing along, Virginia Plain for example. Spizz with many restarts of the chorus he was not going to progress the song until he was satisfied that we all joined in with “what’s your name…..VIRGINIA PLAIN!”. The energy in the room was electric as everyone joined in, creating a sense of unity and community that only live music can provide.

SPIZZ ENERGI: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

As the night drew to a close, Spizz Energi closed the set with a rousing rendition of Clocks Are Big/Where’s Captain Kirk. The crowd sang along with every word, and as the final notes rang out, we were all left with a sense of nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for this legendary performer and his band.

As the concert came to a close, Spizz Energi left the stage to thunderous applause. But the crowd wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet. After a few minutes, the band “returned” to the stage for an encore. Two numbers were powered out, as an encore, The Model and I fought The Law.

The Band’s Captivating Stage Presence

One of the highlights of the night was seeing Spizz Energi’s captivating stage presence come to life. From Spizz’s charismatic performance to the chemistry between band members Luca, Ben, Phil and Alan, it was clear that they are masters of their craft. They are here tonight to please the crowd whilst having an absolute blast of a good time themselves!

For those lucky enough to have been in the audience, the experience was nothing short of electrifying. The band’s finely tuned raw energy and passion were palpable, and their music spoke directly to the hearts of everyone in attendance.

SPIZZ ENERGI – LIVE! A video

Spizz Energi can be located here if you hit warp factor 3 – here!

Legacy of The Punk Rock Spirit continues…

Johnny Moped

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

I had the pleasure tonight of attending a Johnny Moped/Spizz Energi concert. I was blown away by two electrifying performances. From the anticipation before the show to the final bow, the Johnny Moped band captured the essence of that unique energy and I feel they left the crowd wanting even more.

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Johnny Moped is presently made up with original members, Johnny Moped (Paul Halford) and Slimy Toad,  and newer members to the moped gang, Rock ‘n’ Roll Robot on  a mean guitar, Jacko Pistorious on slapping it out on bass, and at the back drummer Marty Love (The Wingmen). Thanks to Nick L for the introduction to Marty!

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

From the anticipation before the show to the final bow, the Johnny Moped outfit captured the essence of their unique energy and I feel they left the crowd wanting even more when it came to an end 60 minutes later.

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The opening numbers played for the packed in crowd included Catatonic and No Way Back both roared into life with more than a nod the classic punk sound. Damn, it was LOUD!

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The guys took to the stage to a huge cheer. The set fired along for just over an hour, and remarkably the guys slotted in some 18 Songs! Some of those tracks included everything from pretty much when they started out, VD Boiler, Panic Button and Little Queenie and so much more taking us up to the more recent material.

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Damn this band were tight tonight. I had last seen them at The Jordan Mooney memorial gig. We had trademark red woollen hats, a skirt, baseball caps, and that leather jacket. Johnny Moped took to the stage tonight wearing his beaten up leather jacket, held together in places with red twine. It’s been around a while!

Two great guitars smashing out the chords and riffs, some serious intestine moving bass lines and Marty at the back nailing it down hard with his strapped up fingers. It could not have been any better or tighter.

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Overall, the band’s captivating stage presence was one of the highlights of the night. From Johnny Mopeds performance, he did seem to be suffering with a cold or maybe hay fever, to the chemistry between his band members, it was clear that they are a talented and dynamic bunch. Their energy and enthusiasm kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the entire set, and, for me once again and the crowd, it was an experience that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Many of today’s punk rockers cite Johnny Moped as a major influence on music and their lives, after all they were one of the original punk bands from 1977.

Some of the newer material up to 2016 included such fine tracks as Hey Belinda, Simon Can’t, I Believed Her Lies and Bert Bullet Head.

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

At the end of the day, Johnny Mopeds live show was a testament to the enduring spirit of punk rock. Their music and energy, as proved tonight, will continue to inspire and unite us for years to come, cementing their place as legends of the genre. Their punk rock spirit lives on, reminding us all of the power of music to inspire and unite us. They entertained the hell out of us tonight.

Johnny Moped – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Jump on and catch up with Johnny Moped here!

And Finally

Thanks to Spizz Energi, SPIZZENERGI, Johnny Moped and the team at Black Rabbit Productions.

Words and photos by Ian Bourn.

Black Rabbit Productions hosted the evening. They work hard promoting live music on the south coast. They are a promotion company with years of experience putting on music shows. Tonight was superb. They have some great gigs lined up! You can find Black Rabbit Productions on the WWW 

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