With co-frontmen Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle edging towards their 60s, Buzzcocks show no signs of burnout.
Something of a Concorde 2 institution, the pop-punk godfathers have visited this seaside venue on numerous occasions.
Thursday’s appearance was slightly different however, featuring a dose of fresh blood from latest album, The Way.
Songs like People Are Strange Machines and Keep On Believing adhered to the high octane, hugely infectious formula which cemented the band’s reputation, slotting neatly into the set.
Indeed, the four-piece haven’t looked as energised in quite some time, Steve Diggle lunging about the stage like a goofier Pete Townshend. From an inspired one-two of Boredom and Fast Cars onwards, they rarely let up the pace.
Drawing upon the Buzzcocks’ vast catalogue of singles, this was an admirably exuberant performance. No matter how familiar, songs like Noise Annoys, Promises and Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) remain unequalled. The evening wasn’t without its surreal moments; a spirited run through Orgasm Addict, 37 years on from original release, prompting a few wry laughs.
Even so, familiarity hasn’t bred contempt with these aging rabble-rousers. If Thursday night was anything to go by, they’ll be welcome back here for the foreseeable.
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