If you're claustrophobic, then Joseph's Well was no place for you on Friday night, which saw the comeback gig of legendary Leeds scallies, Bridewell Taxis. Sold-out 48 hours after they first went on sale, the £10 tickets had been going on eBay for as much as £100 each. Ask any fan who had to part with a ton for the privilege, and they'll tell you it was well worth it.The presence of police video vans outside the venue, along with over-zealous body searches by security, could have caused trouble with the hyped-up crowd, but, as most felt honoured to be there to witness the long-awaited comeback of the much-loved Leeds indie sensations, everyone was on their best behaviour. Many on the guest list were disappointed however, as police and door security were adamant that extras would not be allowed in the venue due to capacity restrictions. Good friends of the band were left to listen outside.
Ex-band member and DJ Simon Scott, along with DJ Andy Pye provided the pre-concert sounds, which warmed the crowd up nicely. But everyone was waiting for the band, it's what we were all there for, and from the second they appeared on stage, the crowd went wild; the opening bars of old favourite 'Honesty' whipping the 350+ audience into an absolute frenzy.
Next up was the classic 'Face in the Crowd' which Mick had to sing while looking on incredulously at the mental mass before him. Grown men, clearly old enough to know better, went crazy, turning the first few rows of the crowd into a manic, sweaty mosh-pit, with one-fan commenting that he felt 15 years younger. As the beer spilled, soaking everyone at the front, the band continued to play, overwhelmed by the attention and adoration radiating from this raucous audience.
New boys, James and Jules, played like veterans, with the sound as pure now as it was back in 1990. 'Just Good Friends', 'Invisible', 'Hold on', and 'In God we Trust' came up next, the band sounding slick and smooth with every song. Forget the Kaisers, the Bridewells are back!
The band, clearly gobsmacked by the feedback from the audience, continued playing old favourites, 'Whole Damn Nation' and 'Wild Boar', finally ending this amazing set with 'Spirit'.
These guys have lost none of the old magic, and if they were unsure of reforming before this gig, then the reaction of the fans must surely have persuaded them otherwise. If this was a one-off gig, there will be a loyal army of very disappointed Bridewell Taxis fans today. Rumour has it that the next gig will be taking place at the Irish Centre, Leeds, some time in December, but this is yet to be confirmed.
For some, this exclusive gig was a chance to turn back the clock and reminisce on the glory days, with one fan commenting, "The last time I remember an atmosphere like this was Leeds v Man United in the early eighties. Well done boys. Even if you never play again that was the one, a night to remember for all." For others, it was an old boys' reunion, with many long-forgotten friendships resurrected and drunken discussions of the good times.
Think not of this gig as merely a comeback for the Bridewells, but expect an explosion of bygone talent on the Leeds music scene in the very near future. Watch this space.
