TWO of the biggest bands of the 90s came together for a very special gig at Bournemouth’s 02 Academy on Friday night.
Britpop royalty The Bluetones and Sleeper played hit after hit at a show that saw both bands remind fans why they still have a place in their hearts, 25 years on.
The Bluetones played their excellent 1996 album Expecting To Fly in full which bought back memories of simpler times.
The Bluetones. Picture: rockstarimages.co.uk.
During the hour-and-a-half set, the band performed one of the biggest hits, Slight Return, which was a highlight for the crowd with an unexpected cover of Every Breath You Take by The Police forming part of their encore.
As with The Bluetones, the first part of Sleeper’s set encompassed playing the entirety of an album celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Smart was the album that brought Sleeper to our attention and it’s difficult to believe it was a quarter of a century ago.
Sleeper. Picture: rockstarimages.co.uk.
Most of the earlier singles were given an airing including Swallow, Delicious, Inbetweener and Vegas all of which still sounded fresh.
The way the band delivered this and the second half of their set made it look and sound like they have never been away.
Sleeper. Picture: rockstarimages.co.uk.
They do sound slightly heavier live than on record but that just made for an even better gig.
Highlights included Statuesque, What Do I Do Now?, You Got Me and their cover of Blondie’s Atomic mixed with a quick blast of Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here