Bad Religion, London Camden Underworld
Every now and again you get the chance to go and see a gig you just know is going to be special. Bad Religion at the Underworld qualified as one such occasion. This was a band, who are deservedly classed as legends, playing in front of a few hundred people –you don’t get an opportunity like that very often. As Mr Graffin himself said, “There’s a lot of people who wish they could be here tonight”.
The atmosphere for the show was building right from the moment people joined the queue outside the venue. This really felt like a community of Bad Religion fans coming together for a special occasion.
The band hit the stage shortly after 9pm and announced that this was going to be an “old fashioned club show”. This claim was quickly backed up as they launched into some live favourites from the off, with ‘No Control’, ‘I Want to Conquer the World’ and ‘21st Century Digital Boy’ making up the first three songs. Bad Religion were clearly enjoying themselves, and their energy transferred itself to the crowd. This was particularly apparent on ‘Sorrow’ when the crowd almost managed to drown the band out. Greg Graffin commanded the stage well with his 80’s retro look, and frequent attempts at a cockney accent. The lead singer also treated the crowd to a few strains of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’!
Further classics rattled past in the form of ‘Atomic Garden’, ‘Suffer’ and ‘Flat Earth Society’. It wasn’t only the back catalogue material that got a good reception though. Newer tracks like ‘Supersonic’ and ‘God’s Love’ also went down well with the knowledgeable crowd. Following a number of solos from Brian, the crowd demanded a bass solo from Jay. However, the bassist declared himself the least talented member of the band and swapped instruments with Mr Baker. His bass solo led straight into the immortal ‘Fuck Armageddon’ and closed the main set. It wasn’t long before the band returned though and treated the crowd to a further three songs, closing predictably with ‘American Jesus’.
Everyone in attendance will remember this as a very special gig from a very special band. Bad Religion were on great form throughout and the choice of set, coupled with the size of the venue, made this an unforgettable show.
Mark
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