Shack : Live in Liverpool 15.12.09 – Review

It has been over two years since Shack’s last record and live performance. Despite this, the announcement of a solitary home-town show filled the O2 Academy on a cold, Tuesday night in December.

“Last night was probably the best I’ve seen them, or maybe I’ve just forgotten how good they can be, or maybe it was just the setlist that helped. The thing with Shack is it’s always been about the songs, but this was a good reminder of what brilliant musicians they are. Mick’s songs take me somewhere magical and John’s just leave me devastated, Cornish Town and Miles Apart go straight into your soul.

I listen to a lot of heavier stuff and different styles of music, but Shack for me are in a different place to anyone else. We all know their influences but in many ways they have transcended them all to create something untouchable.

They are the only band I know all the words to their songs without even realising it, and I felt shattered at the end without moving more than two feet from where I started. Magical.

As for the atmosphere, where we were it was fantastic, and the bond between band and crowd is probably unique, it really is symbiotic because you feel like you are getting each other through to the end. Next to me were two fellas, one in his 20’s the other in his 50’s both in complete awe at what they were experiencing.

With Shack you either get it or you don’t, I can imagine some people new to Shack wondering what the fuck was going on last night but there you go.” RobF

Setlist: I Know You Well, Miles Apart, Al’s Vacation, Sgt Major, Neighbours, Stranger, Streets of Kenny, Cornish Town, Meant to Be, Mr Appointment, Comedy, Time Machine (Encore: Daniella, Undecided, Full Moon)

Nobody is ever sure what exactly  Shack will ever do next and when:  A new record? A tour? A solo album…or two?  Whatever, whenever and as ever, it will be worth waiting for.

2 Comments

  • Mike Sloan
    Spot on run down of the gig. Been trying to track down you tube downloads that may have been taken...To no avail as yet? Followed the boys from Paley's to Shack and they still keep hitting the spot every time. Adios, Mike
  • Mike, Are you registered in the forum? The following have surfaced http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=11E6A3570E63F327, from the gig in December, Enjoy Ant

Leave a comment