The Spitfires - Birmingham 18-09-15

It had been a good few years since I last set foot in The Flapper and that was to see local Mod outfit J60 play in front of about twelve people. Tonight’s gig couldn’t have been more different. The venue was rammed, it was baking hot and the band were from Watford.

The Spitfires arrived in Brum a few dates into a UK tour to promote the superb Response album. Yeah, they’d played Birmingham before courtesy of Deep Joy, a couple of scooter events and a less than successful gig at the Custard House but this was really their first ‘proper’ gig. The Deep Joy gigs had been brilliant for those who bothered to get of their arses to attend but the lack of covers had kept the sheep away. How the times are changing for The Spitfires.

No fucking about here, Billy and the band launched straight into a 100mph version of Escape Me and that set the tone for the rest of the gig. Tell Me followed and gave chance for those who had not yet heard the album to sing along (surely they had the single?).

Barely stopping for a breath it was straight into the album’s opening track Disciples which had this old fucker stomping around like I was sixteen again.

The singles came and went to rapturous applause but it was hearing the newer album tracks live that I was enjoying the most. Seldom have a ‘young’ band held me in the palm of their hands since the days of The Jam. I simply didn’t want this gig to end.

Talking of The Jam, I think a few memories had been stirred as there was a shout for In The City from the middle of the room but Billy soon put the confused in their place; ‘You’re at the wrong fuckin’ gig mate’, was his response!

It was an absolute pleasure to see how The Spitfires have grown over the last couple of years, the keyboards and trumpet are welcome additions and help to add new dimensions to their music. Sam Long and Matt Johnson ensure this is no one-man show. I was particularly impressed with Matt who is turning into quite some drummer.

By the time we reached the encore of Spark to Start any doubters had been long since converted. You have to admire the energy of The Spitfires and in particular Billy Sullivan who never stopped prancing around the stage like Wilko Johnson on speed. There was even time for one of his welleresque leaps but not before he gave a quick glance at the height of the beams six inches above his head!

Don’t leave it so long next time guys, in fact come back to the Lion, which will take on a whole new feel when sold out however, I have to admit that I think that ship may have sailed now!

Mez