Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Fri 4 Nov.
Apart from a short hiatus that bookmarks the two distinct phases of the band’s career, Bad Manners have been doing it their way for 40 years. Riding on the crest of 1979’s ska revival, they enjoyed chart success with some of the most infectiously catchy singles of the era. As sales declined and public interest in the recorded work waned somewhat, the band took to the road and, comprising an assortment of members, has toured the world ever since. Tonight, it is Adelaide’s turn to take part in the fun.
The crowd, already warmed up by solid sets from Fistful of Trojans and Area 7, welcome the seven instrumentalists onto the stage. Cries of “You Fat Bastard! You Fat Bastard!” ring out; a chant usually reserved for merciless taunting of members of opposing football teams. This time it’s sung with love, as the audience members await the arrival of the big daddy, the larger-than-life lead singer, Buster Bloodvessel. There’s a big cheer as he steps out, resplendent in a smart leopard-print box jacket, shiny boots and, erm, basketball shorts.
My Girl Lollipop comes early in the set, and increases the impetus to dance for many. One of their most infectious and best singles, Lorraine, is also an early highlight. This is a night for laughing, singing and dancing. Inner London Violence aside, Bad Manners’ music doesn’t have the same sense of social awareness that is displayed in the canons of The Specials or The Selecter, nor does it have the poignancy of some of Madness’ greatest moments – it’s pretty much just good fun from start to finish.
Considering there are eight people in the band, all making a racket, the sound quality is pretty good. The horns are discernible, as are the vocals; in fact each instrument can be heard pretty well. It is loud, though; this is no place for a conversation. Better just to immerse yourself in the colour and the noise.
Buster lets the audience know that he’s just become a grandfather, and this writer immediately feels a generation older.
The band’s take on Deep Purple’s Black Night is brilliant, and it is most definitely now a Bad Manners song. Another cover, Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, proves a winner in the singalong stakes. The good-sized crowd continues to enjoy the party, and the great dance numbers just keep on coming. Easy skanking, indeed.
As the show heads towards its climax, the band plays Just A Feeling (from the second album, Loonee Tunes!) and Skinhead Girl before launching into a version of their first single, 1980’s Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu. It seems like only yesterday…
The aforementioned Inner London Violence is followed by Woolly Bully, both songs having originally appeared on Bad Manners’ debut LP, Ska ‘n’ B. The brilliantly crafted and executed single, Special Brew, signals the culmination of the show. What a ride it has been.
Cue a little more of “You Fat Bastard!” from the audience, and then it is time for the encore. Bad Manners sign-off with three songs, including another contender for their greatest single, Lip Up Fatty.
Bad Manners at The Gov has proved to be a great night out for most in attendance. All I needed for a completely satisfying experience was a rendition of Scruffy, The Huffy Chuffy Tugboat. Perhaps next time…
by David Robinson
Image courtesy of Sean Mullarkey
The Clothesline Rating...
David Robinson
Skanking good fun!
