Wednesday 7 August 2013

Bad Touch Live at The Kind Edward VII, Norwich 03/08/2013

Life as a Bad Touch fan is never dull, it doesn't matter how many times you see the boys take to the stage and perform their hearts out, each and every time feels like the first. With their inherent ability to capture and keep the audience captive throughout the whole show – whether it's a 40 minute support set or a 2 hour acoustic session – every single gig brings new observations and experiences, no two performances ever feel the same.

Which is lucky when you're attending two in one weekend, like this week, when the boys were invited to perform at Vicfest on Sunday, but first, they were back at their old stomping ground, and their second home – the King Edward VII, Norwich.

Filled with familiar faces and a handful of new fans, the Eddie first played host to the brilliant Sansara on Saturday evening. Finishing their summer UK tour in Norwich as support for Bad Touch, they're definitely one to watch. The alternative rock four-piece from Bournemouth really impressed, performing tracks from their 'Let it Burn' EP. They remind me of a blend of Nickleback and Black Stone Cherry and lead singer Tom Sawyer has an infectious voice and stage presence, and, speaking to the guys after the show, they really have the right attitude and work ethic to be successful.

The Bad Touch boys had a task on their hands to follow the excellent Sansara, but, as always, the second the sound check started, the atmosphere intensified and the sense of expectation and excitement increased, the boys were really up for this one following a three week break.

Playing tried and tested tracks, including Animal Farm singles 'Set the night on fire', 'Too late' and 'Mirror Man', every single performance between now and October is perfect practice for the upcoming Quireboys Tour – seeing the boys support the rock legends on their 11-date trip around England and Scotland.

The best thing about the show was the off-the-cuff decisions. It's always good when bands assess the expectations of the audience when deciding on a set list, and Bad Touch did just that – changing tracks on stage and maintaining the interest of the crowd while they rolled out the classics, including 'Poison in a Pretty Dress', although, disappointingly (for some!), 'Lock & Load' failed to make an appearance.

Cover versions 'Wanted dead or alive', 'Sweet home Alabama' and 'Rock & Roll' went down a storm, and it's a wonder how the boys managed to see out a full 90 minute set. The Eddie is always a warm venue thanks to the dark walls and tight stage area, but Saturday was stifling, making Bad Touch's energetic stage show all the more incredible.

Saturday also saw the debut performance for George's gorgeous new Natal drum kit and personalised Baskey rug – thankfully the kit has space for the all-important cowbell, and has a really crisp sound allowing for a much sharper beat that will go down really well on tour.

Completing the show with the anthem 'Down', there was little time for rest, as the Bad Touch boys travelled to East Norfolk on Sunday afternoon for an evening performance on the main stage at the brilliant Vicfest Festival in Martham.


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