"Let’s party like it’s 1977” pronounced Griff Fender, one of the original vocalists of Darts, the doo-wop revival band who found success in the late seventies with a series of UK chart hits, as the band appeared at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club for a sell out show.
When the singles charts were a mix of disco, punk and pop in 1977 Darts along with other groups such as Rocky Sharpe and the Replays were bringing back the sounds of the late fifties to the fore with their revivals of old hits.
Nearly fifty years on Darts are still going strong with the group containing many of the original line up with vocalists Rita Ray and Den Hegarty along with Griff Fender continuing to provide the strong vocals and harmonies that made Darts such a tempting proposition in the first instance, add to that intoxicating mix the vocals of Pikey Butler and the result was a winning one.
As the group arrived on stage to the soundtrack of the popular sixties television show, Thunderbirds it was indeed, all systems go. Despite the bands advancing years the energy, enthusiasm and note perfect harmonies were all hallmarks that were still intact from back in the day.
Dropping one of their big hits, Come Back My Love provided a reminder of when the band were a regular fixture on the much missed TV show, Top of the Pops. Rita Ray came to the fore on As Long as I’m Moving as the audience were swept away not just in nostalgia but how, like a fine wine, some things get even better with age.
Riot in Cell Block Block Number 9 took the audience back to their 1977 album as Den Hegarty took the opportunity to go in the prowl, cat like through the audience before the show took on an even higher level as the big hits followed in quick succession.
Boy From New York City and Daddy Cool/The Girl Can’t Help It were magnificently delivered the latter with a energetic romp before an acapella version of Goodnight Sweetheart on a night where Darts definitely hit the bullseye.
Arriving at Yellow Arch entering through the courtyard, it’s clear tonight’s show has been widely anticipated by locals, as gig-goers are packed in and pouring out the venue.
The Pill kick off tonight’s show, warming up this already excited crowd further with their heavy sounds and unique style. As a sea of punters disperse momentarily, it’s clear we’re close to our headliners gracing the stage.
Entering the crowd, the fan base is so varied with some on the younger side and some on the other, but all united by a love of Panic Shack and their punk-rock tunes.
Panic Shack kick off the set with their latest single ‘Gok Wan’ centred around the early 00’s toxic diet culture that their fan base is all too aware of. The band have so much energy pouring out at them as they thrash at their instruments giving it all they’ve got and opening the show in the best way possible.
We move through an array of the band’s punk-rock anthems including ‘Baby’, ‘Girl Band Started Pack’ and ‘Jiu Jits You’. It’s incredible to see this group of girls similar to my age, showing this utter strength and passion on the stage, they look incredible, they look edgy and cool, but I don’t think this is something that matters to Panic Shack; they just want to give us a f**king good show.
It’s clear the way they are presenting themselves on stage like seasoned pros that the crowd surrender themselves, mirroring the bands energy by throwing their bodies and pints around the room.
Tonight’s set is coming to a close and myself, alongside the crowd, are eagerly awaiting the track with launched this group’s careers as musicians. As this familiar riff is played and fills the room, the crowd go wild and everyone is singing along with the band for one last hurrah.
.jpg)