I accepted an invitation from a group of music-loving friends to join them in attending a performance by Jah Wobble on Wednesday 26th October, at the O2 Academy in Islington, London. Six of us met in the early evening at Stevenage railway station & made our way to Islington via King’s Cross & the London Underground Service.
When we arrived in Islington, we caught up with old times & made new & renewed acquaintances over drinks at the York pub. We then made our way, walking the short distance to join the audience at the O2 Academy.
First on-stage were Eater, who looked like a metal band (although clearly, their music was punk). Eater had enormous amounts of energy & were an excellent warm-up for the evening’s show.
Second on-stage was 999, again bundles of energy & a raucous, seasoned-punk attitude & presence.
Jah Wobble was well worth the short wait between backline changes & we were treated to an outstanding performance.
Jah Wobble’s instant charismatic style immediately struck me.
His band was on top form, bringing the audience some incredible rhythms & carefully worked beat structures & counterpoint melodies that weaved & meandered in & around Jah Wobble’s solid bass lines & intricate, hypnotic-patterned riffs & percussion.
I was also struck by the variety of the music in Jah Wobble’s repertoire.
From the minute Jah Wobble entered the stage & he & his band began their set to what appeared to be a packed house, I was happily hooked.
What a great night out!
This gig is one I shall remember for years to come.
On our group’s journey back home to Stevenage, we each agreed that we had been part of something rather special.
[Photos courtesy of Mr Paul Madden]