The Waterfront, Norwich June 9, 2022
by Andrew Fiddament
On an evening when The Killers are playing just around the corner at Carrow Road, the musical cognoscenti of Norwich have descended on The Waterfront for this much-postponed gig.
The Professionals prove to be a great warm-up for the main event, with their compelling and nostalgic brand of punk rock enticing the majority of the audience to arrive early.
Highlights of their energetic set include Sex Pistols favourite Silly Thing, and they close with a great version of The Monkees’ (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.
With singer Jake Burns sporting a new, streamlined haircut, Stiff Little Fingers get things off to a raucous start with Suspect Device – a song which in our age of “fake news” and “alternative facts” seems as relevant today as it did 45 years ago.
Bassist and fellow original band member Ali McMordie – who now lives in Norwich – struts menacingly around his corner of the stage as the band play a set of old favourites and newer songs.
Burns gives a shout-out to those who still have their tickets for the original date for this show, which should have taken place two years and three months ago.
Songs such as At The Edge, Safe As Houses and Silver Lining are lapped up, and by the time Stiff Little Fingers get to Alternative Ulster, they can do no wrong.
An encore of Tin Soldiers sends us home sweaty and happy, and hoping that next time it won’t be quite so long before SLF make a return visit.
One Response
Always a great time, slf are music gods. An inspiration for generations alike. Superb support as always, fingers are the only band to have equals with them as never been disappointed at any support act