Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. September 2006

Following the release of their stunning new album Suite XVI just a few weeks ago, the Stranglers, now back to a four piece, thrilled a dedicated an eager crowd at the Birmingham Academy.

Opening the set with the riff-crunching5 Minutes, J.J Burnell, Baz Warne, Dave Greenfield and Jet Black rocked and rampaged their way through an evening of old favourites and new material.

Classics such as Peaches, Always the Sun and the ever popular Golden Brown were given their deserved airing alongside Spectre of Love, Unbroken and I Hate You.

Before the end Jean-Jacques thanked previous lead vocalist Paul Roberts and wished him all the best for the future, a rare thing in this day and age.

The energetic No More Heroes rounded off a show that will be remembered for a long time.  

Ian D. Hall