Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
The show must always go on, the dedication to the cause despite all that life may casually throw at you must continue unabashed and with sincerity be held up for all to witness; for you never know who you may inspire with just a simple acknowledgement of your time in the spotlight despite all that has happened, and how your life is one of creative cool.
When Transvision Vamp burst onto the scene with what seemed an explosion of dramatic flair in the back of a University tour in the late 80s, few might have considered that almost four decades on the talented and punk inspired frontwoman, Wendy James, would still quite rightly be willing, indeed, actively enjoying, performing as part of a promotional tour for her new album in a city that once threw thousands of fans at her feet.
The sense of longevity when others have fallen by the commercial wayside is testament to her long standing, gracious, appeal to furthering her own insight of her craft; and as Ms. James came on stage at Liverpool’s Rough Trade, the memories of history, of previous gigs at the Royal Court and the University of Liverpool flooded back for the crowd and a new one, a bold and fearless one, was added to the core of a nights out where life was fulfilled.
Elegance does not come easy to some, for the vast majority of us we sit in awe as it is displayed, but as Wendy James took on a bout of Bronchitis with a stirring two fingers and pre-disposed punk ethic, songs from across her time as a queen of the stage were sung with brilliance and beauty.
Whether from her new release, The Shape Of History, or variously from the back catalogue of ten albums she has recorded and been rightly praised for, the audience inside Rough Trade were treated to a goldmine of memories and new accounts. With tracks such as A Big Vicious Rumble, Do Dig It? Do You Love It? Is It Groovy?, Perilous Beauty, Grease Monkey, You’re A Good Man Sister, Step Aside Roadkill, the sensational hit I Want Your Love, and Bad Valentine, as well as the title track of the latest recording, Ms. James and Alex Wardstrode with confidence and assuredness through their time on stage.
Monday nights are not always known for their meaning and sense of cool, but on a terrific October night, Wendy James once more added to Liverpool’s own groove with a set that stirred the heart as well as memories.
Ian D. Hall