I was not entirely sure what to expect from Love/Hate tonight.  Having seen the original line up way back in 1996 at the now defunct Norwich Oval, and in different incarnations on numerous of occasions since, they have never failed to be entertaining, however things do not always go according to plan on reunion tours! 

The band took to the stage separately with bassist Skid looking very much the worse for wear, giving the crowd a prolonged dance (very loose descriptive term) as he made his way across the stage. With the whole of the Blackout In The Red Room album supposedly being played it was no surprise when they started with said album's title track, followed in quick succession with “Rock Queen” and “Tumbleweed”. During these opening songs it became questionable as to whether Skid could make it through to the next song, let alone the rest of the show, given his apparent state.  Foregoing the debut album for a while the band then went into “Yucca Man” and “Cream” from Wasted In America before Darren Householder announced that he actually appeared on the next track, as they played “Spinning Wheel” from Let’s Rumble. 

It was certainly an interesting night with Skid providing as much entertainment as the songs. It was rather like playing a game of trying to guess what he would do next.  Death style growls as backing vocals, head butting the microphone, breaking the microphone, dubious dancing and shouts of “Oh Fuck” when missing cues to sing were all in his repertoire, with Jizzy Pearl almost having to act as a father figure to him at times.   

Skid’s antics aside live there are always certain songs that get the crowd singing, and this show proved no exception, with “Fuel To Run” and “Don’t Fuck With Me” standing out as the highlights of the night.  The set was composed of material from all of their first four albums although only “Superfragilistic” from I’m Not Happy got played. Despite being advertised that they would be playing the whole of the Blackout album I have to say I was disappointed that one of my personal favourites, “Hell, CA. Pop.4”, was missing from the set but in saying that the band certainly ploughed through many other songs: “Mary Jane”, “Slutsy Tipsy”, “Slave Girl”, “The Boozer” and “Spit” to name but a few, ending on “Wasted in Dudley America”.  Of course they returned for an encore, albeit with Skid bleeding from some of his head butting antics, to deliver “Let’s Rumble” and the anthemic “Why Do You Think They Call It Dope?” before they walked, or in some cases staggered, from the stage. 

As previously mentioned I have seen Love/Hate (well Jizzy Pearl touring as Love/Hate) on numerous occasions over the last few years and somehow, despite the reunion of three quarters of the classic line up for the first time in years, failed to live up to some of those past performances.  They were nowhere near as tight as they had been in different incarnations and Pearl didn't appear to be as comfortable and relaxed as is his normal wont.  So although this reunion of sorts brought more people to the show than usual, how long it will continue for only time will tell.

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