3 July 2024 – The Tivoli, Brisbane – words by Bec Lee – pictures by Bec Harbour
The Tivoli was buzzing on this cool Saturday evening and I was delighted to see a long line of gig-goers waiting to get in to see a band who formed over 40 years ago. A band whose heyday is a distant but sparkling, vivid memory. I spot a few haircuts that tell me I’m definitely at the right gig, and I see friends I’ve known since 1992. I settle in and hang out with The Live Wire’s founder and editor, Bec, who is on shooting duty and eagerly waiting with two cameras.
Jesus and Mary Chain (JAMC) are a band that most of my friends have never heard of, in fact someone laughed when I told them the name of the band I’m reviewing. If only they knew the massive influence the band have had on music and young bands all over the world. If only they’d actually listen to them. And JAMC have not been forgotten, as the queue outside The Tivoli suggests, not to mention the sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne. And, they’re still releasing stellar music.
Support was Merryn Jeann, who is an interesting mix of performance artist and musician. There was ballet, spoken word, and sounds reminiscent of Cocteau Twins. Soaring vocals and almost screams filled the venue, and the crowd gave a generous applause at the end of Jeann’s set. To many, it was a surprise to watch and listen something other than a traditional band.
Merryn Jeann – Tivoli – photos by Bec Harbour
It seems like forever, and our favourite Glaswegians arrive on stage as casually as expected. Of course, this is not the original line-up but the brothers Reid are the band founders and this is very much JAMC. Opening with ‘Jamcod’ from current album Glasgow Eyes, it’s all sounding pretty good and the band look great. The rhythm section is Primal Screams’ bass goddess Simone Butler, and Elastica drummer Justin Welch….what a combo!
One song in, and we are treated with the double whammy of ‘Head On’ and ‘Happy When It Rains’. For a moment there, I’m a teenager in the 80s again. The crowd are going nuts and woman dances over to me and screams “I still would, wouldn’t you?”, referring to the prospect of spending the night with a (now) 62-year-old Jim Reid. Lol!
Jesus & Mary Chain – Tivoli – photos by Bec Harbour
‘Chemical Animal’ from the latest album is a proper JAMC track and sounds amazing live, its fits right into the set and we are well warmed up when they launch into the fab “Blues From a Gun’ and then we’re dancing and smiling to ‘Some Candy Talking’. Simone Butler also supplies pretty nice vocals to the 1994 duet ‘Sometimes Always’ with singer Jim Reid. Lovely.
A little break announced by Reid gives us a couple of minutes to ponder if ‘April Skies’ or ‘Just Like Honey’ is coming next, and we are soon whooping to the first few notes of the latter. They play it beautifully, the backing vocals are wonderful, and soon our evening is complete. So, we put on our long black coats and walk to our cars in our Doc Martens and wonder where the hell all the years went!
Jesus & Mary Chain – Tivoli – photos by Bec Harbour
Call them goth, call them shoegaze or a combo of both, but this is an underrated band who probably should have made more money for themselves and Creation Records. Regardless, they are a huge part of indie music history and have influenced countless bands over almost 5 decades. Remember Black Rebel Motorcycle Club? Heavily influenced by JAMC, like so many others.
And unlike most bands of the same vintage, JAMC’s latest release ‘Glasgow Eyes’ stands up against most of their best albums.
