Gig review. Toots and the Maytals. Carling Academy Liverpool. 25 July. 2007
“Toots”is a rare breed. A true living legend. One of the greatest innovators of reggae….. so much so that "Do the Reggay," a 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, is credited with giving the genre its name.
His songs have been covered by (amongst others) other heroes of mine, Clash and the Specials. …and here he was, as I live and breath (in my first smokeless gig) In Liverpool!
I go to the gig in charming company..friends old and new. Good start. A few bevies in the the Head of steam bar and in we go. More good news, the venue is already more than half full for the excellent support band, local upcoming Ska-cers (Scousers/Ska-cers) The STOPOUTS. Full of energy mixing a little punk in with the bouncing basslines, The Stopouts put on a brilliant show, pleasing the army of young fans and hopefully gaining a new fanbase from the delightful mix of ages and genres. They do a swift 30 minute set full of ska/punk anthems and leave to a derserved rousing reception. I will most definitely be following the fortunes of these guys.
After a long long wait, the venue has filled up with an eclectic mix of people. It’s a real throw back. The audience age ranged from 18 up to 60’s. Different races, different genres, (Skinheads, Mods, Rasta’s, Punks, Scooter boys, leather clad bikers and..being Liverpool, a liberal splashing of heavy eyelid-ed scal’s). Not a hint of menace or malice in the air…(or for that matter ciggy smoke, or gange).
The Maytals take to the stage and do a slick reggae instrumental song from their upcoming album without Toots. Then they are Joined by Toot’s daughter (sorry, didn’t catch her name) who does 3 numbers very professionally, but doesn’t quite get the expectant audience to rouse above applause. Then at about 10.30pm..He takes to the stage at last and goes straight in the clash-ic Pressure Drop. Bang! The audience go nuts and he has us in the palm of his hand. All around are smiling faces, singing swaying and skanking. The heat level shoots up within minutes and we are all dripping in sweat. He runs through songs dotted throughout different decades of his carreer. With the likes of Peeping Tom, Pomp and Pride, and bam bam keeping up the momentum throughout the tight set. He looks great, he sounds as good as he ever has and the Maytals treat us to a ska/reggae masterclass. Special mention must go to the songs that we all came to hear. 5446 was my number, Monkey man and Pressure Drop are the ones we came expecting to hear. They are delivered with love and passion. This is no cabaret act, this is no crappy re-union tour. This, as I said earlier, is a Living Legend, with his legendary band showing an audience of fans old and new exactly WHY he’s a legend. Even in this eerie smokless atmosphere the audience are transformed and rapturous. EVERYONE leaves the gig with a huge smile on their face…and there are 400 happy sweaty people sitting on the floor outside the academy smoking and chatting in the afterglow of a wonderful night. brilliant
Toots….he’s a fuckin legend
Oh Yeah, and to cap it all, I got to meet End Contributors and fellow Ska lovers, Scouser & Brummie! Lovely!
