The concert-goer
does not expect irony at a Status Quo gig. However, despite the
band's best efforts, singing
We're in the Army
now
in a temporary venue
on the site of a former British Army base at Ebrington Barracks in
Derry Londonderry (54 degrees North, 7 degrees West), as part of a
year of events to mark the city's designation as the first UK City of
Culture, brings them very close to the ironic.
Or
perhaps not. After all, Status Quo is the status quo. And unnervingly
fresh for it.
They
rock out a straight up-and-down hits-show, with plenty of obligatory
white-guy, phallic posturing with guitars; very loud and very good
sound; a stunning, mandatory drum-solo and
terrific
lighting effects, delivering well-known material in a spritely,
energised show the concert-goer enjoys.
Status Quo wear
their colours on their sleeves. Or at least on their merchandising,
where Union flags are often seen.
We're in the Army
now.
Not everyone sings
along. But the concert-goer notes that very many do. The crowd is hot
and sweaty and in great form. The concert-goer meets loads of friends
and acquaintances, one of whom claims his friends told him they were
going to a John Prine concert. His friends just laugh.
A Status Quo concert
is not a John Prine concert. The band is energetic and full-on. The
songs are direct, simple and effective. The concert-goer hears no
teenage angst. No singer-songwriter musing and mumbling. No
hesitation or misgiving.
The status quo is
clear and forceful.
And the concert-goer
jigs and hops with everyone, as the hits roll out.
Status Quo is a
juggernaut. An imperious rock and awe of sound and light.
Roll
over lay down and let me in
Roll
over it's a long way where I've been
Roll
over lay down and let me in
Roll
over lay down
|
Status Quo blast
into town as a cavalcade of lights, sound and energy, thumbing their
noses at The Beatles' mawkish and witty lyrics.
Doing
the garden, digging the weeds,
Who could ask for
more?
The concert-goer
recognises the power of their ageless appeal and wonders if Status
Quo consider how their work speaks to and reinforces a connection
between sex, maleness and militarisation in society.
The irony of members
of a crowd, from a society tentatively coming out of civil conflict,
singing
A
vacation in a foreign land
Uncle
Sam does the best he can
You're
in the army now
Oh,
oh, you're in the army now
|
leaves
the concert-goer unnerved, though sated
overall.
As the status quo
does.
Again
again again again, again again again again
Why
don't you do it, why don't you do it again.......
|
http://www.statusquo.co.uk
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