Being my fifth Courteeners gig, walking out covered head to toe in beer with crowds chanting the final melody from ‘What Took You So Long?’ was expected; however what I wasn’t so sure about was how well their new album ANNA would be integrated into their live set. I was nervous as to which classic Courteeners songs they would replace and whether the fans had really connected with the new, rather distinctive sounding album.

The opening songs ‘Are You in Love with a Notion?’ and ‘Push Yourself’ proved me totally wrong as they captured the crowd like any old St Jude song would. The fans enthusiasm was apparent throughout, at one point Liam even expressed that he had ‘never see anyone crowd surf to silence before.’ However, in between the manic moments where the crowd appeared totally lost in the exhilaration of ‘Cavorting’ and ‘Acrylic’, were the intense moments of reality where one could really appreciate the heart felt lyrics and musical complexity the Courteeners continue to convey. Despite being somewhat disappointed that ‘Fallowfield Hillbilly’ fell short of the pass mark, their impressive twenty one song set including a short acoustic session from lead vocalist Liam Fray really captured both the local indie band they were and the arena selling band they aspire to be.

The classic ending that fans always seem eager for and that is expected of any Courteeners gig was continued; with early tracks ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ and ‘What Took You So Long’ reassuring the crowds that they would be back, next time filling arenas.  And there really is no doubt in Liam’s mind that his band are entering a new phase as he states in an interview with NME that he’s in the ‘best band on the planet right now”. Keep modest Liam and I will see you there

Words: Ruth Peck