The Birthday Massacre - End their UK tour on a high!!!

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The long awaited tour is a success!!!

The Birthday Massacre **** was meant to tour the UK about two years ago, but because of Covid-19 and the lockdowns the tour got delayed. They are finally here, with support from Vanilla Sugar and Witch of the Vale. It's a shame that it has been so long since The Birthday Massacre have played the UK, because in the meantime they have had two great albums out in the form of 'Diamonds' (2020) and 'Fascination' (2022). These albums showed a muture side to The Birthday Massacre, and lyrically where the bands finest moments.

This actually is actually the bands second show for Flag Promotions in London in two and a half weeks, with them playing a very special intimate show at the beginning of the tour at the London, Lexington as a warm up. This was a very special night, where it gave fans a chance to get up close and personal with the band. Yes! there was no barrier, and the show was very small. Singer Chibi always has such a great onstage presence, and today she is dressed in a very tight sailor girl outfit. And is looking great, and a trend setter to all her fans. Which are glued to the front barrier at The Grarage in London, wearing bunny ears and dressed in purple. A colour you would associate with The Birthday Massacre, they have used different blends of it... in the majority of their artwork over the years they have existed.

Opening up with 'Stars and Satellites' off the new record, you know they want to launch the show... with what the fans have been missing out on. And half of that is the instant connection the band have with their fans, everytime they hit the stage or come in contact with them. I have to say the band have been so great to Music Trespass Magazine, over the years and we have a great amount of respect and love for them. Songs like 'Goodnight' and 'Superstition' really show this, and give you a warm feeling at times. Not to say The Birthday Massacre's frontwoman can't be evil at times, she shows this on 'Lovers End' and the mega single 'Blue'. Both of this are so haunting, and explore the dark side of the band... next to the light. I love how they use contrasts in tones, to bring accross the feelings they had when they where writing the music and lyrics. Not every day in everybody's life is great, some days can be really bad.

The band set a massive sing-a-long to 'Pins and Needles', which is fast becoming a live favourite. And it is nice to see a little bit more of Rainbow on this track, and new edition to the band Brett Carruthers (A Primitive Evolution) really is great onstage and fits in really nicely to the space left by Nate Manor (Ex-The Birthday Massacre / Ex-Wednesday 13 / Ex-Amen). One thing I would critise about a show by The Birthday Massacre is that at times the stage is a little bit too dark, I would put a few more lights on the stage if I had my choice. Because at times you can't see Owen (Keyboards) and Brett (Bass), because it is too dark at the sides of the stage. And from where I was standing, there was a big monitor hanging from the ceiling... giving a kind of restricted view to Owen's head. And with this and being dark in the corners of the stage, I felt I missed out seeing their performance.

The highlight of the show, is when Chibi brings on Music Trespass Magazine mascot Ray Wolfston to sing 'Red Stars' song with her... and kiss all the band members. Ray has been on stage with the band many times before, and has a great relationship with them. And it is always a fun moment when he get's to guest with them, and everytone seems to enjoy it in the crowd.

Check Out! a live Video for 'Red Stars' Feat. Ray Wolfston from the bands show at the London, Garage Below... (Ray appears half way through)

They play a three song encore which includes the fast paced 'Falling Down', a creepy version of 'Blue' and a stage invasion by ghosts in the form of support band Witch of the Vale in sheats with eyes cut out. To sing The Birthday Massacre anthem 'Happy Birthday', they come onstage to celebrate the last night of their UK tour together. I really enjoyed the show, like I always do when I see the Canadian band. And I can't wait to see them live again, if you have not listened to the new albums 'Diamonds' and 'Fascination' then you really should... they are so great. And make sure you check The Birthday Massacre out next time they tour the UK, because I am sure they will be back soon.

Review and Photos by Dan Devour

The Birthday Massacre - Setlist
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Stars and Satellites
Destroyer
Goodnight
Counterpane
Superstition
All of Nothing
Leaving Tonight
Precious Hearts
Crush
Lovers End
Enter
Flashback
Fascination
Control
Pins and Needles
Red Stars
Blue
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Happy Birthday
Falling Down
In the Dark

Check Out! a lyric Video for 'Lovers End' Below...