Levellers - Hits!!! Hits!!! Hits!!!

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Levelleling the land again with their hits!!!

The Levellers came on with a bang, literally as two glitter cannons announced the opening number “Beautiful Day” a crowd favourite instantly getting everybody in the mood. The band have recently released their greatest hits album, and wow it reminded us of just how many hits this Brighton based band have had over the last few decades. To go with the sheer number of hits, there were certainly a lot of people looking forward to hearing them at a Sold Out!!! o2 Bristol Academy show. 

Initially what hit me was the sheer age range of the people present, I would expect the band to appeal to thirty and forty something’s due to their heyday, yet I think as many as the medium sized venue from sixteen to sixty had squeezed their way in. Talking of challenges, one thing to know about the o2 in Bristol if you make the mistake of going for a comfort break before the main act, you won’t be watching from anywhere you can see easily.. so perched on some steps I awaited the main act.

They came on with a bang, literally as two glitter cannons announced the opening number “Beautiful Day” a crowd favourite instantly getting everybody in the mood. It turned out that we had not seen the last of the support band with both Pauline Black and the brass section making guest appearances through the evening. We were promised a greatest hits tour and the set certainly lived up to what was expected with “Dog Train” and a passionate performance of “This Garden”.

The stage had ‘love’ and ‘hate’ on either side like a bikers knuckles, it was clear the audience were in the love side today “One Way” getting the rapturous reaction it always does with the didgeridoo player joining the fray. The set came started drawing to a close all too soon, but with memorable versions of “Carry Me” during which the band went almost silent and around a thousand people sang the words instead and a rousing version of “Cholera Well” being stand out moments.

We had a fantastic evening of Rock and Folk with a bit of anarchic pixie dust sprinkled on the top and as always the Levellers had provided a great show. We have just witnessed their "Greatest Hits" but I am sure on this showing they have many more great moments in them yet. I still remember so many great moments in my life where I have loved the music of the Levellers and the songs fitted so well in my life, so can't wait for another decade with them.

Review by Jon Cooper and Pictures by Steve Owen 

Check Out! the Video for 'One Way' Below...