When Ugly Kid Joe took to the stage, it was to a thrilled crowd – to say they were enthusiastic in their applause is something of an understatement!
Starting out with an intro, the band minus Crane entered the stage – I must say, Shannon Larkin was dressed (in?!)appropriately in just his underpants for a hot, sweaty night on stage playing drums – you can never un-see some things! Cordell Crockett strutted around the stage with attitude, all the while wielding his excellent bass like a weapon, always ready to attack.
From the very first song, Neighbor (which I noticed was spelt with a U on their set list – boring fact for you there), Crane & co had their audience in the palm of their hand. The room erupted in collective voice, and at points all I could see was hair as a sea of heads was nodding vigorously.
The guys proceeded through a set of consistently popular songs from back in the day – Jesus Rode a Harley, C.U.S.T., Panhandlin’ Prince, Goddamn Devil and Milkman’s Son all made appearances.
Highlights of the set included Crane watching the crowd as they sang Cats in the Cradle at an incredibly high volume setting, hearing So Damn Cool (my favourite UKJ track) and the fitting inclusion of a song we all love, Ace of Spades by Motörhead.
Of course, they ended somewhat predictably with Everything About You, but if they did anything else it would have been disappointing, I think!
The overriding sense I’m left with from this gig is that Ugly Kid Joe are incredibly grateful that people are still turning out to see them all these years later, and that they are enjoying every minute of being so close to their adoring public. This is something that is far more apparent to me in a smaller venue, where expressions and actions can be seen far more easily. An absolute pleasure to witness.
