The legacy of LOVE could not have better upheld! Despite only one original member remaining (Jonny Echols, lead guitar player), the 1960s psychedelic rock bands music has not lost the spirit and feel of its time.
Love formed in LA in 1965, lead by frontman Arthur Lee. Their significance in music history lies not only in the fame of 1967 album Forever Changes but also in their position as one of the first racially diverse bands in American rock.
The night was certain to be great from the start, Band On The Wall has such an electrifying atmosphere. Not only is the pizza mouthwatering, but the intimacy of the venue creates such an inviting atmosphere that allows for live music on a personal level. After spending so many gigs on tiptoes for a view of the band it’s refreshing to re-enter a smaller, cosier venue where the band are in clear view and the music surrounds you.
The night hit the ground running with a support who did not fail to impress. The Newds music and attitude perfectly encapsulate the local culture and spirit of their Bolton hometown. "Sun blazed Sunday" introduced a dreamy psychedelic sound which progressed seamlessly into a more upbeat Rock’n’Roll tone feel as the band played a diverse, but nonetheless great, range of songs. All were met with applause and the interactive moment during  "Run Rabbit Run" in which the crowd were asked to join in on the ‘run’ emphasised that it’s not only the bands fluidity that makes them so unforgettable, but also their charisma. It was clear to me, and I’m sure everyone else in the crowd, that they are truly passionate about their music and immensely enjoyed their time on stage. A chat with them in the bar afterwards affirmed this. The Newds are also close friends of Love. No matter how far from Manchester, Love may originate… everyone appreciates the local sound! They were definitely a band I will be checking out.
A short break after The Newds finished allowed us a taste of band on the walls delicious margarita (definitely an underrated Manchester pizza). I washed this down with a Carlsberg and fed and eager we re-entered a now larger crowd awaiting the beginning of LOVE.
As someone who grew up with the sounds of LOVE playing on my dads record player, I was particularly excited for the nostalgia and the renowned skill of Jonny Echols. Knowing only one of the previous five members was to perform alongside the new members, I was speculative whether they would maintain the harmonious vocal blend they are so famous for. However, they exceeded all expectations. Not only have current members performed on the current UK tour with previous member Jonny Echols, but their original band Baby Lemonade was joined in 1993 by original lead of Love, Arthur Lee, to revive the memory of LOVE’s music. The memory of Arthur Lee was not only present in his frequent mention, but also in Rusty Squeezebox’s talent performing such a vocally dynamic setlist. His warm, rich voice perfectly fit the tender feel of LOVE’S lyrics and its strength and carry was without doubt remarkable. Such versatility cannot be acknowledged without also crediting Mike Randle, whose guitar strings carried the serene melody in  "Alone Again Or" through to the upbeat riff in "Wonder People (I do wonder)"; a track Rusty mentioned had never before been played live. This upbeat tune can be found on the outtakes of Forever Changes and is definitely one to add to the summer day soundtrack.
A major highlight for me was hearing all of my personal favourites, especially "Maybe the People Would Be the Times or Between Clark and Hilldale". Love definitely knew how to please a crowd as they worked their way through a setlist compiled of their greatest hits including numerous tunes from both Forever Changes and Love. Shouts echoed through the crowd throughout the night, from song requests to declarations of "I Love You Jonny". to a chorus of "Jonny, Jonny, Jonny fucking Echols" to which Echols replied "my mum would have loved this". The presence of respect and admiration for Jonny weighed heavy in the room and his solo threw silence over the crowd. Jonny performed a slower song with his haunting vocals accompanied by impressive bassist James Nolte. The rich depth of the bass perfectly complimented Jonny’s psychedelic tune, his guitar solo seemed to send the crowd into a few minutes of hypnosis.
Finishing with a request from the crowd, "Seven & Seven Is" allowed David ‘daddyo’ Green to have his moment, providing the hardcore backing beat to the upbeat energy of the 1966 tune. As soon as Rusty announced it as the next (and to be final) song, energy erupted in the crowd, sending the band off on a memorable note.
Myself, and other fans, also got to meet Jonny Echols and Mike Randle at the end where Jonny was signing albums and setlist and chatting to fans. This invested interest in fans proved Love to know that, in Jonnys own words, "what the world needs now is LOVE". I will most definitely be keeping an eye out for any future tours, and I urge you to visit (or revisit) the wonderful music of LOVE.
As always, we will see you at the front!
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