Whatever happened to all the heroes?
All the Shakespearoes?
They watched their Rome burn.

50 years. This was my 23^rd outing seeing The Stranglers and like every time for the past ten, I wonder if it will be my last. Sure, they’ve survived and thrived since the departure of Hugh Cornwell 34 years ago. And that’s a statement to their longevity itself, despite a small number who still believe that is when the band ended. Heck, even a recent episode of TV’s Mastermind had a contestant whose specialist subject was The Stranglers, but only 1974 to 1990. Come on, if they were real fans, they would acknowledge The Stranglers are as strong now as ever. Certainly better live with Baz Warne, currently with the band for 24 years (far longer than Cornwell) and playing to huge, sell-out crowds.

They have also survived the 1990s doldrums, then survived the retirement of the late Jet Black, and finally, survived the death of Dave Greenfield which I thought they’d never get past. But there they still are. Entertaining and taking me to heaven. Like they have done throughout all the incarnations. And I have seen the lot. I know it will one day end, but as long as Jean-Jaques Burnell is willing and able, I hope to always have just one more tour. And along with Warne, Jim Macaulay and Toby Hounsham, JJ still delivers the magic, this time on tour taking more of the forefront than recent years in engaging with the audience.

For the 50 Years in Black tour, there was no support, just two packed sets from the guys lasting well over two hours. Starting with Just Like Nothing on Earth, we then had for the first time of my hearing, the final track from The Gospel According to the Men in Black in Hallow to Our Craft. JJ dedicated The Raven to Dave and Jet before continuing in a wide spectrum of classics, all familiar and intimate to me and ending the initial set with Hanging Around and Down in the Sewer. Nice to see Toby take on DG’s role of vocals in Genetix as well.

After a short break, the ante was well and truly upped, entering to the staple Waltz in Black before Who Wants the World, Dagenham Dave and Duchess. Then, Peaches, Golden Brown, Always the Sun, Something Better Change, Five Minutes and Tank, they were all there (Strangely, no Grip, though). We also had White Stallion from their most recent studio album, Dark Matters, as well as Relentless, which I believe is the most played post Hugh song at gigs these days.

Then, returning for an encore which everybody knew would happen (besides, we know where they live), the band finished with the song billed as The Stranglers oldest track in Go Buddy Go before the regular finisher and No More Heroes. I am always thankful that I still do have my heroes and pray that continues just a little longer at least. What an amazing gig from an amazing band.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt.