The Quireboys have led a somewhat ragged existence – half the time they have had their heads held proudly skywards – with crowns rising into glittering heavens – but for the rest of their time they have been on their knees … with toes in the gutter. As a result, you probably cannot get any more emotionally wrought – or stirringly poignant – than the Quireboys. They are, genuinely, the most hard-working and thoroughly under-estimated of all British classic rock bands.
RAMzine was given the chance to watch the Quireboys perform unplugged and acoustically at Bilston’s famous Robin 2 venue:
Spike’s voice is always incredibly dramatic and unconditionally intimate. When performing unplugged, it feels as if he were whispering truths directly into your inner ear. The band has had a lot of practice at this type of show – playing acoustically at Sweden Rock Festival, Monsters of Rock Cruise and plenty of other opportunities over recent years. The boys looked extremely comfortable as they took to the stage at the Robin 2. With more than 15 songs to sing, they enjoyed the warm applause from an adoring audience. Keith Weir was behind the keys, Paul Guerin sat stage left (next to Spike) his golden hair hanging like a curtain across his watchful face. Spike sat for a while on a tall stool – but rose occasionally to accentuate a point or to hustle the crowd. (Guy Griffin was unable to joint the band due to some unexpected family commitments.) In amongst some local gossip and frequently hilarious chat, the band played an assortment of notable songs from their huge back-catalogue.
The low-key show started with ‘Don’t Bite The Hand That Feeds You’ which had a sultry harmonica (played by Spike) and trills of bar-room piano. Then we had ‘Devil Of A Man’ which was a sumptuous feast of sounds and melodies – all liberally perfumed and laced. This liquor soaked consumption was a dainty repast. (Available on 2010’s acoustic ‘Halfpenny Dancer’)
Newer ‘Beautiful Curse’ from the long awaited seventh studio album (of the same name) was a satisfying rummage through silky sleeve chords and watch-chain jangles. And ‘Roses & Rings’ from ‘A Bit of What You Fancy’ (the first Quireboys studio album released in 1990) was subtly melancholic yet optimistic … with a border of sleaze that summarized the sound that the whole band captures so magnificently.
‘Mona Lisa Smiled’ was a crowd pleaser – this passionate song sounds like a Desmond Child number – part Bon Jovi part Aerosmith. Taken from the ‘Homewreckers & Heartbreakers’ it’s a miracle and a masterpiece.
Other sweet nuggets included the sing-along pub-song “Watching all the Pretty Girls …go by” and the beautiful number ‘Have A Drink With Me’ as well as the excellent ‘Mother Mary’. This was a beautiful warm evening with some incredible friends. We could do it all over again.
