When I walked in it was obvious that this was a lads gig. I'd guess that 90% of the people there were men, probably aged between 30-45 and probably a bit worse for wear. The talk in the bar queues was about getting a 'late pass from the missus'. The smart hair-do's let some of them down, despite the jeans and tee shirts, clearly with nice middle class jobs during the week and this was their chance to let their hair down. And they did. Jim Bob tweeted the next day that they'd broken the record for the sale of beer at the gig (not sure whether that was a record for Carter USM or for the venue) but it felt comfortable with blokes just wanting to have fun, none of the aura of violence you can get at boozy gigs.
As the lights dimmed they played 'Two Little Boys' by Rolf Harris before the two lads appeared with the power chords of 'Surfin' USM' and the blinding white lights shone from the stage into the audience. We were off and running with Jim Bob and Fruitbat, aka Carter USM! I love the various photos that have appeared on Twitter of the heads of the audience blinded by the light from the stage.
They played for around two hours, blasting out a host of fabulous songs including '24 Minutes From Tulse Hill' (more like 10 minutes these days), 'Lean On Me I Won't Fall Over', and the fabulous series of 'Glam Rock Cops', 'Do Re Me So Far So Good', 'Blood Sports For All' and 'Only Living Boy In New Cross'. The encore included 'Down In The Tube Station At Midnight' and, of course, 'Sheriff Fatman'.
And that's it, Jim Bob, Fruitbat and the tape machine playing loud n proud for two hours, lights blinding the audience and everyone singing along to the choruses. Everyone slightly tipsy (or more) and having the time of their lives. I loved it.
Where is the thrash today? where is the risk and danger? where is the threat to the establishment? Come back Carter, we need you.
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