Photo by Jayson Worsfold – Homebug Photography
Gary Stringer Live Review – Nottingham Boat Club – 10/12/2023
On a packed Sunday night, Reef’s Gary Stringer brought his solo tour to the ever-so-posh Nottingham Boat Club. An under appreciated venue that’s hosted rock legends Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and more recently Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis.
It’s a lively audience for this sold out acoustic gig, proving the draw of the man and Reef’s enduring popularity. Nottingham can be a weirdly reserved place but not tonight. As Gary heads to the stage there’s shouts of “Eye up me duck” and “Alright Gary” from the well lubricated crowd. But as soon as the opening song ‘Breathe’ kicks in you could hear a pin drop.
Playing a mixture of solo songs, StringerBessant tracks, SB Band and Reef classics, it’s a privilege to hear them stripped back to their rawest form.
One of the great voices in British rock
Gary is one of the great voices in British rock. He’s also one of our great songwriters. This is never more evident than on the Reef classic ‘Consideration’, and with his band absent, the Boat Club beer choir joined in perfect harmony. Who knew people from Nottingham could sing so well?
Tonight was also a rare opportunity to hear songs outside the Reef catalogue. This included tracks from the StringerBessant album ‘Yard’, a gem packed with beautiful and delicate songs. Gary talked about how he and Reef bassist Jack Bassant formed StringerBessant during a break from Reef. At the time both felt lost not writing and performing, and perhaps something similar might have been the inspiration for this tour?
The nature of the acoustic set also afforded Gary a relaxed pace, filled with moments of laid back storytelling, cool vibes and personal anecdotes. One especially funny tale was that of an important LA exec coming out to see Reef after they recorded ‘I’ve Got Something to Say‘. Keen to impress after a day’s surfing, things went awry when upon meeting him saltwater started “pissing” out of Gary’s ear and nose.
Put Your Hands On
During the gig a few people forgot Gary wasn’t on TV, chatting away like he was on TOTP. Later one of the repeat offenders was heard angrily shouting “She put her hands on me!” after a failed attempt to calm her. The crowd hilariously responded by singing “Put your hands on, Put your hands on!” After making sure everyone was okay and the fracas had died down, Gary announced “I’m now gonna play a song called ‘Mellow‘” to laughter and rapturous applause.
Repeatedly apologising for his lack of guitar skills, the audience were having none of it. Gary held his own throughout, and never more so than on the Reef banger ‘Good Feeling’. We also learned that amazingly ‘Good Feeling’ was the first song Gary ever wrote and recorded.
As the rowdiness continued, the crowd grew restless with the talkers, though it was difficult to know who was the most disruptive – the people chatting loudly or those telling them to “shut the fuck up”. But with his charm and good vibes, Gary soon soothed the audience by declaring “I love Nottingham!”
Foreplay
There were some new songs in the set that already sounded like Reef classics, powered by Gary’s characteristic voice and driving rhythms. Teasing the crowd, Gary confessed ‘Place Your Hands‘ was a given but did we want it now or after some foreplay? The crowd cheered for foreplay, heightened knowing the climax of ‘Place Your Hands’ was coming.
If you get a chance to see Gary perform solo then I urge you to do so. It’s a cracking night of top songs played in more intimate venues than you’d normally see him. At the end of the show Gary stuck around to meet the audience and have a Guinness. At a time where VIP experiences are popular money grabs, this was a proper meet and greet with none of the bullshit. Just a good bloke enjoying his gig and making time for his fans. Even the leary ones.
Gary Stringer Live Review: 9/10
Catch Gary Stringer on Tour:
15th Dec 2023 - Swansea, Sin City
26th Jan 2024 - Swindon, The Hop Inn
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