Supergrass - Alexaandra Palace, London, 6/3/2020

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 14 / 2 / 2021

Supergrass - Alexaandra Palace, London, 6/3/2020

Nick Dent-Robinson watches Supergrass back after a decade away play a set of classic anthems to an enthusiastic crowd at the Alexandra Palace in London.

Article

Gaz Coombes has had a lengthy journey – but he looks delighted to be back on stage with his Supergrass bandmates. That journey has taken a decade – a ten year-long rollercoaster ride which saw the charismatic Oxford-born lad part company with his childhood friends and embark on a remarkably successful solo career with three critically acclaimed albums. Yet, as commanding as Coombes can be on his own, now surrounded by his old group of Oxford mates high on a stage at a heaving Alexandra Palace, it was clear he is back in his element performing once again with Supergrass. For his legions of loyal fans, everything is right in the world! From the first moment of the show it was apparent that no rust has grown on the wheels. The fans may be a little less taut around their midriffs but musically Gaz, Danny, Mick and Rob are tighter than ever – just as slick and powerful as in their heyday. They marched on stage to thunderous applause and launched straight in with 'In It For The Money'. Then came 'I'd Like to Know' and 'Mansize Rooster'. All the big favourites followed with the crowd singing along and waving arms to 'Moving', 'Seen the Light', 'Richard III' and the beautifully subtle 'St Petersburg'. There was 'Grace', 'She's So Loose' and the anthemic 'Alright' with its unmistakeable tinkling piano introduction. Then the place erupted for 'Sun Hits the Sky' and 'Lenny' with an even greater crowd pleaser to follow in 'Caught by the Fuzz'. There was also 'Strange Ones', the band's anthem to Oxford's funky Cowley Road area before the powerful 'Pumping on Your Stereo' as a grand finale. The crowd all left singing, chanting, smiling after a perfect night spent with a band that is still on the very top of its form!