The Slow Readers Club, Night & Day Cafe, 15th October 2021

Are there any nice words I’ve not used to describe The Slow Readers Club. How many times have I witnessed and reviewed their gigs. Truth be told, I fear I might be running a bit dry on superlatives. Tonight in Manchester’s iconic Night & Day Cafe feels like it needs to be marked though. This is a special gig. Not only is it to very belatedly mark of the release of’ The Joy of the Return’ (damn covid), but it’s in a venue that the Readers could now sell out a month long residency in just a few minutes. Like I said, special. Obviously it’s rammed, but the people in here aren’t Johnny come latelies, to get tickets for this over a year ago you had to be on the ball. As a result, although I’m not on first name terms, I feel like I know almost everyone in here. These are the hardcore, the die hard, the devout. Special shout out to my gig buddy Julian, who first turned me on to this band and would’ve been here if not for more pressing family matters (good ones!). His replacement Andy, it has to be said laps up the devotional love in the room and is compelled to display his own admiration at the merch table. As the band take the stage, the call of “READERS, READERS” is spine tingling. What follows feels a bit weird, I’m not used to seeing them in such an intimate setting, but they’re a humble bunch and just do what they do. Bang out classic after classic. That’s not an exaggeration to call these songs classics, not to everyone assembled here singing every line back. Some things have changed. Andy Burnham gets a shout out as Jericho is introduced. I don’t see him, but he’s around somewhere. It’s a treat to be inches from the stage though, close enough to catch the dazzling light off Jim’s smile who’s clearly loving it as much us. The heat builds from “this is alright” to “I’m cooking alive aren’t I” as the crowd get swept up in the furore of one of Manchester’s greatest bands and we’re treated to a perfect set. I’m not sure how many times I’ve watched this band. A lot. Pretty much every venue in Manchester and a few outside. Some might wonder if it gets a bit samey, but it really doesn’t. If you love a band and love live music, each and every show hits you with that same wave of excitement. Plus it’s important to support the bands you love and the venues they play. Many people in the music scene are still struggling in the wake of Covid and the governments pitiful support of one of the countries most important industries. So hell yes I’ll come watch Readers at every opportunity. In venues large and small. If you’ve not seen them yet, rectify that at the earliest possible opportunity. Come the finale of On The TV and Lunatic the place is absolutely mental and I’m reminded just how special great live music is. It’s a calm, a drug, my escape. As always “I’m forever in your debt”.