Gig review: Hayseed Dixie - Brudenell Social Club

The venue: The Brudenell is one the best music venues in the country. Its staff are unfailingly engaging even during sell-out gigs like this particularHayseed Dixie performance.

Punters buying-in to the performance: Well, hundreds were singing, dancing (including Gavin who for a 7 foot tall man was busting some moves), cheering and generally co-creating a great atmosphere.

The band: Why are some great live when others are less so? Certainly in venues like the Brudenell, bands are entertaining knowledgeable audiences. The wide demographic spread testifies to Hayseed Dixie’s credibility as musicians.

But credible doesn’t do them justice. They are superb musicians. Most of their set is designed around covers, however their original material is well crafted and witty, if a tad melancholic (keeping your poop in a jar…).

They are a long way from being a tribute act. They really care about the songs. Take Marvin Gaye’s immortal 'Let’s Get It On', Billy Idol’s 'Rebel Yell', Bon Jovi’s 'Living On A Prayer' and Motorhead’s 'Ace of Spades'. Four classic, eclectic tracks. Hayseed Dixie reimagined them all with gusto and verve. Simply brilliant.

Some might think they’ll be quiet being an acoustic set up. People said this about the Pogues. Couldn’t be further from the truth. They are raucous, clearly intelligent, superb musicians and generous to a fault. The band hung around for ages signing ‘merch’ and chatting with the fans. Just what more do you want from a night out?

I’ll finish with what I said to the force of nature John Wheeler (the singer): “Hayseed Dixie are one of those bands that you should always see when they are in town…..no matter how many times you’ve seen them…you are always in for a great gig”.