His Lordship – Norwich Arts Centre Tues 28 May 2024

It’s only been 4 days since we last saw His Lordship at Bearded Theory (see our review here) but as they were playing in Norwich at the same time we were staying there, we couldn’t resist the chance to see them again. Of course, that begged the question would that be too much? 

But once the band kicked in with the opening song we knew that wouldn’t be an issue. The band were also clearly up for it from the start. They’d dumped the gold festival suits (possibly due to the drummer splitting his at Bearded Theory). They may have been back in the darker suits but that didn’t dim their spirit or the performance. We’d seen the band at the Arts Centre (a fantastic venue) a while back, but it was noticeable they were playing to both a bigger and more enthusiastic crowd this time around (especially for a Tuesday night).

The enthusiasm of the crowd shouldn’t be a surprise given they get to hear brilliant songs like “Jackie Works For The NHS”. A song which displays the melodic but shambolic rock n roll that we really love. Neither is it a surprise that they’ve now nailed a set which is a real crowd pleaser. It’s not just the brilliant songs, but also the interaction with the crowd and their cool stage presence. His Lordship shows are a real event and they know how to put on an exceptional performance. Many other bands would do well to take note and learn from them.

Amongst the rocking tunes we get the masterful “The Repenter” a song that is an oasis of beauty. It is still powerful and haunting but with more of a restrained tension. It serves as an epic moment in all their shows. The set goes from the madness of the drummer going ballistic, jumping off the drum kit and howling to a poignant new song in memory of Shane McGowan. That song is an instrumental but we’re not sure if that is just because the lyrics haven’t been written yet.

The band play up to the crowd with a recalling of Delia’s famous “let’s be having you” cry as they deliver the blistering rock n roll of “Joyboy”. Then “I am in Amsterdam” is a cracking sing along rock n roller that’s a perfect end to the main set. The band re-emerge for the bonus of a cover of “Red Hot”. It’s a fitting end to a great night of music.