A gig on April Fool’s day? Well, you would be a fool to miss this one. I last saw Devin Townsend headlining the first post-Covid Bloodstock for a type of set that makes you say “I was there”, so was interested to see what his own tour show was like. This tour and show were in support of recent release Lightwork.
If not sold out, it was very near capacity, which made for a very sweaty Rock City! Many of the punters had turned up for the support acts as well, which is always pleasing to see. Support came from Fixation (Norway) and Klone (France). Both were new bands to me, but both impressed me (along with the crowd) and are acts I will be keeping an eye out for in future. They were only really similar in that they fit under the broad umbrella we label “rock”.
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Devin Townsend is a born entertainer. He has a natural rapport with crowd and a facial expression for every scenario. Weird facial expressions at that. I swear his face is as malleable as his fingers.
Tonight featured a great setlist of old and new material as well as tracks from Strapping Young Lad and Devin Townsend Band. “Kingdom” has always been one of my favourite tracks, but hearing “Deadhead” followed by “Deep Peace” was one of those wow moments with Devin swapping the screaming electric guitar for an acoustic. Pure emotion and I am sure it brought a tear to a few eyes.
It’s not just Devin who needs praised, though, but his backing musicians. I mean, it takes something special to keep up with the bald-headed cyclone who’s fronting things. They manage to do so and with smiles on their faces which are mirrored on the heaving masses on the other side of the barrier.
No screens or flying props this time, unlike the insanity that was Bloodstock. Instead we get an octopus and theremin. Because Devin. Basically. The man is art musical genius, part balls-out loonie.
Overall a fantastic night of musicianship and one which will no doubt be a contender for my gig of the year.
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Photos by Sean Larkin Photography
