Way back in 1987 (yes, I know!), I used to frequent a club in the centre of Cardiff…Bogeys. The original and, in my mind, best rock club the city has seen. It was loud, it was grubby, it was cheap and every Friday and Saturday night, it was METAL!
That’s where I first saw Tigertailz. Yes, Tigertailz… as has often been said, the “Welsh Poison”.
Now, almost forty years later, I’m excited to say I’m off to see them again. Albeit a totally revamped line up from way back when. Original founding member and guitarist Jay Pepper is still there, but he’s now joined by Ashley Edison on vocals, Berty Burton on bass and Matt Blakout behind the drums. Also, there’s a return for former guitarist Glenn Quinn and backing vocals provided by the amazing Lizzie Prendergast and Suzi Chunk.
No support tonight, just a celebration of the ‘Tailz and Jay Pepper’s 60th Birthday! Kicking off with the Status Quo classic (and new single) “Caroline”, the band are joined by the one and only Verden Allen on keyboards.
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Songs come thick and fast, “Young and Crazy”, “Star Attraction”, “Livin’ Without You”, Edison’s voice has an incredible range that fits the songs so well, Pepper is clearly in his element and the rhythm section of Burton and Blakout is solid.
There’s an emotional tribute to Pepsi Tate in the form of “Fall In Love Again”, with Suzi providing the vocal accompanied by Quinn on acoustic guitar and Lizzie with the electric violin.
From here, we’re back in party mode. “Sick Sex”, “Love Overload”, the band are playing like they really mean it, and the crowd is loving it all.
After two hours that seemed like half the time, fan favourite “Love Bomb Baby” brings the show to a close. The band are off to the merch stand, more than happy to chat and sign whatever is passed their way.
As the song says… you can’t stop the rock. When it’s done this well, let’s hope not!
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Photos by Gareth Nicol
