Alabama 3 Live in Belfast
Last Friday night, Alabama 3 performed in Belfast's Limelight, and I was there. Admittedly, I had not encountered this band until recently and their music was new to me. So, I was very excited to see this genre-defying band up close and in person.
The opener was Frank Harvey Music, who started the night with a country, bluesy Johnny Cash-inspired set. My friend Laura and I took full advantage of the open space to dance, despite probably looking like eejits, but it's more fun that way anyway.
Alabama 3 opened their show with the iconic and instantly recognisable chords of the Eagles' Hotel California. Then, the frontman, Rob Spragg, bounced onto the stage donning a bedazzled bright, shiny gold jacket, black fedora, and of course every rockstar's accessory of choice, black sunglasses. From those very first chords to the final notes sung, the crowd was in the palm of the band's hand, feeding off the high energy, theatrical presence they brought to the stage. Laura and I were right by the speakers, so every single part of the instrumentation, including Spragg's gravelly, raspy bass vocals, pulsated through us. From the top of our heads to the tip of our toes, the sheer musical exuberance of Alabama 3 wasn't just heard, but felt.
Personal highlights from the show were The Old Purple Tin (9% of Pure Heaven) which features a snippet of Prince's Purple Rain which had the whole crowd singing along. Also, Woke Up This Morning (which is the theme song for the American TV series, The Sopranos) was definitely a crowd-pleaser. Shoutout to band member, Nick Reynolds, who slayed on the harmonica all night long - this guy's got some serious lung capacity and brought that classic bluesy, Western feel to the show.
The show felt reminiscent of the concerts my parent's generation would have gone to. There was barely a phone in sight, just people dancing, couples holding hands, friends having a laugh and letting loose on a Friday night to some pretty incredible music. The night was a testament to the power of a live show to rouse a sense of childlike abandon and fun in those of all ages, from all backgrounds... and honestly, any event where a cowboy hat gets to be worn gets a 10/10 from me.
