Bigfoot - Rebellion, Manchester (UK) - 28 September 2019

Formed in Wigan (North West England) in 2014, Bigfoot have, during a five-year, 2 EP and one full-length album career, secured a dedicated fanbase. The final show on the "Farewell" tour was a sell-out and a testament to the band's popularity. It was a cosy atmosphere in the compact venue for sure and standing room in front of the stage was at a premium. I have seen Bigfoot many times during the last few years and they have always been great value for money and thoroughly entertaining, tonight being no exception.

The show began with Bill Medley's 'I've Had The Time Of My Life' from the 'Dirty Dancing' soundtrack and it was certainly an unusual experience to see nearly five-hundred Rock music fans singing along enthusiastically. The five-piece were greeted like long lost family members and for the next two hours every moment was celebrated as if it would be the last (you never know what the future will hold). 2017's self-titled debut album was a more polished affair than the EPs that preceded it, but when the songs are performed live they take on a more formidable identity and have greater energy. 'Tell Me A Lie' and 'Eat Your Words' hit hard and fortunately the sound mix was clear enough to appreciate the performances of everyone on stage. Guitarists Sam Millar and Mick McCullagh, bass player Matt Avery, drummer Tom Aspinall and lead singer (relative new guy) Sean Seabrook are tighter than a waistband at a weight-watchers meeting and it is still hard not to think of them as a very young band.

They now have extensive touring experience and this is clear from the way everything gels so well. Older EP songs such as 'Run' and 'Stone Soldiers' still sound as fresh as they did when the five-year journey first began and are complimented by the addictive 'Prisoner Of War', 'Freak Show' and 'Karma'. There is no doubting the guys know how to write a good song, so the brief flirtation with the 'Top Gun Anthem' was a surprising addition to the set. The emotional ballad 'Forever Alone' proved to be the perfect opportunity for sing-a-long and I'm sure the lack of lights hid a few tear-stained cheeks as the song came to a close. 'The Fear' was never going to be the last song so the party kicked off with a three-song encore that began with some loose guitar noodling from several guests. Donna Summer's 'Hot Stuff' acted as the catalyst for some more crowd participation and this led nicely into 'Blame It On The Dog' ("smells like shit" was sung with great gusto). The more unassuming Tom and Matt got to say a few thanks and it was nice to hear original singer Ant Ellis get a sincere mention for his contributions to Bigfoot's success.

With a rousing version of 'Uninvited' bringing the first part of the night to an end it was obviously emotional for a lot of people in the room and the temperature levels were indicative of the night as a whole. Had transport timetables allowed I would have stayed for the after-show party, but it was enough to take away the memories of a fantastic night and the end of great band who had the potential and ability to gravitate to major headliner status. Thanks for the music guys.

Dave Bott