The Magic Numbers

It’s been a good year for The Magic Numbers. Whilst the band has always had their cynics, their fans have always remained loyal to the longhaired foursome. Playing at this years V festivals to thousands of people in the sun (even the weather perked up for such a happy band) and a successful second album recently released, it was no surprise that this time round the tour was an imminent sell out.

Manchester’s Apollo is the venue that can potentially make or break a band. Bragging a huge capacity with standing and seating, many bands who have played there have fallen trap to the vast stage, lacking in a decent sound quality and any sense of an imaginative set. The Apollo has the ability to totally transform the aura of a gig, and this was the exact case with The Magic Numbers.

	Psychedelic lighting, candles, fairy lights and spot lights were all used to enhance the mood of the night, taking the audience back to a happier and hippy orientated era where music was just there to enjoy

Walking into the venue, the mood of the night was on a high. Excitable cheers were projected towards the stage, pints of beer held in the air and I gathered the feeling that if you had come to this gig alone, then you wouldn’t have actually been alone in your enjoyment for the band. A huge backdrop of the foursome covered the entirety of the back wall and the lights dimmed as the venue fell silent.

Romeo and crew entered on stage to a thunderous applause. A cry of sheer appreciation. The minute the music started, the crowd did not literally stop. Whether sober or drunk, everyone’s mood was on the up. The band knew exactly how to please the crowd, Romeo appearing as ever so humble for the chances they took and the honour to play a venue as popular as the Apollo.

A mixture of both albums were played over an hour and a half long set. The years favourites such as “Which way to happy”, “Love me like you”, “This Love”, “Long Legs” were all played with vigour and energy, throwing in the new single “take a chance” surprisingly early into the set. The tone was mellowed down with the beautiful “I see you, You see me” which allowed Angela Gannon to show off her impressive vocal range. The newer material was not as recognised, but as is always the case with a popular band and their classic hits.

The highlight of this gig was the use of the stage and lighting. Psychedelic lighting, candles, fairy lights and spot lights were all used to enhance the mood of the night, taking the audience back to a happier and hippy orientated era where music was just there to enjoy. And you can be slightly over weight, bearded and hairy and still be one of the coolest men in music.

This really was one of the best bands I’ve seen hold the Apollo so well and keep a crowd so entertained. If you don’t love The Magic Numbers by now, then bloody cheer up.

FUTURE GIGS