There’s a solo in opener “Missing On T.V.” where frontman Baz Mills starts doing star jumps, followed by some ferocious headbanging. It’s not entirely clear why – other than the fact that he can. But that’s Massive Wagons in a nutshell: chaotic, charismatic, and completely themselves.
They’re a genuinely brilliant live band, not just because of their energy, but because there’s a message running through everything they do – be yourself. “Fuck The Haters” becomes more than a song; it’s an anthem of defiance and identity.
“Nice Guys” tackles men’s mental health in the most breezy, accessible way imaginable, while “House Of Noise” is a shining reminder of just how good their catalogue is. “Bangin’ On Your Stereo” throws things back to their early days with wide-eyed glee.
It’s more than a decade since they supported Ginger Wildheart – a man they dedicate set closer “We’re In It Together” to – and what they’ve achieved since is nothing short of sensational. If ever a band embodied the maxim be so good they can’t ignore you, it’s Massive Wagons.
Even without a couple of usual staples in the set, and with a criminally short runtime of under half an hour, they still prove they’re one of the finest rock bands this country has to offer.
“How many of you are seeing us for the first time?” asks Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt, before adding, “God damn, where you been?”
Fair question – especially since they’ve been around since the ’80s.
They explode into life with the energy of “(It’s A) Monster” and they’re off.. “Decadence Dance” proves that the best don’t dare slow down. But crucially, this is no nostalgia trip.
They’ve always been about musicianship – and Bettencourt is nothing short of sensational. The groove of “#Rebel” thunders, his solo so good you might as well assume they all are. “Rest In Peace” blends strings, rhythm and weighty lyrics to equally stirring effect.
Gary Cherone remains one of the most athletic frontmen in rock, and the chemistry with Bettencourt – who slides in a bluesy solo before “Am I Ever Gonna Change” – is a joy to watch.
They’re heavier live, too. “Thicker Than Blood,” from their recent album Six, absolutely crunches, while “Play With Me” has never shaken like this before.
“The Other Side Of The Rainbow” starts acoustically – like a lost MTV Unplugged session – but ends in a glorious explosion. “Hole Hearted” brings the biggest singalong of the night, while the acoustic section sees Nuno step out alone for “Midnight Express” before that inevitable moment: “More Than Words.” Your humble scribe may be devoid of romance, but most of Birmingham certainly isn’t.
“Cupid’s Dead” brings some strutting James Brown moves from Cherone, while “Banshee” – brief Queen snippet aside – is even better.
A blast through “Flight Of The Bumblebee” showcases Bettencourt’s absurd skills, and the funk of “Get The Funk Out” paves the way for the finale: “Rise,” which simply seethes.
I was getting on 15 in the summer of 1990 when the second album came out and in the way all brilliant music should, sent me off on a voyage of discovery.
35 years later it led me back here and perhaps Extreme are showing no signs of slowing down – not bad, for some pasty faced white boys.
