Rolling Thunder thrill fans with socially distanced sold-out Lab gig

Rolling Thunder headlining The Lab. Photo by David Jackson.

In the run up to Christmas, The Lab was able to bring live music back to Northampton - all be it temporarily before the town returned to tighter coronavirus restrictions.

Sarah Becker headed to the Charles Street music venue to witness something which has sadly been a rarity this year.

With the live music scene looking strangely like a lyric from The Specials, “This town is coming like a ghost town,” the fact that Rolling Thunder managed to make any noise at all, was a cause for celebration.

The Comms performing at The Lab. Photo by David Jackson.

Top marks to The Lab, for hosting three live performances as we approached Christmas, just before Northampton was plunged into Tier 3.

Supported by The Comms and Lewis Beahan, it was clear Rolling Thunder were just pleased to be there.

So pleased that bassist Joel Sweet and drummer Josh Green took their shirts off mid set - much to the delight of some socially distanced fans at the back of the venue. Back to the set.

Inspired by the likes of Oasis and the Arctic Monkeys, it’s not hard to see where this up-and-coming band gets their name from.

Lewis Beahan performing at The Lab. Photo by David Jackson.

Music was powered by three guitarists in the five-piece who delivered a joyful and competent 14-track set.

The most haunting and memorable song perhaps, with its eclectic guitar riffs and punchy vocals by singer Charlie Smith, was John Doe.

Virtual Greyhounds and Smackdown were also two other highlights.

Rolling Thunder released the 12” EP, The Nightshop: After Hours earlier this year and sound equally impressive live as on vinyl.

A shout out also to The Comms and front man Liam Taylor who delivered an energetic performance, at times kneeling on the stage or climbing onto the venue’s speaker stack.

Also, to Lewis Beahan who warmed up the crowd with a wistful melodic performance.

Thanks must go out to The Lab for tempting us back with a taste of live music – all be it one where fans were seated and the venue conformed to all of its coronavirus regulations and restrictions.

The gig was an all too short reminder of exactly what we have missed this year and will continue to miss into 2021 as Northampton remains in Tier 3 and we wait for the live music scene to re-emerge.

Since this gig, the venue has also hosted the Karl Phillips Lockdown Christmas online gig which featured sets by Madame Electrifie, Aon, Mark Ski and Phillips.

The Lab also has a Crowdfunder page where anyone can make a donation to help the venue pay its ongoing costs during the latest lockdown.

For more information, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-labs-lockdown