The Godfathers

There was a celebratory atmosphere at The Lexington on Halloween to herald the return of one of the UKs most underrated bands; The Godfathers.

Since their last London outing, supporting Stiff Little Fingers at The Forum, the band has undergone a drastic overhaul with two out and three new members drafted in. They have returned leaner and meaner.

No holds barred, the band tore straight into classic mosher ‘I Want Everything’, sending beers flying, before ‘Coz I Said So’ and ‘Tell Me Why’.

“It’s been a hot day [officially the hottest Halloween since records began] looks like the gates of hell have already opened” said Pete Coyne before launching into ‘I Can’t Sleep Tonight’ from their latest album Jukebox Fury.

“I’m sweating like Rolf Harris in court” Peter jibes, his wit clearly as sharp as ever, much like the two new guitarists. Mauro Venegas who inherits the Kris Dollimore position playing a Gibson (stage left) is of the same mold, fast, furious and flamboyant. Steve Crittall is stage right, playing a Stratocaster and striking ferocious poses as if in a continual battle with his guitar, staring at it with venomous intensity totally consumed in the moment.

Peter and Chris both look comfortable at the centre of their new outfit. Chris carries his bass on his right leg in characteristic fashion, looking as slick as ever in his shiny Italian suit, a Teflon Don if ever I’ve seen one.

‘Unreal World’ and old stormer ‘I'm Unsatisfied’ get the fist punching in full flow followed by the ever-joyful ‘Love Is Dead’. There were no weak links in a well-crafted set-list. It was great to hear ‘I'll Never Forget What's His Name’, as well as live stalwart ‘Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues’ and ‘She Gives Me Love’ with new sticksman Tim James giving a well-polished performance. ‘Lonely Man’ brought the night to a close, a well-versed all-round stylish performance.

With the announcement of the now legendary St Valentines Day Massacre gig set for the Borderline on 14th Feb 2015, we won’t have to wait as long until The Godfathers do battle again. As my brother commented whilst exiting in high spirits “The Godfathers… Kings of rock ’n roll!”
Damn right.


Set list is as as follows:

I Want Everything
Cause I Said So
Tell Me Why
Strange About Today
If I Only Had Time
I Can't Sleep Tonight
I Want You
How Low Is Low
Unreal World
I'm Unsatisfied
Love Is Dead
Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues
This Is Your Life
Just Because You're Not Paranoid Doesn't Mean To Say They're Not Going To Get You!
That's The Way I Feel
I'll Never Forget What's His Name
She Gives Me Love
This Is War

-encore-
Lonely Man
This Damn Nation
Birth School Work Death