Simon RushworthThe Quireboys @Newcastle The Cluny, May 13 2023
It’s official. The Quireboys are all grown up.
Guy Griffin’s decision to take on the lead vocals from iconic former frontman Spike was bold to say the least.
And in the 14 months since a painfully public split, the backlash has been relentless.
But with both versions of these national treasures steadfastly sticking to their rock and roll guns, there’s a little less vehemence and a lot more acceptance.
Spike’s Quireboys are cracking on with a new album co-written with the late, great Guy Bailey.
Griffin’s gang is piecing together a star-studded Dolly Parton-esque collection of big-name collaborations prior to a new release later this year.
And the latter has seized the opportunity of a fresh start to reboot as a refreshingly mature classic rock combo unafraid of celebrating the hidden gems within the treasure trove that is a banging back catalogue.
Just two years ago it would have been inconceivable to deliver a Quireboys set without Hey You.
But on their return to Newcastle that’s just what Griffin, Paul Guerin and co. did.
With Spike on lead vocals there was little chance of hearing much beyond the original band’s first two records.
Not now.
And in the past, the room for creative manoeuvre was strictly limited: a truly spine-tingling version of I Don’t Love You Anymore confirmed the shackles are off.
Sadly, so was Guerin’s amp. A couple of times.
He was missing in action throughout much of Gracie B and again during Mona Lisa Smiled.
But the boy from Blyth didn’t let the Gremlins get him down in front of family and friends who’d packed The Cluny to celebrate another triumphant homecoming.
Emotionally, it wasn’t quite on a level with last May’s hometown show at the Phoenix.
But performance-wise the difference between the Griffin-fronted Quireboys back then — and the band’s assured display 12 months on — was like night and day.
To Griffinity and beyond!
That Blyth set was played against a backdrop of anger, nerves, rumour, uncertainty and more.
The wounds were still gaping and the public debate raging.
And although the sense of defiance and determination coursing through a steely set won warm praise from a capacity crowd, there was plenty of room for improvement.
A year down the line and Griffin, in particular, is a frontman reborn.
Just days after he’d taken up his role as a pall bearer at Bailey’s funeral, emotions were running high.
But Griffin kept it together in compelling fashion to build on his growing reputation as The Quireboys’ new leader.
Referencing a fabled trip to Los Angeles, during the recording of Quireboys’ debut A Bit Of What You Fancy, the singer recalled how Tom Petty was working in an adjacent studio.
And there were echoes of the late US singer songwriter’s trademark tone as Griffin stamped his own indelible mark on a magical version of Roses And Rings.
Deep cuts Turn Away and 27 Years served as a timely reminder that this talented version of a terrific band still has much to offer in its latest guise.
And new tune Lie To Me hinted that the best may yet be to come.
Of course, Griffin and his band mates aren’t foolish enough to omit all of the Quireboys’ classics.
It would be short-sighted in the extreme to substitute 7 O’Clock and that party starter closed the main set in suitably raucous style.
Who knew that 2022’s ructions would lead to this impressive reimagining?
From Quireboys to men? Sounds and looks like it.
