Review: TV Smith – Foremans – 5th October 2014

 Just over 10 years ago the Licensing Act made a relatively minor change that allowed small pubs and clubs to provide live entertainment without the need for an expensive license. This opportunity has been seized by a number of venues across Nottingham, but by far the most unique venue is a small yellow and black building on the street alongside the Cornerhouse, leading down to Trinity Square. This is Foremans, previously a wine bar and for the last 15 years or so a punk bar. As part of the DIY ethos of punk, approximately 25% of the total floorspace is given over to a ‘stage’ where a ragtag set of first generation punk heroes (XSLF, Vice Squad, Arturo Bassick), new stars (Louise Distras, Brad Dear and Static Kill) and the odd curveball (Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets and Sigue Sigue Sputnik!) have been performing on Sunday nights for the last few years. As you can imagine these are exceptionally intimate gigs with a total ticket allocation of just 50 but you will not get closer or a more personal show with every performer.

TV SMITH falls into this first bracket of performers as the creator and front man of The Adverts, formed in 1976 and one of the first punk bands to enjoy chart success with the controversial but instantly recognisable Gary Gilmour’s Eyes. The Adverts ceased in 1979 but TV Smith continued, first with TV Smith’s Explorers, then as a solo artist, then a band (Cheap), then solo once more. He’s even had a BBC Four documentary on him no less. And on a Sunday night in Foremans ‘cosy’ environs we were treated to a journey through Smith’s career with a monologue linking his stories of disaffected society, a ‘them and us’ angst and a struggle to survive. Watching Smith perform you can see and hear that he has lived this and isn’t just singing words. He has the voice of a man who has lived the life, and accompanied solely by his excellent guitar playing, was truly stunning in this reviewer’s opinion. He held a capacity audience of largely Adverts fans with a set list of mainly his solo work, including songs from his latest release, I Delete (available on his website tvsmith.com). Fans of his original band were not to be disappointed with all the biggest songs (Bored Teenagers, No Time to Be 21 and Gary Gilmore’s Eyes) featuring but it was the energy and wandering tale tying the songs together that held the attention along with the wonderful vocals.

Having had an opportunity to talk to TV Smith (everyone does, it’s that sort of venue) I must say what a genuine and warm man he is, and to hear him perform in such an intimate venue was a pleasure. This was his second visit to Foremans and I suspect he will be back for more in the future given the reception he received. For anyone new to Nottingham, do check out Foremans, particularly on a gig night – it’s an experience not to be missed.

 

Review by RedDom