Madina Lake Farewell Tour

Madina Lake Farewell Tour featuring the Fearless Vampire Killers

Liverpool O2 Academy

October 5th, 2013

Starting the night were local bands Buckle Tongue and Pavilions.  Both bands had a good energy and catchy tunes and could do well if they persevere.  Both bands played sets which show cased their own material and both bands put on  a very good show.

Since last year's Download Festival Fearless Vampire Killers have exploded in popularity and it is not until you see one of their shows that you will understand why.  Fearless Vampire Killers comprise of Kier Kemp, Laurence Beveridge, Drew Woolnough, Cyrus Barrone (real name Shane Sumner) and Luke Illingworth.  Their songs centre around five characters from the fictional world of Grandomina but although written as concept album which tells a story the listener can easily relate to the lyrics of each song and apply them to the struggles that they face in their own lives.

Fearless Vampire Killers took the stage to the theme tune from 'Gremlins' and kicked off tonight's show with my personal favourite 'Bow Ties On Dead Guys', with Kier taking the lead.  Although their unique look and style set this band apart from most other rock bands their stage arrangement is also original, as the lead vocals are shared by both Kier and Laurence, with Kier singing the first half of the set and Laurence the second, while the other takes role as guitarist.   Both men have strong voices and stage presence as well as excellent guitar playing skills.

Other songs played during their set tonight included 'Bite Down On My Winchester',' Cold We Burn, Darling', 'Headlung', and their new song which is being released for Halloween called 'All Hallows Evil' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkgw6eHkj_I).  They even threw in a cheeky cover version of Phil Collins 'Easy Lover'.

Finishing with 'At War With The Thirst', the Fearless Vampire Killers left the stage leaving the hyped-up crowd wanting more.  Fearless Vampire Killers throw their heart and soul into every performance they do, filling the set with energy, enthusiasm, catchy choruses and killer riffs....  Oh and the odd bit of eyeliner and talc! 

Tonight's headliners Madina Lake were playing Liverpool for the first and last time tonight as the current UK tour is the very last one for the band who have decided to call time and finish on their own terms. 

Since their incarnation in 2005 the Chicago quartet consisting of brothers Nathan and Matthew Leone, Mateo Camarg and Dan Torelli have seen their share of ups and downs.

In June 2010 Matthew was badly injured after stepping to the aid of a woman who was being beaten by her husband.  He spent five days in a coma and suffered a fractured skull and broken jaw.  However to see him on stage tonight you would never have thought he had suffered such severe injuries.

Madina Lake had the crowd in the palm of their hands clapping and bouncing throughout the entire show.  Nathan performed 95% of the show  either at the front barrier or on the large speakers at either side of the stage.  He encouraged the crowd to crowd surf and to come up to the stage to meet them and happily high fived them when they did.

Playing songs such as 'Here I stand', 'One last Kiss', 'House of Cards', 'Hey Superstar' and 'Welcome to Oblivion' they gave a great performance and looked as though they thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. 

It is sad to think that this is the last time that Madina Lake will tour the UK as they gave such an amazing performance.  Fans can only hope that somewhere down the line they will miss touring or that they will still consider playing the UK festivals such as Download so that the UK does not lose them completely.