While the rest of Sheffield was out celebrating with one-too-many alcopops or watered-down pints of lager on 'Mad Friday', just over 200 of us were tucked away under the city's streets, witnesses to a pretty special festive treat. Underneath the Central Library might seem like an unusual spot for a gig, but the Library Theatre is a perfectly-proportioned Art Deco gem, and fortunately absent of any over-zealous librarians 'shushing' between the stacks. I'd been before to watch Banksy's 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' at Sheffield Doc/Fest, and was intrigued to see how one of the city's most lively acts, Hey Sholay, would fare in a more austere venue.
The reception for the first support act, HarleyLikesMusic is a little thin on the ground, as most of the audience are milling around in the tiny foyer, eyeing up tie-dye t-shirts. A set played entirely on Nintendo DS is an innovative idea, but it somehow doesn't quite hold the crowd's attention. Still, its an indication that tonight is going to be something a little different, and showcases the variety of talent which Sheffield's musicians have to offer of late.
David J. Roch and Neil McSweeney warmed up the audience with their beautiful folk-tinged harmonies, starting with a rendition of 'O come, O come, Emmanuel'. Next was a ballad from the perspective of a prisoner at Christmas performed by McSweeney, followed by two original songs. Roch informs us he worked as an undertaker and has seen his fair share of festive suicides, and accompanies this tale with a heart-wrenching song about love and despair. The songs may have been melancholy, but the set was far from it, with Roch and McSweeney joking with the crowd and bouncing off each other like a well-honed double act. The pair rounded off with a cover of 'Lonely This Christmas', which even elicited a meagre sing-along from the courteous crowd.
The poor theatre staff seemed slightly overwhelmed by the number of people clamouring for the bar between acts, but luckily there were band-members galore on hand to help out with merch and ticket duties. There was even a raffle and Christmas biscuits on offer, adding to the feel that this was about saying thank-you to friends and fans. I was lucky enough to blag a deluxe copy of their album ((O)), which came hand-stitched in its own tie-dye pocket, with bonus disks and notes on the writing and production process amongst other anecdotes.
As we shuffled back to our seats for the final act, a wave of excitement reached right up to the rafters.It's been well-publicised within the Sheffield scene (and further afield) that Hey Sholay recently fell victim to thieves, having their van containing all their gear stolen. Tonight various local acts have helped out, including The Crookes (whom they recently supported on tour in November) and Richard Hawley, restoring the band to their full glory. They open the set with 'Shut the Devil At the Backdoor' followed by 'Burning', filling the room with their own brand of psychedelic indie-pop. Twinkling guitars sparkle through 'The Bears the Clocks the Bees' and ‘My Blood’ gets everyone singing along.
The singing doesn't stop there, as the audience joins singer Liam Karima in congratulating his Nan (sat on the front row) on her '35th' birthday. The show climaxes with an awe-inspiring rendition of 'Wishbone (Wish Wish Wish)' which gets the theatre up on our feet for the first time. Despite the standing ovation, Hey Sholay decline the chance for an encore, although no one leaves disappointed. With everyone drunk on Christmas spirit, the atmosphere as we leave the venue is euphoric. It was the perfect show to end a great year for Hey Sholay, and hopefully an indication that they have the staying-power to keep captivating fans in 2013.
Friday 21st December @ The Library Theatre, Sheffield
Thanks to Counterfeit Magazine for choosing me as their competition winner!
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