FM - The Waterfront Studio, Norwich Friday 14th March 2025
Setlist: Tattoo Needle/Black Water/Does It Feel Like Love/Say It Like It Is/ Incredible/Whatever It Is/Killed By Love/Love Lies Dying/Hollow/Crack Alley/All Or Nothing/That Girl/Heartache.
Encore: Desperado/Turn This Car Around.
FM are always entertainingly excellent, they are always electric, but not tonight. This evening, they were close up and personal as they played a magical, glorious acoustic set that was simply outstanding. The smiles that emitted from the small stage engulfed and permeated through the devoted audience.
Devoid of power, the electrical chemistry that came from Steve Overland, Phil Jupp, Merv Goldsworthy, Jem Davis and Jim Kirkpatrick was simply magnetic. The gig kicked off with ‘Tattoo Needle’ from Dead Man’s Shoes (1995), which heralded the end of the first chapter for the band. This was followed by ‘Black Water’ from the latest studio outing, 'Old Habits Die Hard' (2024). What was immediately obvious from this duo of songs was that we were going to be treated to some very deep cuts.
After a long decade, the legendary Firefest Festival saw FM take to the stage for the first time in 12 years. This was seen as a potential one off, but such was the reaction a swift decision was made to reform.
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Metropolis (2010), would see the studio rebirth of one of the greatest UK bands of all time. Since that release a further 7 studio albums have been added to their discography, all of which have seen them maintain an upward trajectory and quality few can match. This reformation has seen Jim Kirkpatrick become the guitarist, his playing is mesmerising and perfectly fits the FM sound. In fact, check out his solo albums for proof!
All the songs on offer tonight have undergone changes to make them suitable for these acoustic shows. ‘Does It Feel Like Love’ from Tough It Out (1989), sees the crowd join in to the chorus, encouraged, not that much was needed, by the amazing front man. His voice still making the hairs stand up and giving goosebumps. Fortunately, it as strong and clear as it was at the beginning on the wonderful Indiscreet album, way back in 1986.
Between every three songs those in attendance get the chance to ask questions, this brings about some jovial banter, some great stories, each member taking part, often creating laughter, it is simply fantastic as is the musicianship. Steve introduces ‘Incredible’ from Heroes & Villains (2015), a ballad that he thinks is one of his very best, laughingly he states that nobody else does. It goes down incredibly well and is one of the nights many highlights.
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‘Killed By Love’, Atomic Generator, really raises the bar, if that is possible, this is continued by ‘Love Lies Dying’, Indiscreet, then we get ‘Hollow’ where I believe one of the night’s most entertaining stories is told, at the expense of Jem. Jem has a recording studio at home and writes a lot of songs there. He then goes to the band and says I have a song we should do, as he starts to sing it a series of squeaks erupt from his voice, which initiates hilarity amongst his band mates. Jem explains that he wrote the song, Steve changed the lyrics to both the verses and chorus and the others changed the music, but it is still his song!
I spend most of the night with my camera standing just in front of Merv, who sits upon a stool. Throughout the gig Merv smiles, a lot and pulls a bewildering range of faces, despite being in his mid-forties, he comes across as a naughty, juvenile joker as he poses for my photos. Not to be out done Pete, sitting almost behind him, at his relatively small drum kit, offers smiles as I point my lens it him. The feeling of togetherness and fun is palpable.
We dip into ‘Crack Alley’, which takes us all the way back to 1991 and the Takin’ It To The Streets album. Again, the reception it receives is awesome. A completely revamped ‘All Or Nothing’ follows from the outstanding Aphrodisiac release (1992). Then back to the very beginning with the ever popular ‘That Girl’, everyone joining in, it is slower, magical and simply immense, Steve’s voice caressing the lyrics, as Jem plays some beautiful keys.
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‘Heartache’ concludes the main set, before the encore. We have been told to expect a new album soon, there is a sense of excitement and expectation because this band never disappoint. Before I continue to the encore, I have to go back to almost the very beginning. The 3rd song played is ‘Say It Like it Is’ Steve describes it as being the first song written by himself and his brother Chris, it is an emotional moment…
Unlike LIVE - No Electricity Required, there is only one cover and that is ‘Desperado’ {The Eagles}, it is a great rendition of the song. We end with ‘Turn That Car Around’ which has become a big fan favourite and Rocks! even in this acoustic environment, taken from 2022’s Thirteen, it is a great way to end proceedings.
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Steve had asked earlier if we wanted a recording of these shows, an overwhelming YES! Was the response, he said some of the shows were being recorded, hopefully it will be out soon. It would be great if some of the highlights from the Q & A sections could be included.
Well, that’s me done, what a wonderful night, one that will stick long in the memory.
By Paul Mace