Please note that the views expressed in these fan reviews are not necessarily those of SIS OnLine.

This second unplugged gig for the new line-up in the space of a week saw the band headline the Acoustic Festival at Dorford Hall Park, deep in the heart of Cheshire. Two large white marquee tents and a big red bus converted into a bar were the centre attraction for this laid-back weekend of music that attracted music fans young and old to the little country town of Nantwich.

In the build up to the Meninblack, we were treated to such diversity as Hayseed Dixie, Glenn Tilbrook (ex Squeeze), Mike Peters (ex Alarm) and 3 Men & Black (minus JJ). Pauline Black informed us that JJ was somewhere on the motorway and wouldn’t be playing with them, which was disappointing. JJ’s stand-in was Eric Faulkner, ex Bay City Rollers, which was surreal, really -- Maninblack replaced by Man in tartan!

The Stranglers stage was being set up from about 8.15 and the atmosphere was building nicely. Fans from far and wide had converged on the Mornflake tent and began to make t heir presence felt. A lot of the festival crowd had set out deck chairs from early on and claimed prime space at the front of the barriers. They were soon joined by the Men, Women and Kids-in-black, eager to see their heroes perform unplugged.

It’s fair to say that this was not the usual Stranglers audience; familiar faces were joined by many who stayed out of curiosity to see what the band had to offer them. The appearance of the organizer on stage reading out his list of thank you’s that went on just a bit too long was greeted by a loud chorus of “Stranglers, Stranglers”. He soon left the stage, to great cheers.

9.30: Right on schedule, Jet took his position behind the somewhat smaller than usual drum rig. JJ followed and sat down with his acoustic Bass. They began the intro to “Instead Of This”. Baz, Dave and guest percussionist Neil, from The Temple of Sound, made their entrance and were all seated ready for action. The set was a mixture of “Laid Black” and old favourites rarely played acoustically. From “Norfolk Coast”, we were treated to “Dutch Moon”, “Long Black Veil” and “Sanfte Kuss”, with Dave playing acoustic guitar. Dave also played guitar on a rousing version of “Old Codger”. Baz was on harmonica and improvising on the lyrics, much to the amusement of the crowd. The sound was perfect and the band were really enjoying themselves. There was some great banter between JJ, Baz and the crowd. “Don’t Bring Harry” was the request shouted by one fan. “We Won’t” came the reply from JJ quick as a flash. “Golden Brown” was given a jazz arrangement with extended intro as Baz welcomed us to the jazz club…”nice” (JJ).

Baz has settled into his new front role alongside JJ comfortably; on Strange Little Girl he sounded sweet and sincere, proving his great vocal range. One new song from the forthcoming album “Suite XVI” was played -- “I Hate You”. JJ dedicated it to anyone who has a hate. “Do you hate your neighbour’s BBQ smells?” he asked. The song is a country style ditty about all the things JJ hates and will surely become a live favourite. All too soon we were treated to “Walk on By” and it was all over for another night.

September and October bring The Stranglers Suite XVI tour and no doubt a much changed set list. We can look forward to hearing the full-on version of I hate You, the new single “Spectre Of Love” and whatever other gems the album has in store for us.

Set List:
Instead Of This; Long Black Veil; Dutch Moon; European Female; Princess of The Street; Strange Little Girl; Always The Sun; In The End; English Towns; Southern Mountains; Golden Brown; Cruel Garden; Never To Look Back; No More Heroes; I Hate You; Old Codger; Santfe Kuss. Encore: Walk on By.

It's been a while since The Stranglers were last in Australia. If a British-based band can make it out to Australia on the strength of their own artistic ability, then they're usually bloody good. This land is, logistically, a tough place to tour. When they were touring for the release of "Black and White", I was barely into my teens. Queensland was then a quiet, remote, cultural outpost, run by corrupt, vicious, senile old cowboys that should have instead been playing with their grandkids... "Nuclear Device" subsequently documented the Stranglers' experiences in our time and place (in the "deep north"). No-one else had the musical and lyrical strength to punch through this arid, empty dullness, and I loved them for it... Over the years, I've enjoyed and loved their uniquely intense, creative journey from afar, until the Men in Black fired up onstage here, at Brisbane's Tivoli Theatre, Oct 8th, 2004...

Ho, ho, ho...!!! ...Haven't they thundered back to form..! "Norfolk Coast", as an album is, on balance, as good as anything they've ever done. Don't remember the exact set list, as they kept rapidly assaulting us with sharp, stampeding, zapping renditions of their classic material and covers, from "Get a Grip", through many of their fifteen albums to say... "I've Been Wild". It was all good...so brilliantly, reassuringly good...and plenty of it...I could barely drink enough Bundy rum and coke to keep up...honest...

JJ [and his monstrous bass amps] looked as strong, imposing and visceral as he has always sounded. Karate and classical guitar have obviously served him well. Jet seems to be a calming influence, with his ever-perfect, right-on-the-nail drumming. Dave, the perfect counterpoint, in both style and substance, even puts Ray Manzarek in the shade. Paul Roberts is a tremendously strong, talented frontman and Baz Warne reminds us of what good, strong, sharp guitar playing is really about. Whatever gap the lineup ever had has been well and truly filled (no offence, Hugh...still love your work). They all gleefully attacked their material and delivered it with a vivacious intensity and accomplished musical strength that is pretty rare in this now post-MTV world. ..Well done, boys...

During the second encore, one of the pogoing, cheering, hysterically happy gals in front of JJ threw a pair of knickers (yes, knickers...not bottles, or furniture) to him. JJ (he didn't blink) looked across at Paul and Baz, as if to say," Shit..! ..It looks like we've still got it..."

Paul dedicated "Mine, all Mine" to our soldiers, and "...we hope they all come home"...these Men in Black are honorary Australians, let there be no doubt...Time to put my trusty Triumph Sprint on a boat, and come over and stay awhile...and see it all in context.

This was the first time I was going to see The Stranglers this year, and I was egging to hear the new album live. It was also good to be seeing them where they started from all those years ago..from above an off-licence, to the area's biggest festival.

I read someone else's review about the bass on the intro to Norfolk Coast and couldn't wait to hear it for myself. JJ told me backstage that I wouldn't be disappointed, and sure enough, when the bass came, it blew Guildford away. There were people from all ages there, faces vibrating away with every pluck of JJ's plectrum as it struck those big thick strings on his mighty black bass guitar. It was worth the year waiting for this alone.

Instead of getting crushed at the front watching the band play, I decided to "go for it" in the mosh pit instead. The atmosphere was ecstatic and everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. This is where I might spend the rest of my gigging years, with people dancing away with The Stranglers' out of this world music.

My second favourite song of the evening was Lost Control. Paul sings this very differently from the album, with a very aggressive voice, bringing out what the song is all about. Again, the bass halfway through this song was smashing all the way through my internal organs, on the brink of causing internal bleeding. F*%king fantastic is the only way I can describe it.

Mine all mine, I've been wild, Big Thing Coming, and Long Black Veil were also sung from the new album, and the usual big hits. There were people there only to see Blondie, who were on stage next, and had never seen The Stranglers before. I was talking to them, and they were surprised at how many hits The Stranglers had. There were won over by the whole set and atmosphere, and I'm sure they will be buying the new album and the hits albums now.

I was speaking to Baz afterwards and he told me he was rusty that night. I found no fault on the evening, either by having so much fun in the pit, or just by enjoying the whole experience that evening. Baz and the rest of the band seemed to be enjoying the whole set, as was the whole of Guildford.

I believe they stole the night, and I can't wait to see them all again later this year.

Read Alex's diary of these gigs here.

Perth City Hall was a brilliant venue for a Stranglers concert since the downstairs hall allowed fans to get up "real close" to the band and the upstairs balcony gave everyone up there a perfect view to enjoy the band.

What a night! Great excitement as we heard the familiar "Waltzinblack" intro - all the seats in the hall were promptly vacated and the Stranglers faithful made their way to the stage. The band was greeted to roars of approval - we were thrilled at seeing the Stranglers again...

And they all looked great and sounded fantastic. The set was almost the same as that played at Glasgow Carling Academy at the beginning of the Norfolk Coast tour in March 2004.

Paul had great banter with some fans on the balcony - all of whom were singing along to each song and he also spent some time "interacting" with fans in the front row of the stage.

At least 5 fans climbed onto the stage throughout the set - what a laugh! One fan managed to sing along with Paul - the band seemed to really enjoy all of this "carry on" - our favourite antic of the night was when one of the Stranglers faithful wanted to shake hands with JJ - but JJ was in the middle of No More Heroes wasn't he?? But as soon as he could, JJ shook hands with the guy - how cool is JJ??

The band truly is fantastic and we want them to continue touring forever (never abandon Scotland). If you are a Stranglers fan (or were) we would urge you to get along to see the band perform live - we promise you will not be disappointed.

Play List:

Waltzinblack (intro); Norfolk Coast; Skin Deep; Big Thing Coming; Peaches; I Don't Agree; All Day and All of the Night; Always the Sun; Long Black Veil; Golden Brown; Tuckers Grave; Duchess; Lost Control; Who Wants the World; I've Been Wild; Grip; Something Better Change; Tank.

First Encore: Walk on By; 5 Minutes
Second Encore: Mine All Mine; No More Heroes

Having gone to my first overseas Stranglers gigs in Germany, France and Belgium this spring, I could not turn down the opportunity when the Greece gigs were advertised.

The play list for the Greek tour was exactly the same as for the UK and European Norfolk Coast tour. The venue for Athens was Gagarin 205 out in the suburbs, a very desolate looking venue and, to my dismay, a place closed in the afternoon when I tried to get a ticket; a ticket window to the side of the entrance opened at 8PM.( doors opened at 8:30). The hall was huge and dark with no real features except a walkway across the top of the back of the stage with a toilet at one end. Dave could be seen from time to time on this walkway out having a cigarette. The crowd was well behaved to some degree, but I got the impression that they were there to see a band in their local club rather than be fans of the band. A few objects were thrown from the crowd including the odd plastic glass, which would'nt do any real harm. But there's always one idiot.... After a disagreement he decided to make himself heard, again and again being more agitated every time. Paul gave him as good as he got with some Greek insults (impressive!),but then enough was enough. One spitting incident on Paul's bare chest was the limit; more insults followed at which point Baz broke a string. JJ left the stage and we were all wondering what was going on...was he coming back or had he had enough/ Answer: he had had enough, but on his return he was armed to his teeth with.... Gaffer tape. He was straight off the stage, vaulted over the barrier and set about the obscene individual taping his mouth firmly shut and then turned him round to show the crowd by lifting him up. Oddly enough nobody else gave any real bother after that. You can't condone idiots but the end result made for great entertainment. Nice one JJ.

The next day after a flight from Athens to Thessaloniki it was to Pyli Axiou in the industrial area near the seafront. A more inviting looking place, apart from the crowds out front. The Greeks do not understand queuing and prefer to just mob. Here I met up with an English couple I had met at the Hamburg gig. Tania showed me her ticket 0001 which they had got earlier in the day, John's ticket to my surprise was 0000. We reminisced about the previous night's added entertainment. The building was awesome, with a huge glass roof -- it was like the band was playing outside but without the associated hassles. The accoustics were excellent and this evening passed off with just the extraordinary music to entertain us but that's enough isn't it? This was the high point of the week even for the locals, as the "what's on" in Thessaloniki guide had the band as the main feature with them on the cover. If you fans out there want a different experience, with no pushing to get to the front to see your favourite band, save up and go abroad. You will always see some familiar faces...and not just on the stage.

With the excitement of UK leg of the Norfolk Coast tour fresh in my mind, I travelled to Berlin to catch one of the European gigs. The Knaack Klub was in the east of the city and was tiny. A small, low corner stage was at one side of a very dark room. No barrier, no security, and no support band.

I fully expected not to know a soul there but was surprised by a few familiar faces that had also made the trip from the UK. I think I remember reading once somewhere that a Berlin audience was among the most difficult to impress, so it was going to be interesting to see if the lads could win them (us) over. The band entered by the same door and climbed onto the stage via the audience, who were crammed into every square cm of available floor and ledge space. The setlist was identical to that of the UK tour, alternating Norfolk Coast tracks with the familiar Mk I hits. Paul dedicated Tucker's Grave to the victims of Madrid, Bali, Istanbul and September 11th.

In 24 years of Stranglers gigs I have never been to one as ‘up close and personal’ as this one. For those long time fans, it was probably reminiscent of gigs in the early days. It was very hot and very sweaty, and everyone was having a great time. The sound quality was as good as I’ve ever heard it.

The travelling fans later agreed, it was well worth it to experience something that little bit different. And as for the Berliners, they were definitely impressed!

Took up our seats halfway through the Goldblade set. Out of the eight of us, three to four thought they were alright, a good warm up for the lads. When the lights went down and the first few bars of Waltzin Black came over the PA, I got a right good old tingle down the spine. First track -- Norfolk Coast -- a great opening on bass (oh the bass) and then great riff into the vocals. My mate who hasn't seen them since the late eighties give me that look of 'awesome or what'. Straight into Skindeep, which kind stopped my adrenalin in its tracks, but another classic. The band looked well comfortable, and to be honest Paul Roberts has made the transition from Hugh Cornwell replacement to full- on front man on a mission. The lad is a fine vocalist and Hugh was not missed. I had a bit of a heated discussion afterwards with a guy who thought Hugh was the only thing missing -- deluded.

The opening to Peaches was an almighty assault on the speakers. The bass seemed louder than all the other instruments put together; even JJ had a smile on his face. Lots of classics were played and by the time we'd had a few jars, standing up was the order of the day. How can you sit down to Tank? There was a guy in front with his four-year-old son, who later told us he was massively into Black&White. His fav being Tank, what a night he was having. Well, like all memorable gigs it all seemed to pass far too quickly. I was well pleased the way the new stuff came across, cos obviously the old material speaks for itself. The only black mark was when some ****wit threw an object at Paul Roberts, but he gave him short shrift while JJ looked on unruffled (big softy these days).

Songs played (not in order): Norfolk Coast; SkinDeep; Peaches; Tank; No More Heroes; Who Wants the World; Grip; Walk on By; Mine all Mine; Big Thing Coming; Long Black Veil, I've Been Wild; Lost Control; 5 Minutes; Duchess; Something Better Change; Golden Brown; Always the Sun; Into the Fire; Tuckers Grave; I Don't Agree; All Day and All of the Night.

Roll on the next time -- the meninblack have landed.

Having just finished reading a rave review of The Stranglers gig in Scotland's biggest selling Sunday newspaper we want to add our thoughts for all Stranglers fans to read....

We made another trip through to Glasgow to see our favourite band and boy was it worth while. It is difficult to convey in words how fantastic the band is performing live. The Academy was packed with fans anxiously waiting to see their heroes. It was heartening to see such large numbers being so enthusiastic towards the band. When we first became Stranglers fans xxxx years ago, one of the main characteristics that we loved was JJ's thumping bass - what a welcome return hearing it at full strength once again. Norfolk Coast is a Stranglers album right up there with their very best work -- blending the traditional Stranglers' sound with new innovative material. On the night, the band was in sparkling form. Where does Paul get his energy from?? Baz's guitar work was outstanding especially during Golden Brown and Walk on By. Dave's classic keyboards are much in evidence on the new material particularly on Big Thing Coming. Jet's drumming was perfect as usual and JJ - what a hero - fabulous bass throughout and what a start to No More Heroes!

We really hope the band enjoyed playing to their Scottish fans as much as we enjoyed hearing them. We hope they return to Scotland very soon...

The play list was as follows: Intro - Waltz in Black; Norfolk Coast; Skin Deep; Big Thing Coming; Peaches; I Don't Agree; All Day & All Of The Night; Long Black Veil; Golden Brown; Tucker's Grave; Duchess; Lost Control; Who Wants The World; I've Been Wild; Grip; Something Better Change; Tank.

1st encore - Walk on By; Five Minutes.
2nd encore - Mine All Mine; No More Heroes.

I first saw the boys on "The Raven" tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse in 1980 and have followed their progress since. However, during the last year I have seen them in concert 5 times now and must say that they are performing better now than they`ve ever done. The current line-up has "gelled" magnificently and you can see that they are enjoying themselves. Gill and Stewart Pert described the NC Glasgow gig superbly (see above, ED), so I thought I would mention the performance in Newcastle.

It was the first night of the Norfolk Coast tour, and there was an air of excitement, discussing over a few beers what set & in what order they would perform. Standing beside fans who had travelled as far as us (Blackburn, London etc...even Baz`s neighbours were there). Just on 9pm "Waltzinblack" brought the boys on stage opening with the superb "Norfolk Coast", which for me is The Stranglers at their best. Again, as per previous sets, "Skin Deep" is on second, followed by "Big thing Coming", "Peaches", "I Don`t Agree" and "Long Black Veil" where the new hits are received very well. Big favourites "All Day", "Duchess", "Always the Sun" and "Golden Brown" work the packed Newcastle Arena to a frenzy.

"Lost Control" proves a bit hit live with Paul`s energy outstanding (for me, the new "Sinister" live). "Tank" was the last before they went off first which was excellent, however the four encores played blew everyone away with the performace of Baz on "Walk on By" as good as I have seen. The order of the encores were "Walk on By" and "5 Minutes". 2nd encores - "Hanging Around" (which had been replaced by "Mine all Mine" by the Glasgow gig 5 days later) and lastly "No More Heroes" completed the set at approx. 10.45pm. Delighted at the cross-section of fans at the concert - we`re all getting older however the gigs seem to be getting better. Looking forward to the Perth gig on May 29th & a couple of festivals down south later in year.

There was a good-sized crowd gathered at the HMV store well before The Stranglers was due to start. Their new CD was plastered all over the store, awaiting their new customers. The new album will not disappoint them, but for me, it's far better live, the way I have heard most of it up until now.

Just after 5 o'clock, JJ, Paul, Baz and Dave came down the stairs to take their places on their stools. Paul joked with the gathered mass before opening up the set with "Always The Sun", a firm crowd favourite to get them in the mood. Where was Jet though? Paul let us know that he might be in the building. "Strange Little Girl" was next, one that Paul seems to love to sing all the time.

JJ had his turn singing next, with one of my all-time favourites, "In The End". I have this song on so many formats and could listen to it all day. Dave was slightly off time, which sent JJ into giggles near the end. Well, I never heard the laughing version before, but not as many giggles as Elvis' "Are You Lonesome Tonight" :-)

Paul came back on for the first song from the new album, a crackin' acoustic version of "Mine All Mine". This is one of my favourite live songs now and the acoustic version was just as good. The crowd seemed to agree as well as the newsgirl from Central TV.

It was now time for Jet to come on, but he was nowhere to be found. Paul reckoned he was visiting all the McDonalds in the city. Still not to be found, he thought on his feet and played "Sinister" with Baz until Jet could be found. This was a cracker of a song on the guitar. Wish I had my camcorder handy. Always forget the bugger at times like this.

Jet then came onto the set to a massive welcome from the fans and took his place behind his one drum and egg whisks instead of the usual sticks. We were then treated to another two songs from the Norfolk Coast album. "Dutch Moon" and Sanfte Kuss", which should actually be spelt Sanfter Kuss or Sanfte Küsse, depending on singular or plural. My German wife helped me with the translation, spotter. :-) Anyway, pettiness aside, the versions were great. It was also the first time I saw Dave take stage with a guitar. It looked a bit like the 3 Men & Black gigs with so many guitars.

After the small set, we all went to the tabled assembled to the side to have our CDs, vinyl, posters and all-sorts signed by the band. A good few CDs were bought that day, so let's hope this all helps to get them well up into the album charts.

As a lifelong Stranglers fan and one of probably only two Brits (the other my brother) at this one-off gig I couldn't let the opportunity pass without describing how good the boys were and how good the new material sounded. Having been to 25-odd Stanglers gigs in UK, this certainly felt different and you could almost sense the novelty factor amongst the crowd. Speaking to a few of the Serbians in the audience, they really appreciated the effort the boys had made to get over since such gigs are a rarity. I suppose we get really used to seeing them regularly but for fans over there it was quite rightly a really big deal. According to one lifelong fan the last band to appear in Serbia was the Anti-Nowhere League. Enough said !

The coincidence factor of visiting Belgrade for the first time (to visit my brother) and finding out that the group that we both have been trying to spread the gospel about for the last 25 odd years were playing a gig that same night was fantastic. And then realising at Heathrow that the boys were on the same flight ...well it doesn't get much better. Upon speaking to them it was great to find out they are really decent blokes who are obviously happy to talk to their fans.

The gig itself was very well-received and featured quite heavily on the Serbian media (with the coverage authorised or not!). There was a good mixture of classics (Always the Sun, Peaches, Something Better Change, Walk on By (Baz excellent as usual), Hanging Around etc.) with stuff on the new album (the brilliant Big Thing Coming, Mine All Mine, Norfolk Coast etc.). One new track was attempted (apologies, can't recall which one) only to be stopped halfway through with JJ saying, "No, that's shite." Which prompted the Serbian punk rocker next to me to ask, "What is the difference between shit and shite?!"

Yet another excellent gig by the world's greatest group. Looking forward to the London and Cambridge gigs.