7.5.02
Glasgow
Barrowland Ballroom

Sunday Mail (7.14.02)

MAILMUSIC; SUPER SIOUXSIE HAS GOTH THE LOT

Heather Greenaway

SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES

BARROWLAND, GLASGOW 5 July

IT was as though all the older bats had escaped from hell - thirtysomethings in rubber, black lipstick and sporting manic mohawks.

They had come to Barrowland to worship the high priestess of goth.

They were not to be disappointed.

The audience's early Eighties gear was the only thing that looked dated once the band took the stage.

Singer Siouxsie Sioux came out without fright-mask make-up, wearing a classy pinstripe suit.

Supported by drummer husband Budgie, Siouxsie and her Banshees transported the crowds back to her hey-days.

Opening with the droning We Hunger from 1978 album The Scream, the band established a trance-like, hypnotic tone.

The fans were entranced. Dozens of lighters were lit and the smell of incense was overwhelming as the band played Sin In My Heart.

A blast from the past - Christine - was all it took for the crowd to erupt, as fans hurtled down to the stage.

Despite the passing of years, Siouxsie's delivery remains animated. A rendition of 1991 classic Drifter turned up the heat as Siouxsie whipped off her top to reveal a sequin bra.

The band built up a mesmerising stop-and-go pace, with Metal Postcard sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The Dour Diva, whose Dear Prudence hit made her a punk legend, proved she could teach modern bands a thing or two. With her spiky black mullet hairdo still intact, Siouxsie's larger-than-life stage presence ensured all eyes were on her.

Time has not diluted the dynamic quality of the Banshees. By the end, even the unconverted members of the audience were worshipping at Siouxsie's altar.

Contributed by Jerry Burch.