"Its like a family reunion" mutters Tim Burgess, Charlatans frontman and darling of the unusually diminished Main Debating Hall crowd, tonight slotted in between camera podiums and other assorted broadcasting paraphernalia. It's certainly a strange gig, billed as a homecoming for a band who played this venue on their first ever tour twelve years ago, but really a smart bit of marketing for Channel Four and Carling, the latter plastering their logo across every available space in the union building.
"Get closer than ever before to the North Country Boys," claims the promo material, but other than a gaggle of hysterical fans near the stage, most of whom are certainly too young to have been here the first time, there is little evidence to support Tim's belief that this is some kind of sacred pilgrimage for much of the audience. It is the fourth time the band has played Manchester this year. Liggers abound, including yours truly, supping on free Carling. Manchester celebs, too; Bez bops towards the back of the hall, Tony Wilson skulks in and out, and someone claims to have seen Terry Christian: "No way..."
On stage, the boys do not attempt any kind of musical chronology. TV dictates that for the large part it's Wonderland, their most recent LP, and a smattering of greatest hits. And the gig's all the better for it. 'A man needs to be told' gets battered out, rampantly rising to its furious, beaty climax, and Burgess's falsetto on 'Love is the Key' is sweet and sensual. Indeed, there's nothing to suggest the Charlatans have lost any of their youthful vibrancy. Burgess, especially, sports a close crop and a rugby shirt, and if it wasn't for the clunky gold chain around his neck he could easily pass for a man ten years his junior.
"Manchester's a special place for us" (Tim's reminiscing again). He lives in LA of course, so not that special. Faux- solidarity aside, however, the Charlatans are a great live act, the crowd are appreciative, and - given that the Main Debating Hall was supporting the biggest lighting rig it ever has - it'll probably look fabulous on TV.
Jack Doyle