A night for revolution
So by now I’m sure you’ve seen the awesome video that accompanies Ferocious Dog’s new single, Pentrich Rising. I was lucky enough to be asked to pop along to be an extra a few weeks ago, and was of course sworn to silence ahead of the release. I was really looking forward to being a torch-wielding would-be revolutionary, emerging from the trees to provide back up to the band who of course played the part of the ringleaders, but on the night ended up taking the metaphorical King’s Shillings and becoming a member of the army. Bad times! Although it did render me more visible the final cut I suppose! It was great fun to be involved in a small way and witness just how much work and preparation goes into what is really quite a short video!
Suddenly last week the message thread where we’d been organising the video shoot piped up again, which was interesting. It was Ken inviting us to pop over to Derby Gaol on the single launch day for a short private gig to mark the release date of the video. Launch day of course was the anniversary of the rising all those years ago, and the location of course was the very location where the story ended for the ringleaders of that attempted revolution, on the end of a rope and then a beheading. How exciting was that? Obviously I immediately cleared my calendar for that evening and looked forward to it!
It was so good to catch up with lots of friends I’ve not seen for months and months. I work in Derby so headed into town a little earlier than needed, taking the chance to grab a haircut and a drink before making my way to the deeply creepy venue. Years ago I spent an overnight vigil there, so it brought back some memories of that too! I’d heard a little sound-checking whilst wandering around the area, so was feeling excited already. Inside the rear courtyard area a stage was set up and some seating for the audience – a Covid limited one, suitably spaced out – and so many people I’ve not seen in absolutely ages, it was bliss and – if I’m honest – a little overwhelming at times.
Lockdown has been so tough for all of us, in a myriad of different ways. I’ve had some real struggles over the last few weeks in particular that I’m just coming out the other side of, and I’m certain everyone has had their own difficulties and battles to get through during this bloody weird time. It makes “normal” things seem so alien, being amongst a group of familiar people at once a comfort, but also a little bit scary. It was mostly a comfort, I hasten to add, but it was strangely exhausting. I guess like everything, socialising takes a little bit of training!
The band took to the stage, and the immediate thing I saw was an unfamiliar long-haired chap brandishing a bouzouki. After an informative introduction from the gaol proprietor – telling us the story of the rising, Ken took to the mic and introduced us to what turns out to be a new band member – Sam Wood. Sam has joined to replace Johnny Edwards who has decided to step down, I’m sad I didn’t get to see that particular line-up in the Ferocious Dog history but of course, I would echo what Ken said and wish him well in what comes next for him and thank him for his contribution to the forthcoming album. And of course, a huge welcome to Sam.
Gallows Justice opened the set – apt given the setting! Sam got to take centre stage for the off, and smashed the distinctive intro. It felt quite emotional as it kicked in, of course sitting down and not dancing isn’t a natural way to watch FD, but this is the first full band set I’ve seen since I can’t even remember! Sitting next to Wez of course helped keep that a bit grounded, because he is one of life’s natural comedians! Poor Angry and Young followed, making me think back to From Without tour times and then it was in to Cry of the Celt. A rousing start for sure.
Then it was time for the showcase track, Pentrich Rising sounds just as good live as it does recorded. As I type it’s sitting somewhere in the top 20 in the Apple Music alternative track charts, which is ace. Ken was able to point at the ominous bulk of Derby Gaol looming over us as it was reference the lyrics. But they were, perhaps understandably, resolved to keep their powder dry on new tracks for the rest of the set. Spin was next – as Sam was about to launch into what was initially a very good sounding soaring whistle solo Ken came in a little too early and ruined it, which was funny – lack of match practice I guess!
The Glass, Lyla, Hell Hounds, Mairi’s Wedding Pt II and Slow Motion Suicide finished off a bijou set, with a reprise of Pentrich Rising to finish, as well as a quick happy birthday from Ken to one of the gaol volunteers (Happy birthday Gina!). It was so good to be out and hearing live music, to see people – it’s really whetted my appetite for the Arboretum gig later this month.
So it’s a busy time in Ferocious Dog land – lots to learn for Sam, more videos in the pipeline, an album to launch and a return to gigging as normality tentatively reasserts itself on the world. More on the album later, I think – I’ve been lucky enough to hear some of it and I’m sure as we get closer to launch I’ll have more to say. On that, for this evening even the heightened emotions I was already feeling I’m glad a particular track from the album didn’t make the set, not because I don’t like it – quite the contrary – but because it would have probably reduced me to bawling in a most undignified manner. It’s a teasy observation I make deliberately because I don’t think FD have ever quite done that to me before!
There’s a lot to be excited about! I feel like I’m starting to get my mojo back, for sure.