FALL RISE AGAIN

28-12-2006

John Peel punk-era favourites The Fall are heading to the West Midlands in March with a gig at The Robin in Bilston.

Fronted by legendary Manchester curmudgeon Mark E Smith - a man who's delivered the sack more times than Santa - this is a band who can infuriate and enliven in equal measure.

Onefan website lists more than 60 musicians who've played with Smith over the past 30 years which helps account for some ofhiserratic performances - although the singer's own, er, inconsistent personality may also have something to do with it.

Their most recent local gig in October at the Medicine Bar in Birmingham began with a nigh on unbearable video mix of Tom Jones and the Jackson 5, before Smith shambled on stage to deliver an awesome, sneering performance that belied the years of rock n' roll excess that have undoubtedly taken their toll on his body - if not on his jagged lyrics and acid tongue.

Chugging r n'b played with '77 era venom remains the musical trademark, no matter how many new faces pass through - although the fact that the latest line-up is described as his ”American band” (the same as in Brum) leads one to believe that there may at last be some sense of continuity in Mark's mad world. Just don't depend on it.

Suffice to say, if you've never seen Smith and co before, don't miss this one - and if you've been put off by a ropey performance in the past, their most recent form suggestsThe Fall areon the rise again.

Read Martin Longley's review of The Fall at the Medicine Bar here.

The Fall play The Robin, Mount Pleasant, Bilston on Monday, March 5. Tickets £15 advance, £16 on the door. Tel 01902 401211 or www.therobin.co.uk