Goodbye Mr Mackenzie at Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson

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Time to “fess up”, so I’ve wanted to see this band for ages, but only because my beloved idol Shirley Manson used to be a member of the band.  Not the best reason and they totally proved I should add them to my worship list of amazing musicians in their own right.  Oh, spoiler – it was a good gig!

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The evening started with Ben Lee Collett, local chap who usually sings with The Shackles.  I saw them in Cafe Drummonds back in November.  As a solo act he came across as rather Manchester influenced – Kappa tracksuit and a bucket hat.  He could certainly play the guitar and had a good stage presence, although he’d obviously brought some of his friends and family along for support.

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No one could miss Goodbye Mr Mackenzie arriving on stage, partly because the Lemon Tree stage is not wheelchair accessible so Big John had a bit of a hassle getting to his seat at the front.  Martin Metcalfe is also rather noticeable, although that is more his amazing beard, hat and monogramed overcoat.  Jim Brady of the Rezillos now plays guitar with them, although he does it so well you would think he had been there from the beginning.  They played a great set of new and older songs including His Master’s Voice, Amsterdam, Deacon Brodie, Goodbye Mr Mackenzie and of course their top 40 classic The Rattler.

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The front men are all fascinating to watch, although I felt sorry for Fin Wilson over in the shadows playing bass.  They are all talented musicians and play together wonderfully; even their backing singer who only had 24 hours notice did a great job.  Martin Metcalfe captivates the audience with his spooky moves, when he removed the shades he was wearing he had a black mask painted round his eyes, although by the end of the energetic set it was starting to run down his cheeks!

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Everyone was thrilled when he stepped off the stage unto the barrier in front of it, although I’m still kicking myself for not reaching out and touching him.  Lots of delighted fans got a handshake or similar.  Another highlight was when John Duncan was handed a kid’s plastic gun with flashing lights…and proceeded to play his guitar with it.  Rather an unusual type of plectrum!

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To get an encore we were told they were not moving, understandably, but we had to earn it by making lots of noise.  We obliged happily and were treated to Blacker Than Black and Goodwill City.  A good end to a great and memorable gig.

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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.

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