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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
Gun photos by J N Photography Aberdeen: https://ashotinthedark.weebly.com/
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Back in October this band did a wee acoustic set in HMV, as we reported. It wet our whistles nicely for the “proper gig” as part of “The Calton Songs” Tour to celebrate their latest album. They were supported by Inverness band Bad Actress and then Gin Annie.
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Neither of these bands were known to me, or the group I was with, previously. We were very impressed with Gin Annie, they had a great stage energy, were obviously talented musicians and each member had a very individual style. I really enjoyed the song Fallin’ in particular.
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Gun performed a full electric set featuring songs from the new album, starting with Backstreet Brothers. They included several of the much loved older songs, and of course their fabulous cover of Word Up!
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There was a cheeky wee comment, refering to the World Cup, before they sang Coming Home. Dante Gizzi, the lead singer, also made a comment about us needing Better Days before singing that song. It’s the individual moments like this that make attending gigs so addictive. Singing along to Steal Your Fire it was easy to forget about the world outside – the snow, the stress of preparing for Christmas – and just be in the moment enjoying the beat and the togetherness of Gun fans loving Gun.
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This was the last gig in the tour so they explained they were going to let their Tour Manager have one go on the drums, it turned out this was Craig Kneale, formerly with Twin Atlantic, and a very good drummer he is indeed! Not that Paul McManus needs replacing!
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Gun have been around for many years, and the line up has changed several times, but the current team certainly works a treat. Dave Aitken was in the original line up and has made a come back, having to learn 16 songs in 2 weeks to catch up with the rest of the band! You’d have never known though! Brothers Guiliano and Dante Gizzi have been constants throughout, although Dante used to play bass and now sings lead.
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I had quite a crush on Dante already, having seen him previously with Gun and the amazing El Presidente. During this gig his cheeky grin, his energy and his wondrous voice have only enhanced that.
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It was a fabulous night and they ended by saying that they thought they should come back to Aberdeen every December, just as they traditionally play the Barrowlands. Here’s hoping that was not just the euphoria of ending the tour, and the rum, talking. Roll on next year’s gig!
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Official website: https://www.gunofficial.co.uk/
Bad Actress https://www.badactress.net/
Gin Annie: https://www.ginannie.com/
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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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