Gig review – Tango Pirates – 12 October 2012

Tango Pirates – Photo by Sue Bell © 2012

It’s always exciting to see a band you’re not familiar with. In the case of Tango Pirates, who describe their genre as Dark Pirate Rock,  it was that intriguing description, as well as their impressive musical credentials, that made me choose this gig, over two others I could have gone to on the same night.

What musical credentials? Here’s  the short version: Lead singer Danny Fury played with Stiv Bators in Lords of the New Church, so did guitarist Dave Tregunna, who also played in Sham 69. Lead guitarist Timo Kaltio, played with Arthur Kane and Johnny Thunders, to name just two well-known musicians of many he’s played with. There’s a lot more musical history, but if I listed every band these talented musicians have been a part of, I’d take up this entire post.

No matter how great the musical credentials sounded, I still did not know what to expect, but when charismatic Danny Fury took to the stage, looking every inch the striking pirate rockstar,  I knew I was in for a great night.  He exuded a commanding presence, the kind a frontman is meant to have,  making it hard to take your eyes off him, but Timo’s outstanding guitar licks made you take notice no matter what.

The others in the band, had no problem keeping up, with Dave Tregunna on the other side of the stage playing away on his Telecaster, whilst Drummer Steve Grainger and Bassist Vera Wild added their own musical talents to the mix.  It’s nice to see a talented female musician and Vera kicked arse on bass, to put it bluntly.

Playing their own unique exotic brand of rock, Tango Pirates are a great live band. Musically and visually striking with catchy tunes like Deed Is Done and Ghost, which has a great guitar riff. Danny also played a song dedicated to the late Stiv Bators which was a very touching gesture.

This is definitely a band I am looking forward to seeing again, and again.

P.S I want to thank the lovely Sue Bell, who allowed me to use her fantastic photograph of the band above.

Lastly, if you like the band, please go like their Facebook page here. You can also listen to their songs at their Reverbnation profile. Click on the photo below to be taken there. If you’re only going to listen to ONE song, then listen to Lament to the Moon (You should listen to all of them, they’re all brilliant.)

Finally, if you have enjoyed this review, please give my Facebook page a like here. Every like is appreciated!