Del Amitri – Live Review – Leeds O2 Academy

By Victoria Holdsworth, December 2024

Tonight promised to be something special as Del Amitri took to the stage in Leeds, performing to a packed O2 Academy.

The 13th of July 1992 is a date forever etched in my memory. It was the first time I saw them perform live, at Birmingham Symphony Hall, where I was also fortunate enough to meet them briefly after the gig — all on a school night!

It was that very gig that inspired me to become a music journalist, and I haven’t looked back since. Tonight, however, was an evening of reflection. With such a rich back catalogue to cherry-pick from, and countless B-sides under their belts, it would be hard to craft a definitive set list — but they did a fine job.

The unmistakable frames of Justin Currie and Iain Harvie, the two permanent band members throughout their history, bounded onto the stage to deafening applause. Wasting no time, the band launched into “Nation of Caners”, a track from their 2021 album Fatal Mistakes. It was slick, every note bouncing through the venue with an upbeat rhythmic riff reminiscent of a blues-soaked Status Quo vibe. Spirits were immediately lifted, and it was clear the band was ready to give it their all.

“Opposite View”, from Waking Hours, now over three decades old, sounded as fresh as ever, retaining all its original vigour. By the final note, the crowd was lapping it up as Justin greeted his loyal followers, explaining that the set would move between albums. Without missing a beat, they transitioned into “Not Where It’s At”.

While Del Amitri has enjoyed more of a cult following over the years — often overlooked in UK charts and playlists aside from a few notable hits — their lyrics and live performances have always resonated deeply with fans. As Justin sang, “I don’t have my finger on / the pulse of my generation / I just got my hand on my heart / I know no better location,” it was clear the words were as meaningful to him as they were to the audience. Watching him smile as the crowd sang along was a moment of shared appreciation.

The roof nearly came off for “Kiss This Thing Goodbye”, a hit from Waking Hours. The energy only ramped up further with “Always the Last to Know”, from the brilliant Change Everything, followed by “Never Too Late to Be Alone” from the Twisted LP.

“Missing Person”, a sarcastic and reflective tale of heartbreak, went down a treat. Justin introduced the next track, “Driving with the Brakes On”, also from Twisted. Lyrically stunning and complemented by Harvie’s stellar guitar work, it was one of the standout moments of the night.

“Jaw-dropping guitar riffs”

Justin engaged the audience, asking if there were any requests. When a fan shouted “Whiskey Remorse”, Justin laughed and quipped, “Sorry, we’re not playing that one!”

One personal favourite, “Buttons on My Clothes” from Can You Do Me Good?, was next. Its clever metaphors and similes stood out, especially the lyrics: “I’m a man of reputation in this rocker’s town / I have lived it up so long, I’ll never live it down.” It was utterly convincing and heartfelt.

The crowd was treated to a new song, “Don’t Cry, Don’t Cry”, a beautifully grounded moment that provided a brief respite before the next wave of hits. Among them was “Just Like a Man”, a performance charged with competitive energy between Currie and Harvie. Harvie playfully asked, “What the hell are you doing? Didn’t you go to the ‘how to end a tune’ class at rock school?” Justin’s reply? “No… I went to the Iggy Pop class.”

“The Ones That You Love Lead You Nowhere” brought fuzzy, jaw-dropping guitar riffs and a resonant tale of resilience. The set continued with “Lonely” from Fatal Mistakes, its western swagger paired perfectly with Currie’s poignant vocal delivery.

The atmospheric “Move Away Jimmy Blue” was a late-set highlight, its brutal honesty and poetic brilliance captivating the crowd. Currie’s lyrics linger long after the final note:

A struck match faded like a nervous laugh
Beyond the halo of a naked bulb
And your low voice mingles with your other half’s
School friends in second-hand clothes…
Eventually your world will shrink within four walls
Of neglected debts and stolen stereos
So move away Jimmy Blue
Before your small, small town turns around and swallows you

The final songs brought raucous singalongs with “Here and Now” and “Stone Cold Sober”. Returning for the encore, the band performed “This City Loves You Back” and their iconic hit, “Nothing Ever Happens”. The crowd erupted, their voices joining Currie’s, whose delivery carried all the passion and urgency of the song’s original release.

Closing with an acoustic snippet of “Whiskey Remorse” before ending the night with “Be My Downfall”, the band left the audience wanting more.

Despite Justin Currie’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis — or “Gavin,” as he jokingly refers to it — he delivered a flawless performance. His voice was as strong as ever, and the synergy between him and Harvie remains a marvel to witness. Their bond, forged over decades, was a testament to their enduring artistry and friendship.

images: Victoria Holdsworth