Twenty glorious years of The Lovely Eggs, and may we have many, many more. It was a very special occasion at Academy 2 as we gathered to celebrate Holly and Dave and the wonderful music they make. And for such a special event, we required special support.
Polite Bureaux are loud, inventive and impressive. It’s easy to see why the Bradford band have been chosen for this tour. I’m quite in love with the final track of their set “Broke Biscuits”. Give it a listen below.
We are then treated to a set from comic Frank Skinner. Frank is someone the crowd know well and the room is full of laughter. An inspired joke about Tess and Claudia leaving Strictly to form a Lovely Eggs tribute band is a cracker. Everyone is having a great night, and it’s barely even started. We are suitably warmed up. Who knew comedy could work so well at a gig?
Then we have The Eggs. Holly advises that we will be receiving a “20 year medley” from the “anals of time” and it is a typically energetic and ferocious start. It’s not long before a couple of personal favourites are heard, “Don’t Look At Me (I Don’t Like It)” and “Have You Ever Heard a Digital Accordion”. The crowd are loving absolutely everything being thrown at them.
A variety of subjects are discussed in between songs. Expired farmyard cider from 2020, olives on sandwiches, getting up at 6am to look after kids (after getting home from gigs at 2am).
This is one of the many great things about The Lovely Eggs. They are real, funny and warm and it makes for such a great atmosphere. Their fans are devoted, and it shows. There are people of all ages here, and many are kitted out in the bands shirts, each emblazoned with tremendous artwork.
Many “Fuck It” scarves are raised by fans for the song of the same name and it’s a euphoric moment. “I Just Want Someone To Fall In Love With” is a highlight of the night. If you’re looking for some music to fall in love with, and you’re somehow not au-fait with this infectious Lancastrian DIY two-piece, then do please delve into the back catalogue. You’ll be buying scarves, t shirts and records in no time, and you’ll be part of this rather unique and beautiful thing.
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Review by Glenn Cobane, Photography by Breige Cobane
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