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GIG REVIEW:
Band: Tammy and the Wolverines
Rating: PG
Performance date: April 14 2007

By Alex Hartley

The lights were dimmed the stage was set and I’m already running out of clichéd band references, however that’s anything but what Tammy and the Wolverines were, derivative yes, clichéd and unoriginal, definitely not. Flashbacks from the 80’s were unavoidable looking around the crowded hall. Everyone it seemed had traveled back in time for one night only. It was a mass of big hair, fluro attire and leg warms, all in all some very questionable fashion choices. Anticipation mounted as Tammy was expected to begin, many staked out places at the front trying to get the best view or be the closest to the band all the while twitching with excitement.

Through coloured lights and a cloud of smoke came the beginning bars of ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’, the music becoming almost indistinguishable over the sounds of screaming. The set was classically 80’s with each member adopting a different instrument for every song. Thus demonstrating their suburb and eclectic talents for which they are known. According to Vincent “The band and all the instruments are like a piece of bread, and we just spread ourselves over it”, and well they did spread.

The interesting thing about U.K band Tammy and the Wolverines is their commitment to their craft. Their manner and way of life shows their dedication to remaining true to 80’s rock. “We’re in the 80’s, we pretty much stopped at 1985, that was the pinnacle of human existence and that’s where we choose to stop.” Vincent stated confidently in the bands interview with Poddy host Dave Miers after the event. The band consists of Billy Fury, Sledge, Vincent, Danny all who hail from England and Lucius the only Welsh member. Painfully aware of their own talents and not by any means shy at showing it Billy Fury stated “I didn’t choose to be a musician, musicianship choose me” and this according to Sledge has become a proverb for the whole band. The group has been playing together for centuries since almost the beginning of time it may seem, “in the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth and the 80’s” which is the gospel according to Billy. Their long standing as a band unquestionably shows by their refined sound and sophisticated act. That’s not to say that the boys don’t have fun with stories surrounding their name including random shouting out Tammy all at the same time, and the trial of a wolverine band member, who just couldn’t let go of Billy’s belly, it’s safe to assume that it’s been an interesting ride for these lads.

It was a new experience for Tammy as they were told about God by Dave accepting they often try to be God every night on stage, with Billy admitting, “sometimes I do things I probably shouldn’t do I guess.” It was the explanation of God’s love prompting him to send his son so that we might have a relationship with him that really provoked a response from the boys. Sledge said ‘sounds like Jesus rocks”, and Vincent seemed to agree with his statement, “if we’re going to be a supporting act for anybody aye It may as well be him.”

The live act came to a close with “Living on a Prayer” and while it was obvious the crowd wanted more a broken string meant the night must end. Tammy and the Wolverines strutted from the stage to the same reception that they walked onto, shouting parting words to all the dedicated fans and really what could be more exciting that a cute boy from a band saying you had been a part of the hottest crowd he had ever seen? According to the girl next to me who collapsed into her friends arms at this notion

– well nothing

5 j-walkies