We head into Manchester as ghosts and ghouls descend on a sold-out O2 Ritz for a night from everyone’s favourite undead rockers Creeper.
Opening tonight’s ceremonies are Manchester darkwave duo Moth Slut. Emerging from the billowing stage fog with bouquets of black roses that are ceremoniously showered over the waiting audience the fabulously attired two-piece waste no time in hypnotising those in attendance with a chorus of pulsing synth rhythms layered under a guitar and bass combo. It’s oddly trance-like as the sound reverberates around the room, filling the space wonderfully. Clearly enjoying every second of the show, the duo run us through their collection of releases including brand new single “In the Dead of Night.” The whole experience is honestly over much too soon as the hour is nigh for the Creeper cult to take to the stage.
Fresh off a landmark show at their Wembley Stadium extravaganza the band show no signs of taking it easy tonight with this hometown show of sorts (vocalist Will Gould having moved to the city) no less than a showcase of the world-class showmanship that the group have been lauded for.
As is tradition fan favourite vampire familiar Darcia plays the role of herald, welcoming fans to this special night before announcing the band to a rapture of applause from the crowd. An understandably stripped-back stage show does little to hinder the theatrical fun of the night’s performance with the band emerging looking cool as hell like an undead greaser gang ripped straight from the underworld.
Starting the set off with three blinding offerings from their 2023 release Sanguivore, the epic theatrical build of Jim Steinman pastiche “Further Than Forever” proving an incredible opening volley followed closely by, “Lovers Led Astray” and the rip-roaring “Sacred Blasphemy” set the show off in incredible fashion. The sold-out crowd now filling every square inch of the venue is on board from second one with every line being screamed back at top volume and putting the dance floor thoroughly through its paces.
Although the fantastic Sanquivore album makes up the main meat of tonight’s set Creeper make sure to include a selection of fan favourites dotted throughout including “Cyanide” and “Be My End.” Gould also hands off vocals duties to keyboardist Hannah Greenwood for acoustic numbers ‘Crickets’ and “Ghosts Over Calvary” both proving a nice break in the whirlwind that has been the night so far. By the time we reach the mournful echoes of “More Than Death” the room is a sweaty mess as we head into our encore for the night, the band bringing the energy bouncing back with “Annabelle.” “Misery” sees Creeper take a second to bask in an extended acapella-style sing-a-long outro from the impassioned crowd before ending the night with the rapturous “Cry To Heaven.”
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WORDS AND MUSIC BY BILL MAWDSLEY
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