On Friday night Feeder made their massively anticipated return to Leeds as part of their Tallulah tour.
The build-up to this night was unavoidable in Leeds and Gerry Cinnamon’s show just around the corner seemed almost overshadowed by a sea of die-hard fans clad in Feeder t-shirts from the impressive number of tours the band has done. The anticipation around Leeds Beckett Students Union was palpable whilst everyone waited, eager for the show to begin.
As a venue, Leeds Beckett is fantastic. Despite being a sell-out show, the bar area and entrance seemed to be busy but never too crowded, and the bar staff worked efficiently, meaning no-one had to wait too long for a drink. This all changed as we entered the stage area. The dancefloor was rammed and it was immediately obvious how big Feeder’s fan base is.
Novacub opened up to an already buzzing dancefloor and performed with an energy and excitement that had the whole crowd ready for a Feeder show that ended up clocking in at nearly two hours.
After Novacub’s set, there was a buzz of anticipation around the room. At quarter to nine, the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted in cheers. Slowly, the word Feeder began to appear on stage and the cheers built and built until everyone at Leeds Beckett seemed to have lost themselves to the excitement of the night.
Suddenly, they were on stage and the music began. This is a huge band with an excellent reputation, yet it seems that time and again they perform shows that are even better than their last. They brought 90’s rock band vibes that seemed to bring everyone back 20 years to a time when there wasn’t so much to worry about. New releases from Tallulah were knitted in excellently alongside classics such as Fight the Feeling, which was a personal highlight. Seeing the crowd belt out every lyric to this song was something I’ll remember for a long time.
Another lasting impression for me in this show was the lighting that accompanied the performance. The impact was astounding, altering with each song and each change of mood, and imagery was projected to the backdrop that related to the band’s history, also changing with each song.
Feeder brings massive Blink 182 vibes and it’s clear where their reputation comes from. This group is one of the last of its kind, a perfect example of one of the most glittering eras in rock history. The presence they have on stage is so magnetic, and frontman Grant Nicholas made sure the crowd was engaged, creating a great rapport by keeping the conversation light and funny consistently throughout the show.
The response to songs from new album Tallulah was a surprise to me. Everyone knows the Feeder classics, but I was impressed when the crowd seemed to know all the words from songs on the new album and this proved to me that despite being together for 25 years, Feeder shows no signs of slowing down.
The camaraderie between the band members was infectious and had the whole crowd laughing and watching in awe as Nicholas and bass guitarist Taka Hirose went into an impromptu riff off, reciting classics from throughout the ages with an ease that really showcased their talent as musicians.
The finale to this show was epic. Shouts for the band’s crown jewel Buck Rogers could be heard loud and clear throughout the show and finally, an hour and a half in, that famous intro began to play. This was when the crowd really showed their colours, seemed to surge forward like a wave and scream with a force ready to shatter glass. Buck Rogers was an incredible song to hear live and is something I don’t think I will ever forget. “I think we’re gonna make it…” is still ringing out in my head as I write this review, and shows no signs of stopping.
Feeder enjoys a worldwide reputation, and I was still massively impressed by this show, and even more so by the fans. Not a single phone was in sight at any point, as fans young and old embraced each other to the numbers they have grown to love. Feeder really does bring out the last of the lighter-holding generation.
All photographs by Jazz Jennings.
