Liverpool-Live

After pursuing solo projects since their split in 2005 to varying degrees of success, the 2011 line up reunites lead singer Tommy Scott with Jamie Murphy on lead guitar and backing vocals and Franny Griffiths on keyboard.  Joined by Phil Hartley on double bass, Ryan Clarke on vintage keys and Alan Jones on Drums, the new line up brings a fresh feel to the classic Space sound that epitomised the mid to late 90’s.

After waiting in the substantial entry queue, overhearing many claims of tenuous links to various band members by hopeful revellers, we arrive at a packed O2 to join the expectant crowd as the excellent singer / songwriter Stephen Langstaff concludes his opening set.

Space arrive fashionably late bounding into the first of their 15 song set by blowing us away with Mister Psycho.  After a Liddle Biddy Help from Elvis and No-one Understands, it’s reassuring to see that Space are back in fine form, with a bit of healthy banter from Jamie aimed at local rivals Cast.  The crowd go mad for the classic Avenging Angels, which is much appreciated by the band who expressed their concern that only 3 people would show up.  How wrong they were!

Acknowledging the fact that we are all a bit older, Jamie gets the crowd jumping with the ska influenced Money and Begin Again. After playing the next track at the Hillsborough gig, the remixed Dark Clouds has become a favourite of the band, according to Tommy, whose rapport with the crowd is warm and genuine.  After Zombies, the crowd joined Tommy in singing Happy Birthday to Jamie in fine vocal form, acting as a warm up for a mass sing-a-long to the anticipated classic Female of the Species, prompting shoulder climbing from the ladies in the audience.

The high energy set continues with Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab and Cash Converters, followed by No One Understands and 1 O’clock.  At this point, the crowd descend into a sweaty mosh pit, rescued by Jamie handing bottles of water out, before he responds to chants of ‘who are ya!’ “Were Space and were Back” he proclaims defiantly to rapturous cheers.  Referencing Cantrell Farm, the dark witty lyrics of Neighbourhood concludes their set leaving the crowd begging for more.  

Back on stage with Pretty Woman dedicated to Tommy’s ma, the Encore proceeds with Me & You Versus the World ending in a party atmosphere with both band and audience clearly buzzing from the triumphant return of Space.  Keen not to disappoint, and in response to an overwhelming request for more, Space play a chaotic version Female of the Species once more and personally thanking the  satisfied crowd, reluctantly leave the stage.  I’ve got a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of Space in 2012 and I can’t wait.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Words: Jo Nettleton
Pictures: Jamie McAleny