The Shed Project The Phoenix Club Farnworth 20.08

When I interviewed Roy Fletcher lead singer of The Shed Project recently for In Your Ears Music. I noted that he was going to compete with the late, great, Fred Dibnah as the King Of Bolton.

Friday night at the Pheonix Club was his and the bands coronation!

The venue is already steeped in British folklore, as the real life location of Peter Kay’s legendary comedy Phoenix Nights.

Complete with the iconic sign on arrival, the night kicked off with Northern Revelation and DDE’s. Revving the crowd up with a nice mixture of original tunes and some covers, giving the night a big occasion feel.

I have been fortunate enough to get down to a couple of acoustic gigs since lockdown ended, but this was the first night back!

When I say back. I mean, BACK down the front! Touching those barriers we have missed for 18 months! Throwing your arm over your mate dancing next to you, or complete strangers revelling in the music…

As soon as the Shed Project hit the stage with the call to arms of New York, Paris, London, BOLTON – A cunning nod to another comedy classic Only Fools And Horses.

The band meant business, the “Shed Heads” lapped it up.

Roy looked sharp in a pink stone island and a get well t-shirt for his son. Creating a wall of sound behind him John, Tim, Olly and Shane were primed for action!

One shot one goal is the mantra. What a tune this is! A nod back to the early 90’s. Featuring MC Tunes and some filthy saxophone, this is drenched in Hacienda vibes!

It came early in the set and it took the roof off! Dedicated to the “Little Lever Meat Clever” boxer Jack Cullen who was down the front!

Most recent single a day in the dam, lucky number and feel my love – The Sheds at their most tender, the powerful vocal filling the floor are instant northern anthems!

There was even time for the band to get a jam on to “Come and get your black bin bags” and Roy duly obliged! Dishing out rolls of bin liners to all the revellers on the barriers!

By the end of the set in homage to king monkeys The Stone Roses. The band masterfully belted out made of stone, and the adoring audience sang every word back!

Ray Von used to say the louder you scream the faster the ride in The Phoenix Club!

Well Shabba – That was some ride!