So, on Friday I saw The Maccabees in St-John's Church in Hackney. Despite tramps fighting, the public openly naming their dog "slut" and getting strange looks from everyone, the Church itself was lovely. To put things into perspective for you, I arrived in Hackney at around 3pm and met with my friend Jordan, after enjoying a lovely half pint of coke in a pub in which we were undoubtedly the youngest in, we headed to the Church, being the first people there. After waiting what felt like an eternity, having a quick chat with Felix and waving to Orlando (fangirling, sorry); we were in and at the barrier (a usual when seeing The Maccabees).
   Of course we had the half hour anticipation of waiting for the first support, which to my surprise was Jessie Ware. I knew Jessie was supporting, of course, but I thought she would have been second on the bill, rather than Jamie 'N' Commons. Jessie, however was an absolute babe, her set was acoustic and although she had to restart a song (if I'm not mistaken it was 'Night Light') every note was pitch perfect. She told us a lovely story about how she got to know The Maccabees, she told us how she grew up with Felix, going to the same primary and secondary school, university and living with him! I guess we really do learn something new everyday. Not only did her voice sound mystical and dream-like, she looked absolutely stunning as per usual. It was just a shame that everyone was talking so loud over her, being in a Church the acoustics were brilliant, however it didn't just emphasize the voice on-stage. It emphasized everyone's voices!

(Jessie Ware looking fabulous)

Now, don't get me wrong it's not often I slate a band, in fact this is probably going to be the first time. Jamie 'n' Commons were messy, too loud and just not the right band to be supporting The Maccabees at all. Although it was The Maccabees themselves who suggested them, I was very disappointed with their choice. The occasion wasn't right, everyone was pretty chilled after Jessie's acoustic set and everyone knew The Maccabees were playing the whole of Given To The Wild, a very emotional, sentimental album. Having a voice that was huskier than Bruce Wayne's and guitars that were louder than a 10 year old with their first amp was less than exhilarating and exciting, in fact, it was pretty embarrassing for the band. Especially when they openly said they were trying to be Bruce Springsteen, it's nice to take influence, every band has influences but admitting to a crowd you're trying to be another artist? No, thanks. I did give the band a listen on Spotify a few days before the gig, I didn't mind what I heard but I knew from my first listen that this gig wasn't the best for them to be supporting. Maybe if they were in a bigger venue, with fans that are there for Bruce Springsteen wannabes they'll be better, but not this time. Sorry boys. 

   I think I speak for everyone when I say, we were more than relieved when Jo Whiley came on stage to introduce The Maccabees. The whole experience was completely mind-blowing. Every drum, every bass note, all the guitars were exactly the same as on the album, I have heard Given To The Wild performed live many a time but in pieces, so to have the whole thing from start to finish live, that was special. I think that the hearts of all The Maccabees fans there that night were once again touched by the five...oh wait, six boys on stage. It was that night I had heard Will was officially "part of the band", I'm happy about it. I know some The Maccabees fans aren't exactly ecstatic about it but I think it's cute they've taken Will on "full time". Of course, by 'Pelican' the crowd were getting rough, producing the "mosh pits" that The Maccabees are known for. The boys on the other hand seemed like they were having a great time, but also in deep concentration. The set felt like it went by so fast, it was hard to believe they had played the whole album! Orlando thanked the fans for sticking with them from the start, which as it always does, pulls at my heart strings. I feel like such a proud mother, watching them grow as a band and that shows through their music. Orlando also said that they would most certainly never perform the whole of Given To The Wild again, making the night feel even more special. 

    All in all, the gig was superb and a complete one off experience. Forgetting about Jamie 'n' Commons, obviously.

(Half of The Maccabees, basking in all their glory)