On the 6th July Alistair returned to his home town and headlined the Middlesbrough Empire. This gig was a huge contrast from his previous support slot of 'Folks' held there earlier in the year! The difference in crowd size was astonishing as you walked through the door. With feather cuts bouncing to the beat the mood was well and truly set. Middlesbrough's Mod son was home. Ripping into his flying V, Alistair smashed his set apart with solid riffs containing a wide range of influences. From Brit Beat, to Glam Rock to Indie its all there and is done to perfection, by the insanely talented guitarist that Mr Sheerin is. Empire was in awe when Ally tore into the final middle 8 of 'I Don't Need You', a song which fans have become increasingly familiar with due to it becoming one of the defining moments of his sets. The gig came to a rousing end, with fans chanting "Sheerin, Sheerin!" with many crying for more!! This evening made the clueless look up and realise this lad means business. The gig has made it's way into Teesside legend, with many still talking about it and wanting a repeat performance.
Looking at the huge array of new up and coming musicians and artists we have in the UK at the moment, and I can't get my head around why almost all of them believe being 'Different' is the key to success. Don't get me wrong I love hearing new sounds, BUT when classic riffs, attitudes and haircuts are combined well and done to an outstanding standard... I'm yours, hook, line and sinker. Alistair takes huge influence from the past, combining it with his own thoughts and style, whilst keeping one eye on the future. He's a strutting peacock showing off his wonderfully groomed feathers. 'Peacock Suit' you say Mr Weller!? He is a talisman for the mod ideology. Guitar music has never gone away and this is something which Alistair can really make people aware of!
Arenas are calling this young mans name, since the early years of his life he has longed to become a professional musician. This dream in time will most definitely become a reality! He's always been a leader and never a follower, this is a trait that will allow him to progress and reach almost certain stardom! A term I, along with many others use when talking about Alistair is a northern unit of measurement. We all say he has 'Bag Fulls' of everything needed to be a true showman. His stage presence is phenomenal, as he snarls and kicks about the stage. At the end of each song he returns to the polite, kind young man he is as he engages in banter with the audience. Every crowd he encounters are in the palm of his hand from the very
first thrash of his guitar. He has the ability of walking onto a stage and winning over new fans instantly!
With likenesses ranging from a young Weller to Lennon with many others in between, Alistair in time is surely set to join them in the hall of the great British songwriters. I've known Alistair for a while now, and I truly believe he can do anything! Catch this young man while you can, because I assure you he won't be playing gigs where the ticket price is below £10 for much longer!
Photo Credit: Tim Bailey, 2013, used with permission.
