Girlschool...like fine wine...get better with age
Published December 09, 2004
Die So Fluid
Bugalow Zenn
Girlschool
The Garage
London
8 Decomber 2004
Die So Fluid opened up the proceedings last night with a tight set featuring tracks from their new album Spawn of Dysfunction. It is patently obvious that Grog & the boys, while enjoying themselves, take putting on a good show very seriously. (Grog was doing a good line in signing merchandise for a crowd of male admirers.) They put on an excellent show that never fails to deliver. A class act to be sure. They were followed by a band I have never heard of before in the form of Bungalow Zenn. This was the first surprise of the night.This three-piece deliver a tight set that put smiles on both Dave and my faces. I was so impressed I had a natter with the band. This lot really have a good time with their sub-AC/DC hard rock, actually smiling on stage as they tear through their set. Mark Damon has got a cracking voice, good enough to match his flowing blond locks. BZ produce unashamedly 80s-style hard rock and it's bloody good fun to watch. They have some music out that they will be sending me for review in the next few days. The second surprise of the night was Girlschool. I saw these ladies back in the 80s and I thought they were absolute rubbish. Well, all those years of practice may have paid off, as they rocked last night. They blew through their best known numbers ('Hit & Run', 'Com'On Let's Go' and 'Screaming Blue Murder') as well as tracks from their most recent album, Believe. The band obviously has aged rather well as the girls did not look their age. It shocked no one that knew they were filming the gig for a DVD that many past members of the band joined them on stage for a rousing finale. It was an excellent night of hard-rock that was truly enjoyed by all. This was small club rock at its best.
Rating: 5/5
Marty's band, Growing Old Disgracefully, can be found at: Disgraceful Music. His Cthulhu tales can be found at Temple of Dagon. 
- Girlschool...like fine wine...get better with age
- Published: December 09, 2004
- Type:
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Hard Rock
- Writer: Marty Dodge
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Comments on this articleComments
They seem to be better than they were before...maybe I just saw on a bad night the first time. The difference between their two performances was enormous. It always amuses me that some people think watching a "mature" band that was first around 20 years ago (or more) means that one is lowering one's standards. More often than not, it just the opposite. All that time generally means the musicians are more skilled, more laid back and are free from the bullshit that often happens in the business. I like seeing a band that are up there having a f***ing good time. Older bands seem to do that better than the younger ones, at least these days.
I tend to think a band who have been around for 20+ years are more likely to give a good show that a current "flavour of the month" band.
Any band who are crap live are simply not going to be touring after 20 or 30 years.
I think people were a wee bit less critical about Girlschool first time 'round because they were a rarity (ie all woman band). Anyway, sod what they have done in the past, this lot rock now!
I have loved Girlschool since the first time I heard "Run With The Devil" in the late 70's, early 80's. I'm so glad to hear they are still rockin' I found this site completely by accident, btw. LOLOL Happy I did.
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I agree. Girlschool is a great band. Their performance her (in Seattle) rocked. Maybe they are better than ever.
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