I went to this gig with very little knowledge of the band. I had heard Mental Karate several weeks back on Billy Sloan’s show on BBC Radio Scotland and loved what I’d heard. He then played it again a few Saturday’s back and it had been stuck in my head as a constant earworm since.
I had been seeing one Mr Ronnie Gurr mentioning them on his social media profiles. One mention was of them playing London on Wednesday night, and if available to go, one could get themselves on the guest list.
I was worried I had seen Ronnie’s post far too late. I had been at the Grandslam gig in Maidstone and didn’t see it until the following day.
It wasn’t too late and on the guest list I was put. Ronnie said to me “make sure you bring your dancing shoes!” And, wow! He was not kidding!
Thumpasaurus describe themselves, rather accurately I must say, as “funk-punk”. They are just that! But also bucketloads of fun too!
The gig almost didn’t happen. The clutch seized up on the tour van as the guys were making their way down overnight from Edinburgh (where they are currently doing a run of shows as part of the Fringe). Some panic to get them on their way again meant the boys made it down in the early hours of Wednesday morning meaning the show was on! London certainly would have missed a treat had they not made it and the gig had been cancelled.
Most songs from The Book of Thump were performed. Highlights were definitely Mental Karate and the equally infectious Space Barn – a hands down winner in the “sing-a-long” stakes. (See footage below)
I went into the gig with no expectations other than the feeling I was about to have myself a ball. And…it was all that! The guys are fabulous! Great musicians, all of them.
If you need a night of escapism…a place to go to take yourself away from your troubles, I can’t think of many places better than to find yourself at a Thumpasaurus gig. If you love funk and groove and love dancing…catchy tunes…and just love live music and having a dance and sing…GO SEE THUMPASAURUS! There is no excuse! Esp. if you live in Edinburgh, or Scotland. Go check them out at the Fringe. They are fabulous!
Thanks for the great night, guys. And thank you, Ronnie for the invite. Much appreciated. And good luck with the rest of the tour. Reel them crowds in, boys!