The 40th anniversary tour of ‘The Men They Couldn’t Hang’ was always going to be a complete sell out. The Shepherds Bush empire was one of the places where it all started so it seemed apt to to start here. Having first seen the Men in 1988, and probably 30 off times since, it is fair to say that they have never failed to deliver. This gig somehow felt different. Since the untimely passing of Cush, the band have had to reinvent themselves without their talisman. Swill and Cush were the perfect duo, Swill’s velvety smooth vocals resonating perfectly with the gravelly edge of his comrade in arms.
The Men will never replace Cush but they have moved on, it was always going to be so. The fans have been with them since the beginning, we have grown old and grey together. It seemed fitting that the Bush was packed to the rafters.
Skinny Lister have to be one of the best support acts I have seen in a long while and they set the tone of the evening. Vibrant, energetic, raucous, they were the perfect foils for the Men.
What followed was so much more than a 40 year celebration, so much more than a walk down memory lane. It felt like 1988 all over again, just without Cush and certainly no Hofmeisters in site. The set was scintillating and the 50 something’s in the crowd became teenagers once again. The favourites were covered, the pace was relentless, we all swayed to Swill’s beat. The rendition of Green Fields of France was poignant especially with Cush’s wife joining the band on stage. For 4 minutes, we were all as one.
I have used the cliche, rolling back the years too many times, this evening transcended the boundaries of age, it was so much more than perfect. I wanted to write these words before I forgot this special feeling. I am still resonating now.
I definitely haven’t done this gig justice, I know that. But it means so much to be part of this amazing family. Long may it continue
dankiz6971 