#Review: The Beat and Bow Wow Wow, 30.05.23, Hangar 34, Liverpool

Embracing the ’80s revival, The Beat and Bow Wow Wow did not disappoint. They raised the roof of an already hot Hangar 34 last Wednesday night. The temperature outside was probably cooler than the electric atmosphere inside.

The show was equally billed, with Annabella Lwin taking to the stage first, accompanied by only a drummer and a lead guitarist. She chatted with the audience, announcing her hits with anecdotes about each song along with details about when and where it was a hit around the world. My husband and I (my +1 for this review) still remember her as the “uber cool” thirteen-year-old who hit the big time in the early ’80s – Malcolm McLaren’s protege! Lwin still danced with her uninhibited and abandoned style to all of her hits, and it was clear that she still had the wanton power to make the men in the audience go weak at the knees when she looked in their direction.

As times have changed since the ’80s, it was good to hear Lwin question some of her highly suggestive and exuberant lyrics that she sang at such a young age. Taking the lyrics at face value today seems reasonable and relatively tame, especially now that Lwin is in her fifties. However, when you think about the deliberately provocative content written for her back then and link that to her age and the people who wrote the songs for her, it is now uncomfortable.

The drummer was sensational and performed the whole concert standing up. He was energetic and brought an animalistic reggae-funk vibe to every song. For me, he was an amazing addition to the act.

Setlist:
Love, Peace & Harmony, C30, C60, C90 Go!, Louie Quatorze, Aphrodizziac, W.O.R.K., Go Wild In The Country, Man Mountain, Baby on Mars, Cash, See Jungle, Cheer Up!, Tell It Like It Is, Do U Wanna Hold Me?, I Want Candy.

Dave Wakling’s The Beat took to the stage amidst rapturous applause. Fans were so pleased to have him back on tour in Liverpool, and many wore merchandise that listed the tour dates. This is a band that you have to see more than once in your lifetime.

They were the consummate professionals who delighted the audience by playing their hits. However, they had a twist on this tour, with the amazing Anthony taking over the role of rapping toastie from Rankin Roger. London-based Anthony excited and whipped up the already frenzied crowd to a fever pitch. He rapped, took lead vocals, and introduced the international band members in his own uniquely exuberant style.

This two-tone, reggae, post-funk, new wave Ska band was brilliant from start to finish. Sadly, though, they announced they won’t be playing at Hangar 34 again due to the pedantic nature of the venue owners and management and their bureaucratic attitude, plus the immense form filling that was required before they would permit them to play at the venue. At this announcement, the crowd roared even louder, but this time out of displeasure, as The Beat is clearly a well-revered and respected ’80s band whose fans want to see them perform.

So, Beat fans, if you want to see these ’80s sensations perform live and help you relive your youth, then get booking tickets asap from a reputable ticket agent for one of their remaining 41 upcoming concerts until June 2023. Also, please log onto their website to ensure you find out where and when they will be playing next in Liverpool so you can catch their brilliant gig.

Setlist:
Mirror In The Bathroom, Best Friend, Can’t Get Used To Losing You, Hands Off… She’s Mine, Too Nice To Talk To, Drowning, Whine & Grind, Best Friend, Doors Of Your Heart, I’ll Take You, Save It For Later, I Confess, Stand Down Margaret, Twist and Crawl, Jackpot, Noise, Take You, Too Nice, Ackee 123.