Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Hard Rock Cafe - Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands FINAL!


This was and still is the biggest gig that Purge have ever played to date, They had already won their heat to be entered into the final of the competition with one of the judges saying that, “Purge were tighter than a dolphin’s arsehole”. The night was full of anticipation I personally couldn’t wait, the full Purge fan base must have turned out for this gig as when the band were performing I could not move.
Up on the stage
Picture by Helen Gradwell
The band was up against two other bands, A Joker’s Rage and Boomin and they drew the end slot, they had to close the show, instead of this they opened a show of their own, for me Purge was the show. This was truly one of the best gigs of my life topped off with a full on mosh pit and a cracking performance from the mighty Purge.
What a great shot.
Picture by Helen Gradwell
All tricks and trades were pulled out by the band Haiden played out of his skin, the band was so tight it was almost like a pre recorded gig and it was all mimed on the stage, the sound wasn’t the best although from the way Purge played you wouldn’t have been able to tell. And throughout the full gig I don’t think I seen one single member of the band or the fan base without a smile on their face.
Purge's crowd
Unfortunately the band were runners up in the competition although they did gain a lot of notoriety through it, meaning they have secured a gig at Mockfest hosted by Real XS radio station, one of Manchesters biggest festivals this year. CRACKING NIGHT

Haiden the beast
Andrew Blair a huge Purge fan showing his support on the night

Penwortham Arts Centre Preston


This gig was a couple of days after the Ruby Lounge gig and it was exactly what the band needed, for one it was a youth gig meaning there was no alcohol available, well there was in the pub down the road which me and Andrew Blair (another avid gig goer) spent some time in. And two the sound in this amateur venue put Ruby Lounge’s to shame. The stage wasn’t bad either, a really professional set up which we were all impressed with.

A great venue, the youth of Preston is so lucky


The band headlined the night and the relaxed atmosphere of the crowd meant that they smashed it, there was a sense the young people in the audience were really looking up to the band members. It was a really chilled out and enjoyable gig, who needs beer eh.... well me.  

Ruby Lounge Manchester



Haiden Mchale has always wanted to play Ruby Lounge Manchester ever since I’ve known him he has always talked about playing this venue and Islington Mill. And unfortunately the term never meet your heroes can be applied to this venue. Ruby Lounge is one of the biggest venues for up and coming bands in and around Manchester but for me and the rest of the Purge group we found the sound engineers to be BAD. This was the worst sounding gig I have ever hear Purge play, and I don’t think this was down to the boys in any way, the whole set up seemed to be very unorganised.

Saying this though the boys do what they do best in these situations, they had a shit load of fun up on the stage. They were feeding back off the audience dancing around on the stage and at one point even throwing CD’s into the audience, they didn’t give a shit. This was a very drunken night for everyone and it was great.

Josh doesn't give a shit
Bob doesn't give a shit
Haiden doesn't give a shit
And this is a mint picture of Danny... Still doesn't give a shit though

Factory 251



Factory was yet another big gig for the band, held in Factory nightclub Manchester, in the building which used to house Factory Music headquarters (probably the biggest music label to come out of the Manchester area). Standing in the crowd you couldn’t help but feel that this was a real music venue if the walls could talk they would be able to tell you stories you could only imagine.
BOBBY!
JOSHY!

The gig it’s self was delayed as all bands were running late but when Purge came on I can honestly say that I was ripe with anticipation, and yet again the band delivered. For me this gig Haiden Mchale excelled himself he was so tight on this night it was unbelievable, I do have to say though that since the band had a kick up their arse from Wendy Smith (band manager) the guy have been getting tighter every gig.

All in all though a brilliant gig.


DANNY!
HAIDEN...Y, tight as fook on the night, left hand is a blur

Bamfest 2013



This gig was one of the lower profile gigs at the time for Purge it was between playing two of the biggest gigs they would have (academy and one gig I’ve yet to talk about) never the less the band but on a great performance. The crowd mainly consisted of quite young people not the usual age of the audience for Purge gigs. I know I felt very uncomfortable although I do have to say this gave the boys a very relaxed feeling during their set. It almost felt as though they weren’t trying to impress anyone.
Left to right Joshy Laa, Bob, and Mr Haiden Mchale
Moody lot :)
Danny boy for once not smiling
This gig they had a proper rock star attitude about them, almost moody and it worked the Purge regulars were treated to their usual enjoyable set. Whereas everyone else was left asking more about this moody, mysterious band. No mosh pit in this with the kiddies about although was still a very enjoyable gig.

Manchester Club Academy


This unfortunately is another one of the gigs my memory fails me on a little, yes I was plastered. From what I do remember of the gig though is the best sound I’ve heard this band play, the sound engineers really knew what they were doing. This again is one of the best gigs that band had played so far, yet again the crowd turned out for this one with over sixty of Purge’s own fans turning up on top of the other bands fans in the room.
Bob just doing what he does
This is the first gig that Purge fans also experienced a proper mosh pit, the last song in their set list which is always Machette is the perfect tempo to throw yourself into each other. I was right in the middle and enjoyed every second of it. A couple of thick lips later and the gig was over everyone was raving about it. And by the way the person who started the mosh pit ...... the guitarist from another band, he was loving it.

Joshuaaaaa, Danny in the background
Haiden looking very happy





Below is Purge performing Tattoo at the gig, can't help but love Bob's stage presence.