My second gig in 3 days was a trip to Liverpool to see Then Jerico at the Academy.
The venue was already heaving by the time I arrived with fans eager to catch Mark Shaw’s Then Jerico on their last English show before heading over to Ireland for 2 final shows on their tour.
Then Jerico were easily my favourite bands back in the late eighties. The Big Area and First ( The sound of Music ) were albums I can guarantee were responsible for a few stressful moments for my parents as they boomed out of my bedroom for my teen years.
Mark Shaw walked on stage and opened up with The One That Got Away from his 90s solo album Almost, followed by Song For The Brokenhearted and What Does It Take. I was allowed to shoot the first 3 songs and I was a nervous wreck, behind me were Then Jerico’s devoted fans, possibly building a gallows for me if I blocked their view for too long and in front was Mark Shaw singing like we were back in 1989……….keeping my eye on his stick constantly đ
As I left the pit he was performing You Ought To Know which is one of my favourite Then Jerico songs followed by Laughter Party, Fault and then Blessed Days from their first album.
I had brought my 25 year old son with me to see them, who loves his Metal music but he was enjoying the show.
Mark Shaw was constantly approaching the barrier to sing with the fans at the front and towards the end he even climbed to an opening at the side of the stage to sing to some fans sat at a table towards the bar.
Apart from a few B Sides that I’m sure are very rarely played, even in the 80s, they pretty much played every one of my favourite songs……….The Motive, Muscle Deep, Helpless, Big Area, Let Her Fall and even A Quiet Place (Apathy and Sympathy)
After a short break at the end Mark appeared back on stage to sing Darkest Hour followed by, in my humble opinion, Then Jerico’s most epic tune ‘Reeling‘
This venue was perfect for this show, intimate but not too small with a loud and enthusiastic crowd. At the end it was obvious the crowd enjoyed their night as much as I did.
Then Jerico were the first band I ever saw live and I will not forget this show, just like I’ve never forgotten them at the Manchester Apollo back in 1987.
Thank You Then Jerico and Liverpool for an unforgettable night.
Photos and Words by Philip Goddard
