Gig review: St Andrew's Day concert for Versus Cancer

Published on Sunday 30 November 2008 18:57

ST ANDREW'S DAY CONCERT FOR VERSUS CANCER CARLING ACADEMY, GLASGOW

SEE You Jimmy hats and yellow Versus Cancer badges were both much in evidence at this concert, which celebrated both Scotland's national day and raised funds for the anti-cancer charity set up by former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and his manager, Nova Rehman.

Shifted at short notice from the SECC to the Carling Academy, the event's organisation was found wanting somewhat, while the bill was a bit thinner than advertised – Danish indie poppers Alphabeat were absent, and Echo & The Bunnymen were unable to perform due to a band member's relative's own battle with cancer. But the show cobbled through on sheer strength of goodwill.

It was a big occasion for breezy Glaswegian alt-rockers Attic Lights, and they seized it – in Bring You Down alone they have a huge, winning song which is well worthy of such sizeable venues.

The Fratellis laboured slightly under singer Jon Lawler's hoarse throat; it will have helped that the crowd took over the familiar football terrace-style refrain to their trademark anthem Chelsea Dagger from the first chord, as is now standard at their gigs.

Scottish indie stalwarts Travis didn't appear until 10:45pm, but closed the event triumphantly with a greatest-hits set.

Fran Healy seemed to revel in the occasion, wading into the crowd, before leaping off the top of the bass drum.

However, his less-than-sensitive attempt in the heat of the moment to engage with the evening's cause – "Has anybody here got cancer?" (One man raised a hand) "F***. Good luck." – seemed ill-advised.