Review by John Hegarty for MPM
It’s a beautiful evening as we make our way into Belfast to the ‘Oh Yeah Music Centre’ in The Cathedral Quarter for the first time. It strikes me how similar it is to Temple Bar in Dublin because of vibrant restaurants, bars, cobbled stones and the streets are busy with shoppers and people out for the evening. On approaching the venue we can see the ‘Tool Army’ arriving, a real mix of ages among the fans from Metal to Progressive and Alterative genres judging by the diversity of t-shirts. There is a great atmosphere tonight as this is ‘The Grudge’s’ first live event in Belfast and there’s no better way to celebrate this than play to a sold out, 300 strong capacity Oh Yeah Music Centre crowd. ‘The Grudge’ are Irelands Premier Tool Tribute Band and they are committed to ensuring they deliver a top notch homage to their heroes. The band take their name from the first track off Tool’s Lateralus album.
Diehard Tool fans will know that the Los Angeles band do not tour very often and their tickets are expensive so getting an opportunity to see an Irish tribute band, with not only the confidence to take on such technical and mind-blowing songs, but they also possess the musical talent to convey is more than luck. The Dublin/Monaghan Tribute band have been performing in the South of Ireland since 2004. I have seen the lads from ‘The Grudge’ a number of times now and they have blown me away. They are civil fellas and I’ve enjoyed chatting to them about our mutual love of Tool. ‘The Grudge’ do not shy away from the more complex of Tool’s back catalogue and play varied fan favourites at their gigs. ‘The Grudge’ recreate the live immersive Tool experience including eye catching visuals and mannerisms mixed with humility. Not only are they an excellent Tool Tribute band they have now also formed ‘Thirteenth Step’ a tribute to A Perfect Circle which Maynard James Keenan also provides vocals for.
Hopefully ‘The Grudge’ may also consider a Puscifer Tribute band – now that would be the trifecta!!. It’s ironic that Tori Amos is playing in Belfast tonight also, as she once sang a duet with the one and only Maynard James Keenan on her song Muhammad My Friend. Wouldn’t it be class if she popped in tonight to sing a duet with Tommy!! On entering the venue I couldn’t believe the L shape lay out – featuring memorabilia of bands and musicians from Belfast down through the years such ‘The Outcasts’, ‘Gary Moore’ and ‘Snow Patrol’ to name but a few. The venue is well maintained and the museum was a treat. Only downside seemed to be size of bar and toilets which created long queues, that aside it’s a lovely location which I would have no issue returning to. The stage is well set up and due to the level of elevation it provides an intimate experience for the Belfast crowd this evening. Everyone was assembled in time for the opening act – ‘The Thirteenth Step’ consist of Tommy Duffy (vocals) Stephen Reilly (drums) Paul McCabe (bass) Moe Curtin (Guitar) and Rob Powderly (guitar).
The Hollow is the opening track of tonight’s setlist and Moe, Rob, Paul and Stephen were incredible to watch deliver such a poignant song. Tommy was tremendous to observe and hear express the lyrics and content. The lads play a variety of songs from APC’s debut album Mer de Noms and The Thirteenth Step album including Magdalena and The Package. The highlights of the night for me were 3 Libras, Thinking of You and Breña. These lads would give APC a run for their money. They perfectly execute not only the musical prowess of their heros but also the emotionality and heart of the songs. Tommy addresses the crowd thanking us all for coming out tonight and reflecting that it was their first time playing in Belfast and they finish the set with The Outsider and the stunning Judith. He thanked especially, John the sound engineer and Colm from Fluttertone PR and the amazing Belfast audience.
The lads appear excited yet humbled by tonight’s fantastic turn out but it’s well-deserved as these lads are clearly as passionate about APC and Tool as we are!! They are professional but also enjoy the banter as Tommy jokes about the next band not being as good as Rob is not in the line-up and instead is enjoying pints at the bar. We have a ten minute interval which gives everyone a chance to grab a quick drink but most folk I observe are standing chatting about their experience of seeing ‘Thirteenth Step’ live and expressing their anticipation of seeing ‘The Grudge’ up next. I can see the joy on everyone’s face and how super excited we all are for the headlining act.
‘The Grudge’ consist of Tommy Duffy (vocals) Stephen Reilly (drums) Paul McCabe (bass) and Moe Curtin (Guitar). The instantly recognisable intro of Stinkfist opens up the headlining set. This time Tommy is in his bare feet and the drumming and bass are compelling to watch. Flashing imagery of Ænima illuminates the backdrop which is a welcome reminder of the albums upcoming 30th Anniversary in September this year. The vinyl itself is a rarity and fans are eagerly awaiting a reissue due to the big Anniversary and I as a fan myself, hope this is the case. The lads astounded the Oh Yeah crowd with their choice of set including Sober, Eulogy and The Grudge. ‘The Grudge’ wowed us with a stellar version of Forty Six & 2 and the fans impress the lads with our deafening harmonising of the chorus.
Pneuma was climatic from the initial build up the crescendo of the drums and the finishing outro of the musicians combined with Tommy on the synth. Tommy was absorbed in the emotionality of the lyrics and performed using his arms and body in combination with his vocals. We are all here tonight for our love of these bands and their music and I think from their reaction the band are overwhelmed by the participation from the crowd. The lads continue to entertain us with The Patient, Schism, and Vicarious. Tommy moves about on the ground, shaking, writhing and twisting his body just as MJK would. He jokes that he isn’t getting any younger and is getting too old for this moving. All members are amazing in their own right and a pleasure to watch live. During Ænima Tommy was touching his chest with sentimentality with the crowd singing aloud in sync with the band. A wee mosh pit gathers in the crowd with others extending their fists in the air and playing air guitar and drums. The sweat in the air was palpable and we geared up for the final tune of the night as the phenomenal set comes to a spectacular end with Lateralus.
Tommy and the lads appear overwhelmed by the crowd’s emotions and our singing of the lyrics to the Tool songs. The emotionality of tonight has swept us all up in unity for our love of Tool. I’ve been lucky to have seen a number of Tool tribute bands over the years but I can genuinely say that ‘The Grudge’ are the top class and their calibre of emulating ‘The Grudge’ and ‘Thirteenth Circle’ are second to none. Their execution was flawless alongside their emulation of their heroes. I would have loved to hear the lad’s version of ‘Pushit’, hopefully this shall be included in the Setlist next time. I would recommend that you do not miss the opportunity to see these two extraordinary bands live.
