Review by Ross Scott for MPM
31 years after they split up, and mere weeks after their first gig since 1994, the actual legendary Sugar hit Belfast’s Ulster Hall during a mini heatwave.
Kicking things off is Baltimore’s J Robbins. Armed only with an acoustic guitar, the crowd are treated to a short set mainly made up of solo material. Opening with ‘Anodyne’ from 2019’s Un-becoming album, those who have made it in early very quickly show their appreciation. Diehard fans of his projects are treated to stripped down versions of ‘Savory’ from Jawbox and Burning Airlines’ ‘Outside the Aviary’.
‘Dear Leader’ is introduced with an entertaining explanation of its background (the unfortunate realisation you share your Birthday with the much loved President of your country!).
He displays an element of wit and one suspects during a longer set funny stories would be a part of his repertoire. On his socials earlier in the day the singer had mentioned having only brought one pair of boots on tour (a brave move), and he dedicates ‘Soldier On’ to City Heel Bar-possibly the first time they’ve been promoted from the stage of this iconic venue mid gig. Robbins drops his guitar pick during the song, briefly pauses and proceeds to blast through a passionate solo version of ‘Abandoned Mansions’, which is dedicated to his home city.
By the end of the set the sparse crowd has filled out a bit and a few fans will no doubt be checking out his back catalogue in its various guises.
The vast majority of the crowd here tonight are unlikely to have seen the headline act, and indeed many assumed the chance was gone forever until last year’s somewhat unexpected reformation.
Sugar arrive onstage to a rapturous reception, inevitably most of it reserved for Mr Bob Mould. With little fanfare the veteran band kick off their set with the opening three songs’ from their legendary debut album Copper Blue.
By the time they get to ‘Changes’, Mould’s head is soaked in sweat on a warm evening. Not that he needs it to be a warmer than average evening in Belfast to be overheating as he spends large parts of the set moving around the stage in his trademark slightly awkward fashion.
Drummer Malcolm Travis deserves a mention-the now 73 year old has a fan blowing his hair all night, appears to play with minimal movement, but proceeds to hobble off the stage looking like a man enjoying the unexpected later life “getting the band back together” experience.
By having relatively small back catalogue, over the course of a set lasting over an hour and a half the crowd get treated to 6 songs from each of their two full length albums.
Bassist and backing vocalist David Barbe takes centre stage for a handful of songs, singing lead on ‘Company Book’ amongst others, but his vocals tend to slightly pale in comparison to Mould’s.
‘Hoover Dam’ always sounds epic and stands out as a set highlight. The crowd’s energy understandably dips slightly in the middle of the 24 song set. The average age in attendance and the rising temperature in the venue go some way to explaining/justifing this. Such is the love for the band though, every song and interaction is met with a rousing reception.
After a quick breather during most recent singles ‘Long Live Love’ and ‘House of Dead Memories’ we are met with glorious versions of ‘JC Auto’ from the mini album Beaster and ‘Gee Angel’ from File Under Easy Listening.
To finish a set where the music did the talking and the band did very little, the most definitely heated up crowd depart with ‘If I Can’t Change Your Mind’ literally ringing in their ears.
Possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness these legends live, but one which is definitely up there for most memorable gig.
Photography by MPM
