The Good, The Bad And The Queen

Perhaps the most understatedly brilliant super group of recent times – formed as they are of Blur’s Damon Albarn, The Clash’s Paul Simonon, The Verve’ s Simon Tong and legendary afrobeat drummer Tony Allen – The Good The Bad And The Queen refuse to even have a proper band name (TGTB&TQ in fact being the title of their album, rather than the group), but look as if they’ve been playing in groups together all their lives. The music is a murky, earthy exploration of life in London both past and present, ranging from the gorgeous balladry of tunes like ‘Green Fields’ to the oppressive smog of ‘Kingdom Of Doom’. Live, even occasional guest appearances from Harry Enfield do little to exactly lighten the mood, but while The Good The Bad and The Queen concerts don’t exactly come packed full of laughs, the force of the gloomy aesthetic created by the quartet cannot be denied. Perhaps more than in any of his other bands, Damon Albarn seems at his most humble when playing with this trio, leaving much more of the posturing and posing to the still punk as hell Paul Simonon - a man who stalks the stage with a menace honed over forty years, yet is still as imposing as it was on day one.

Extraordinary gig! 30 plus degree heat on the night didn't stop Damon who was properly mischievous. 1,500 capacity venue but they performed like it was 25,000 with almost both album's covered. And hearing Tony Allen's drumming and Paul Simonon's bass was a dream come true. One of the most memorable gigs I've been to. Thank you gentlemen!

Astonishingly musical and impressive show from some of our finest musicians. Damon Albarn has to be one of our most interesting living songwriter performers. Adored this atmospheric performance and always great to listen to musicians at the top of their game.

I do 10.000 km (from Argentina) to see it. Amazing and unforgettable show.
The musiciens put on thé scène all them heart and soul, giving it all. Deeply touched by this songs. Thanks for the magic.