Tue, 19-Mar-1985
Ritz, Manchester, England
Part of the Tune In, Turn On, Burn Out... Tour of the UK in spring 1985.
Support act: The Scientists.
An audience recording from this concert is in circulation among the fanbase.
See also: Live Bootlegs - Live At Manchester Ritz
Setlist
Reviews / Press Cuttings
*** Our thanks for the press review go to spiggymr7 - Please click into the file for a larger view -
Mercy Mission
SISTERS OF MERCY
Manchester
DOOMY DERELICTION? Rockist rat-trap? Forget the cruel criticism, this is the Mercy Mission - this is rock and roll.
Tap, tap goes the drum box in its sentimentally synthetic way. Buzz, buzz go the chainsaw gee-tars.
Yay, yay go the leather-look junkettes on the dancefloor.
"Watch this," says the mean 'n' moody Eldritch boy, oh Cool One with the dusky shades.
Dance, dance, dance ... hypno-cosmic beats groove on while melodic drones coagulate
into a sexual sight. Gawp at the matchstick men with their patent practise. Sensual satisfaction,
the relief of the sweat-filled fantasies as they emanate from Andy's l-l-lips. Back to the start,
the dripping dreams of 'Alice' and 'Floorshow's vibrant energy.
Flares 'n' platforms too, for Craig, while the bizarre beasties toke their autojump into overdrive.
'First And Last And Always' was gargantuan, 'Marian' an exercise in manic depression. Such style, with no
little substance. Seize that rabid relief and scream with painful delight.
The imagines heights become stark reality. Love that craz concept, the jailed justification of rock
for pop's sake. Open The Doors, see the light right in front of you. Jukebox junkies, petal power, Eighties'
haties, dig the drugs. Metal moods make happy harmonies while shattered showbands blast their wary
wares to disillusioned listeners. None of that here, m'boy.
Brother, these Sisters know how to rock and roll. No more, no less - treat them and they'll treat you.
DAVE ROBERTS