10/8/2008 - Part 2. Drugdealer*Cheerleader @ the Bull & Gate

Subject	Drugdealer*Cheerleader @ the Bull & Gate
PostedDate	8/10/2008
	So onto the headline band at the Bull & Gate tonight. Drugdealer*Cheerleader are one of the more entertaining bands on the circuit at the moment. They also currently feature as their 'secret weapon' possibly the UK's most in demand bass player Laney74. Rob Lane is helping the band out while they are 'between bass players' and his other bands DIP and Teenage Casket Company and having a break. Last night I was in Nottingham for the Trash-Stock festival and saw Rob playing bass in his band DIP, and the following night I see him playing in another city in a completely different band - I dunno how he manages it! When you see the performance he gives with whatever of the many bands I've seen him play with you can see why he is in demand though.  Drugdealer*Cheerleader's Hilda is certainly one of the more entertaining frontmen on the circuit these days - and unlike many he is being himself instead of trying to copy someone else's act (see the previous band on tonight's bill). Also, the band have actual cheerleaders - so the show is quite visual and there is plenty to watch as well as to listen to. The band also have some other things which makes them stand out from the other acts on the scene. Jay the guitarist is pretty good and has a very clear 'classic rock' sound - relying on a top quality guitar and amp for his tone instead of a battery of effects pedals. I think this approach works really well. The band also often have a backing singer when they play live, which helps both with the sound of the band, and also providing some extra glamour - which is always welcome!  When you go to a Drugdealer*Cheerleader show you really feel you have been entertained, and you don't get that feeling from too many bands these days.

PS: The Bull & Gate closed as a music venue in 2013.