The Wildhearts have been dedicated to hard rock and punk metal for almost 30 years. There have been ups and plenty of downs, break-ups, line-up changes, drink, drugs and almost hits. Vocalist / guitarist Ginger has been the only constant member so it's great to see guitarist CJ and bassist Danny McCormack from the classic Earth vs The Wildhearts (1993) and The Wildhearts Must be Destroyed (2003) eras back up front (and regular on-off drummer Ritch Battersby back behind the kit).

This reinvigorated line-up has also just released their first album in 10 years, the aptly titled Renaissance Men. New song 'Dislocated' sets the tone, rabid chants and huge singalong accompany 'Everlone' and we're only on the second track of the night. Unsurprisingly 'Caffeine Bomb' explodes like a hand grenade sending the heaving crowd into a good natured mosh frenzy.

The Wildhearts are a distillation of everything that makes British rock / metal / punk great, smashing together elements of Motörhead, The Damned, The Pistols, even Saxon. They never quite got the recognition they deserved but the fans are loyal to the bone (this show sold out months in advance) pumping fists and singing back every word. If you want variety or innovation, you came to the wrong place but a Wildhearts gig is a wonderful communal experience. Ginger's enthusiasm is infectious. A flailing mass of red dreadlocks dishing out chugging guitars, hard hitting riffs and cheesy grins. The love is mutual.

Setlist:
'Dislocated'
'Everlone'
'Vanilla Radio'
'Suckerpunch'
'Sick of Drugs'
'The Revolution Will Be Televised'
'Top of the World'
'The Jackson Whites'
'Let 'Em Go'
'Urge'
'Caffeine Bomb'
'Stormy in the North, Karma in the South'
'Love U 'til I Don't'

'The Renaissance Men'
'Someone That Won't Let Me Go'
'You Took the Sunshine from New York'
'Mazel Tov Cocktail'
'My Baby Is a Headfuck'
'29 x the Pain'
'I Wanna Go Where the People Go'

The Wildhearts play with Gun and Terrorvision, Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, Thu 27 Jun.