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REVIEW: The Shameless @ Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester

Katie Storey
7/ 4/2008

THE Shameless provided after-dinner entertainment with a difference at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manchester.

Booked as the regular house band to perform for the Rock n’ Roll restaurant chain, The Shameless gave a stadium rock performance with a side order of fries.

Although the stage was surrounded by platinum disks and rock memorabilia the atmosphere was more reminiscent of a dinner dance than a rock gig. Nevertheless, fronted by charismatic lead singer Josh Stokes the band didn’t miss a drum beat, mesmerizing onlookers and forcing them to take notice.

Setting up like touring professionals the sound quality was pitch perfect enabling them to showcase their own songs, while stamping their identity on a few contemporary classics.

Launching into Woman by Wolfmother, followed with Black Night by Deep Purple and even managing to resurrect Word Up by Cameo.

The band made a clear statement between their own personal influences and original offerings.

Every song was punctuated with polite applause rising to rowdy cheers by the end of the set.

Comprised of a modest, but talented rhythm guitarist, cheeky drummer, quietly confident bassist and a lead singer with a strut, a swagger and a smirk, The Shameless have achieved what they set out to do, producing classic rock with a modern edge.