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London punk alt rock band Chubby and the Gang headlined the YES Pink Room in Manchester for the second to last show of their tour across Europe and the UK. Alongside them, opening the shows were indie rock band Jade Hairpins, delivering a belter of a 30 minute set which ensured everyone was on their feet and prepared for what was to come.
This was Jade Hairpins’ second time playing the Pink Room, following their previous supporting set in February 2023, and the release of their latest album “Get Me The Good Stuff” which was released in September of this year. Having played the venue previously, the band took to the stage with confidence and charisma which shone throughout their performance and kept the crowd engaged, making sure to mention that “people who like what they hear can grab our album at the back, and for the people who don’t… our album is at the back”. The splashes of humor ensured there was no tension in the air and reminded those in attendance that the show was only just beginning and there would be more fun to come.
While Somewhat contrasting to the music from Chubby themselves, there were still influences of punk prevalent in the Hairpins’ set, almost as a nod to two of the members’ other musical venture: Fucked Up. Overall, their setlist mostly comprised of songs from their newest release, including “My Feet on Your Ground” and “Drifting Superstition”, with a couple of songs from their debut album interspersed throughout, “Motherman” concluded their set and brought a full circle moment to their first release.
Once it was Chubby and the Gang’s turn to hit the stage, the mega fans of the audience made themselves known, belting along to every word, right at the front with the man himself, Charlie Manning. This included newer songs such as “To Be Young” and “Cocaine Sunday” off their October release “And Then There Was…”, an album which was almost entirely a one man project from Manning, produced by Jade Hairpins own frontman, and Fucked Up drummer, Jonah Falco.
The laughs continued between songs with Manning, on multiple occasions, expressing regret to the burger he ate before making it to the stage. As well as on stage banter with guitarist Charlie Wyatt joking about being a painter and decorator, concluding with “This is to everyone who calls us industry plants” before transitioning to the next song. This wouldn’t be the only dedication the band made, as another song “Bonnie Banks“ was made out to Manchester, despite the song being about London as the band had expressed how much northerners dislike Londoners. This brought the fun to the show that an audience can come to expect from seeing Chubby and the Gang perform.
The atmosphere was incredible as the band played a mix of songs from each album, which ensured everyone got to hear their favourites, alongside their new music. The blend of songs also made it an overall thoroughly enjoyable set for everyone in attendance, with everyone leaving extremely satisfied, despite the gig ending earlier than typically expected with a 10pm finish.
Words and Photos: Libby Percival
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