The Struts are a British rock band known for their energetic performances, classic rock-inspired sound, and flamboyant style. Formed in Derby, England, in 2009, the band consists of lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies (former drummer Rafe Thomas).
This week, the Next British Invasion took over Södra Teatern. Back in 1964, The Beatles officially marked the beginning of something new (or better say well-forgotten), grand touring in the US. And now The Struts are trying to replicate that British devastating force all over Europe.
The band charms the audience with a very simple yet appealing tour concept that could be seen on any of their posters. “Remember The Name”, they proclaim staring at the audience through the papers all over town. Although these apparent newbies have been hanging around for more than a decade, they call the audience out to get to know them better and join in for a fun evening. Such an innocent and agreeable touch sets up an easygoing mood: it is alright if you don’t know us, just come and have a blast!
The lights are off and suddenly, the modest promise is disrupted by a booming siren. Starting off with an alarm and warning everybody: look out, you are about to see something special. After the first song, it is clear that the not-so-new kids on the block know what they are doing. They quickly create one of these London underground clubs vibe with no air, eccentric decorations and late-night buzz in the very centre of Stockholm.
Glam rockish, not pretentious, ambitious and somehow still humble, the group is led by Luke Spiller who pays tribute to the rock icons with everything he does on stage. From the haircut in the best traditions of the 70s to the once-avantgarde clothing, Spiller’s amicable takeover of the stage has begun. In the joint effort, the band makes a great freshly squeezed juice out of the legends: Bowie, Queen, The Rolling Stones are all here singing, just in different shapes and forms.
Throughout the night, the audience starts feeling part of something bigger and something waaaaay more fun than the regular afterwork in Södermalm. At the end of the day, who doesn’t want to get a glimpse into the famously wild nights of the 70s?
At the same time, there is surprisingly no feeling of imitation or fakeness. On the contrary, with every upcoming song, The Struts deliver a confident performance and prove that they have no time for chit chat, they came to make a statement. The band didn’t hold their most popular songs until the very end and brought all the guns in while people were on the peak of emotion.
The seemingly smooth, even lightweight performance costs a lot of sweat to the band members. Spiller ended up wearing a towel on his head giving the legendary Primadonna vibes while strutting around with a mic. Either as a gesture of identification with the long-haired fans or a little playful nothing, it is easy to buy into the vibrant storm of energy coming from the lead roaring like a cat.
“I’ll keep on doing what I’m doing” echoes from the stage as an anthem of the soon-to-be-true Strutsomania and makes the rock lovers impatiently wait for more.
All photos by Karen Lundquist
