Andrew WK - HMV Forum, London - 12th April 2012 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Written by Heather McDaid
Warning: May contain the word party… a lot.
“When it’s time to party we will party hard” - it is the written rule of partying. Most shows contain an energetic atmosphere, but when one man’s manifesto on life surrounds the word ‘party’, it’s fair to say that a show of his will surpass all others. Cue: Andrew WK playing ‘I Get Wet’ in its entirety, or the ultimate party in gig form.
The support from the evening came from two UK rock outfits: Hawk Eyes and Turbowolf. While the former played more hard rock offerings, the latter seemed to slot neatly in between rock and enough quirk for partying WK-style. With the crowd giving a good response to two notably different acts, it seemed they were suitably warmed up for the main event.
Chants were rife as the wait grew longer; unsurprisingly, the word ‘Party’ found itself echoing around the room on countless occasions. The lights finally dimmed as the majority of the band took to the stage for the opening number ‘It’s Time To Party’. The crowd roared in anticipation and when Andrew W.K. himself took to the stage, the entire capacity of the venue went wild.
Some may have (wrongfully) assumed that the usual set finale ‘Party Hard’ would be the highlight and, with it being played second on this run, the evening may rest slightly in its shadow. Admittedly, the reception to this particular party anthem was unfathomably explosive, but if you thought the night would peak there, you were sorely mistaken.
Song after song, the party continued. The energy never dwindled on stage or off and the show was just one of those real carefree events where you just let yourself go. Crowdsurfers continuously found themselves on stage, dancing randomly and freely; the hero of the night in that respect was the guy dressed as a banana. Andrew happily proclaimed him to be ‘the most popular fruit in the world!’ before his fruity friend stage dived back into the enthused audience.
With full on stage invasions and loud sing-a-longs to ‘Party Til You Puke’ and ‘I Get Wet’ to come, the evening was absolutely brilliant. The one word that would unsurprisingly sum it up is: party. There was a fun, excitable atmosphere to the whole evening and with Andrew WK you’d expect no less. Ten years on from the ultimate party album and it’s still as celebrated as ever.
It’s been a long time since he has headlined with his full band in the UK and it was well worth the wait. Hopefully it won’t be too long until he brings the party back; we’ll all be eagerly waiting.
Mentions of the ‘P’ word: Only sixteen…
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“When it’s time to party we will party hard” - it is the written rule of partying. Most shows contain an energetic atmosphere, but when one man’s manifesto on life surrounds the word ‘party’, it’s fair to say that a show of his will surpass all others. Cue: Andrew WK playing ‘I Get Wet’ in its entirety, or the ultimate party in gig form.
