Being the first time at KOKO, I really didn’t know what to expect, I read that it opened in 1900 and could pack in over 2000 people but other than that, my knowledge was limited. From entering the building, I approached the box office and got my pass sorted out, it wasn’t until I walked into the main hall until I realised how beautiful this place is. From its ornate ceiling roses to quaint balcony areas, the place had been lovingly restored to maintain its vintage feel as well as offering ample room for punters to stand and enjoy the entertainment. Tonight would see two fabulous acts, Beans on Toast and Skinny Lister closing their “Double Trouble” tour which has been running since the middle of November. Fans congregated over three levels, waiting for the action to commence and at 8pm sharp, Jay McAllister aka Beans on Toast took to the stage with a band to open the evening.

I’m not sure if it was because he had a band with him but he seemed more ‘on form’ compared to the times I have seen him in the past when it’s just been him and his guitar, his between song banter was comical as the bear footed drunken folk singer explained that he had recently toured in Germany (and loved every second of it!).

Accompanied on stage by Bobby Banjo on acoustic guitar and harmonica, Jenna Jones on violin, a tremendously talented keyboard player and the accordian player from Skinny Lister, they performed a set consisting of the usual crowd-pleasing content (chickens, blow jobs, Lizzie’s cooking, MDMA, the war on war and the general mis-distribution of the world’s wealth) but it was tracks such as “1980 Sagittarius” which Jay had written for Lorna from Skinny Lister which really pleased the room, even more so when Lorna burst onto the stage to have a good old dance around whilst it was being performed!

Beans released his 10th studio album Cushty on December 1st, be sure to check it out along with his well established back catalogue.

After a short break and a shift around on stage, it was time for Skinny Lister to take to the stage and do what they do best. As they all filed onto the stage, the band launched into “Wanted” as Lorna leapt from the wings, flagon in hand adorning her favourite red shoes, the crowd erupted, what a night it was going to be!

An energetic set ensued, Lorna torn between dancing like it was the last night on earth and delivering some faultless vocals whilst the remaining 5 musicians took it upon themselves to create a manic and lively stage show that you just couldn’t help sing/dance and holler to from wherever you were lucky enough to be standing.

As an added bonus, they were joined by a familiar looking tall gentleman wearing a black hoodie, turned out that Mr Frank Turner was in the house and he joined them on mandolin for “Trouble on Oxford Street”!, as anticipated, the place went off good ‘n proper and it was a fitting way to celebrate the final night of what has been an absolutely barnstorming tour!

The Devil, The Heart & The Fight

Review and Photography by Steve Muscutt

For more photos from the gig, click HERE