Creeper
Roundhouse 11/04/22
Camden London UK
Claire H. Photographer
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Set List
VCR
Born Cold
Suzanne
Annabelle
Be My End
Cyanide
Hiding With Boys
The Honeymoon Suite
Thorns of Love
Napalm Girls
Midnight
Ghosts Over Calvary
Crickets
Down Below
Valentine
Black Mass
Lie Awake
All My Friends
Black Moon
Astral Projection
Misery
Live Review
Anyone who is familiar with Creeper know that the band doesn’t do anything by halves, a sentiment that is echoed by their terrifying takeover of the legendary Camden Roundhouse earlier this month. ‘When The Sun Comes’, a one off headline show; which just so happened to be the band’ biggest of their careers thus far, was announced on stage following their triumphant performance at this year’s 2000 Trees Festival. Of course this wasn’t just any announcement. In true Creeper fashion, a vampire took to the Festival’s Main Stage to warn people not to attend what was to be one frightful night and what a night it was.
In the lead up to the band taking to the stage at the iconic venue, a montage of classic horror film style footage accompanied by spooky theatrical music played to the eager crowd. In between footage, cryptic messages such as “how is it going to end?” were displayed, inducing fear amongst the die hard fans in attendance. The fans had every right to be concerned, as the last time Creeper did a one-off London headline show, the Southampton rockers announced it was to be their final ever performance and so took their final bows at KOKO in 2018. This however, was before the release of ‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’ initiating the reincarnation of the group. Could Creeper really be pulling this kind of stunt again?
Taking to the stage, the night is off to a flying start as the band waste no time in opening with fan favourite, ‘VCR’ followed by ‘Born Cold’ and ‘Suzanne’.
Frontman Will Gould noticeably without his leather jacket worn to portray his character ‘Roe’ who was ‘shot on stage’ during the ‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’ touring cycle. Fans were also quick to spot that Hannah Greenwood was also without her ‘Annabelle’ wedding dress during ‘Crickets’, as pointed out by Hannah herself. This costume was seemingly retired at 2000 Trees Festival, where Greenwood performed in the attire that had been covered in blood - for the final time. However, part of the costume made an appearance later at RISE Festival in Newcastle where Gould unfortunately was unable to attend, with Hannah stepping up to perform lead vocals for the first time as part of a ‘Weeping Widow’ exclusive set. The performance saw Greenwood walk on stage carrying a bouquet of flowers and wearing a wedding veil which was placed gently on the ground whilst making it to centre stage - seemingly bidding farewell to the character ‘Annabelle’.
The night continued as the band paid homage to some of their older numbers as they performed : ‘The Honeymoon Suite’, ‘Lie Awake’ and even the live debut of ‘Black Moon’. However, it was one song in particular that got everyone talking and that of course was the live debut of “All My Friends”, which was dedicated to Will’s best friend and fellow band mate, Ian Miles. A number that delivered a perfect nod to mental health, with not a dry eye to be seen in the first front rows.
Everything about Creeper is carefully crafted and executed with such brilliance, that it would almost be over-the-top if it were any other band to do so, but for them it just makes sense. Closing the evening was the nostalgic single ‘Misery’ taken from the band’ 2014 LP ‘Eternity In Your Arms’. The band said their farewells and slowly made their departure from the stage, leaving Will on stage for one last goodbye. Out of nowhere, a ghoul-like creature attacks the Creeper frontman and ‘beheads’ him in front of a confused and enthralled audience. A decapitated Will’s head is placed at the centre of the stage, with a short video being broadcasted on stage. The audience is then introduced to a brand new female character Darcia, who announces that she will get to know the fans more over the coming months. She also delivers exciting news that the band have signed a deal with Spinefarm Records and that their new song ‘Ghost Brigade’ has been unleashed into the world. The venue is filled with pure ecstasy and relief that the band are in fact going nowhere. Well played Creeper, well played. It’s safe to say that no one was expecting that.
As the audience bid a final farewell to the ‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’ era, there was a real buzz in the air as everyone was soaking in the news to start the new era. From pyro, a remarkable drum solo from Jake Fogarty, coffins and even some gargoyle statues, it was clear that the Roundhouse and Creeper were a match made in heaven. It’s guaranteed that the show will hold a pinnacle place in the audience’ and band’ hearts for a long while.
