Far From Being The Last Resort
Unbelievably it has been almost ten years since Papa Roach burst onto the music scene. Clumped in with the wave of nu-metal that was flooding the airwaves, for many they were never meant to have made it past the first record but Papa Roach evolved, they adapted their music to become a pure, uncompromised rock band and now with five albums to their names, endless years of touring and a fan base that is swelling with new recruits, the Californians are back to play to yet another sell out UK crowd.
With chants of Papa Roach echoing around the packed venue it is the pummelling drums of ‘Days Of War’ that announces the arrival of Jacoby Shaddix and co. as the four piece are greeted by a rush of adoration, charging into a thumping avalanche of lively rock that storms in to encompass ‘Change Or Die’ before being engulfed by the mass sing along that greets the passion packed punch of ‘Lifeline’ as Shaddix relentlessly darts across the stage, continually engaging with the crowd much to their appreciation. This being the Metamorphosis tour, the set list is obviously geared towards the band’s latest tracks with the call to action stance of ‘Had Enough’ riotously sitting alongside the brilliantly sleaze addled filth of ‘Hollywood Whore’ and bluesy chilled rock of ‘State Of Emergency’. But the quartet aren’t ones to forget what tracks have brought them this far throwing in fan favourites ‘Getting Away With Murder’ and ‘Scars’ that sees Shaddix relegated to backing singer such is the enthusiastic singing of the Wolverhampton faithful.
Not content with his view from the stage, Shaddix decides that he needs to get amongst the crowd but instead of taking the traditional route of stage diving, the energetic singer instead clambers onto the speakers, climbing right onto the balcony much to the astonishment and sheer delight of those in the high up seats. Declaring that he is going to sing the next song from up here, Shaddix proceeds to launch into the sleaze fuelled ‘I Almost Told You That I Love You’, moving throughout the crowd as he makes his way around the entire balcony section, briefly pausing here and there to receive a hug or a handshake before climbing down once more onto the stage. With half the crowd still stunned by their close proximity to the front man, the Californians continue to showcase a back catalogue of pure rock gems as ‘Between Angels And Insects’ is met by a raucous barrage of crowd participation eclipsed only by the band’s first ever hit, ‘Last Resort’. Papa Roach may have grown, their fans may have gotten older but ‘Last Resort’ still knows how to pack a mighty punch on the live field. Bristling with ecstatic vitality, Shaddix relentlessly rages through the track, peeling away the years and bringing an electrifyingly vigorous set to a worthy end.
Watching Papa Roach is like watching a living blue print of how a rock band should play live. From the sing along blasts that are instantly welcomed by the crowd, to the ever flowing enthusiasm that sweeps back and forth from the band to the crowd; Papa Roach know what their fans want and they know how to deliver it with expert precision. With fans reluctant for the night to end, it is left to the lone figure of Shaddix to bring the night to a close, continually showing his appreciation to all as he offers up a round of applause amid jovial dancing, before reluctantly and slowly making his exit. Ten years may have passed but Papa Roach show no sign of slowing down or giving up … thank god.