The Prodigy return to the stage for a run of live shows that coincide with the 25th anniversary of The Fat Of The Land.
Liverpool Guild of Students is the venue for tonight. Touring for the first time since founding member Keith Flint left us, Liam Howlett and Maxim return to the stage to deliver a career spanning set that includes and celebrates the success and longevity of their magnum opus The Fat of the Land.
This certainly feels like somewhat of a test run/reset for the band with the selection of venues chosen for this tour. Previously they have packed out arenas across the country. Seeing them in a more ‘intimate’ venue has it’s obvious benefits, one of which heightens the energy that both the band and the audience have the power to bring to the show. Euphoria galore is felt throughout the venue as the band appear from the side-lines.
Opening with Breathe and Omen back to back Maxim and Liam dispel any and all scepticism that may have entered the building in the mind of fans and through their kinetic performances let us all know – It’s ok, we’ve got this, you’ve got nothing to worry about, just enjoy yourselves. We’re in safe hands as the band enter this new chapter, even in the most reluctant of circumstances. Maxim is a giant on stage, bathed with strobe lighting, standing front and centre, stepping up to the mantle and being the sole frontman for the band after Keith’s passing. If tonight’s performance is anything to go by they will continue to terrify and thrill in equal measures. Keith would be proud.
The setlist goes on to include fan-favourites such as Voodoo People, Smack My Bitch Up and a rendition of Firestarter that initially we mistake for tame, or even lame. This doesn’t last long (thankfully) as the obvious dawns upon us. Why would you even try? In a way it’s the biggest tribute of the night that at no point is anyone trying to “do” Keith. It’s impossible to hear Firestarter without seeing him standing there, in that tunnel, eyes fixed in a craze and that’s how it should stay.
With new music imminent there is no sign of this being a one off, The Prodigy are back and here to stay, the music industry is all the better for it. At the end of the day we are talking about one of the best live acts in electronic music history. With a full band behind Liam’s synthesiser upping the ever present raw power and brutality the crowd are powerless but to jump and mosh as if at a heavy metal concert.
The Prodigy have always been about unticking boxes and subverting what electronic music is. They have always and thankfully continue to be their own beast. Bring on the next jilted generation.
You can purchase tickets here for the remaining number of shows in Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and London.
Check out other previews here.