My sister has followed Massive Wagons for years. I've listened to the CD's she's bought and seen numerous Facebook posts showing she was at another Massive Wagons gig having a great time, and she's constantly telling me how good they are live, about how their brilliant party atmosphere is always delivered and how it’s like one massive (see what I did there) night out for everyyone. Can they be really that good live?

I gain access to the venue early, set up my camera gear and trying a couple of test shots whilst Bootyard Bandits were finishing off their soundcheck, and saw the security staff at Gorilla ensure that those less-able had somewhere safe to stand or sit that was near to the stage and barriered to ensure their safety. Nothing seems like it is too much trouble for them. I think it’s worthy of a mention because the staff was very helpful.

The Gorilla venue is about ¾ of the capacity as the lights dims, fog machine filters through the lights above the stage as the intro music for Bootyard Bandits kicks int. Their catchy riff-tastic Country rock set proves itself to be a real hit with not only with their own fans that have made the trip to Central Manchester, but also with the Massive Wagons fans. They finished their set with their trademark ‘Hoedown Showdown’ to a well-deserved cheer and applause. The gang have few festivals dates booked in 2020 and might be worth checking out if you like your rock not to heavy and a slight tinge of blues.

A very quick change of set by 2 of Santa's little helpers sees the stage darken once more. Massive Wagons’s intro music begins as the band quickly get to their spots in complete darkness. Gorilla is packed to the brim and as ‘Back to the Stack’ erupts, Baz bursts on to the stage dressed as a Christmas Cracker to the crowd’s massive cheers, whistles and applause. So this is the party atmosphere that my sister had promised me. I don’t know what it is about us Northerners, but we really do love a band that sounds equally as impressive in a live setting as they do in a studio, and Massive Wagons will not disappoint when it comes to entertaining a crowd. The whole band has such big grins on their faces throughout the whole gig, it becomes inevitably infectious. Baz works every square inch of the stage with tireless energy and enthusiasm, engaging with as many punters as he can. At every opportunity he gets, the frontman tries to connect with the audience while singing, If it isn’t by pulling the trigger on some confetti cannons, it is by crowd surfing, inviting the audience to sing, or jumping on someone’s shoulders in the middle of the venue for the Slade encore of “Cum feel the Noize” finishing off what I can only describe as the perfect early Christmas party – Great British good time rock at its best. To paraphrase ‘Ratio’, I did not need to learn to fly to go to a place where everybody sings. Elvis wasn’t the king tonight, but that was a cracker!

With tour dates for next year already booked , I can’t see Massive Wagons slowing down any time soon, so if you get the opportunity to see them live, grab it. If you live in the northwest, the Lancaster boys will be hitting the Tiv in Buckley on Feb 21st 2020. You will not be disappointed. And yes, I promise to take my sister’s recommendations more seriously in future. Maybe.

Words and photography by Gregg Howarth