Stone hands out free t-shirts and an ear-blasting at Rough Trade East to conclude their record store tour
I’ve got an ear infection, and the only prescription is more Stone.
It’s not really and this was probably a terrible decision, but no regrets.
The last time I saw them was Omeara, where the crowd turned into a bubbling cauldron. So asking them to play in between rows or fragile records seems not too far putting a crackhead in the red meat aisle and asking him to mind the shop for a few hours.
Stone were in London again for their final show of the intimate record store Punkadonk 2 preview last night. They’re tired.
That tiredness you have when you’ve traipsed up a mountain and touched the summit. The one that makes you laugh, look back on the punishing walk and feel proud. But also longing for your bed.
He let the crowd do most of the moving this time around, not something he’s used to – I’m sure.
This isn’t a problem, though. The performance had enough juice in the tank to power the pissed-‘uns and the records dotted around the walls were quivering with anxiety about what could erupt.
The joy in the crowd was something you couldn’t ignore. If they can work up enough people in a tiny room where people feel awkward dancing, you know you’re watching a winner.
Punkadonk 2 EP is released on 27th October with a new album hot on its heels. The new tracks held their ground amongst the obvious favourites.
And while some angry fans voiced their disappointment on social media at the fact they weren’t visiting their hometown, this anger only cements how craved they are.
This desire mixed with their love of fulfilling it will do them well in the coming years. Stone’s popularity has already ballooned since I last saw them.
I wonder where they’ll be for my next piece.