AS I left Warrington’s historic Parr Hall still buzzing after possibly the most high-energy rock ‘n’ roll gig I’ve ever witnessed, I was left wondering why Massive Wagons had never really been on my radar before?
I’d seen them a few years back as a support band to Lynyrd Skynyrd, but missed out on their last sell-out gig at the Parr Hall last year.
I checked their music out a couple of weeks ahead of this gig, and liked the sound of what I was hearing.
Now I think it is fair to say I have become a massive fan.
The energy levels of lead vocalist Barry Mills is like nothing I have seen before – maybe Angus Young in his younger years?
As a veteran of rock gigs of more than half a century and having seen the likes of Status Quo, UFO, Michael Schenker, Magnum, Blackstar Sailor and The Stranglers grace the Parr Hall stage, this one topped the lot.
The quality of the music, the energy of the performers, the intimacy of the venue and the support of men’s mental health, supporting Andy’s Man’s Club, it had everything – including tour t-shirts for as little as £10!! (Yes, I’ve got one!!)
While I recognised a handful of the songs that rolled out over one hour and 40 minutes, I think it’s fair to say I enjoyed every single song. When the guys came back for the encore, just wearing their underpants, I did start to wonder – but when Barry told the crowd “you have to do what the Mrs says to support mental health,” I understood exactly where he was coming from.
The band clearly enjoyed the intimacy of the Parr Hall, with Barry, entering the crowd for a full five minutes during the encore, singing along and embracing fans- moments which will live long in the memory of those in the audience.
Based on this performance, I believe Massive Wagons are set to become “massive,” filling the void left by the veteran rockers from 50 years ago, who have already ended their journey, or are set to do so in the next few years as Father Time catches up with them all.
I truly hope Massive Wagons can make another triumphant return to the Parr Hall, but I fear they might outgrow the 1,300 capacity venue.
But having said that, I don’t think these guys do it just for the money, so fingers crossed, the historic Parr Hall might just lure them back at least one more time! Fingers crossed!
Massive Wagons performing the Full Monty
According to Wikipedia, the band formed in Lancaster came together after guitarist Adam Thistlethwaite and vocalist Barry Mills broke away from their popular indie cover band Ace Face, after witnessing a gig by the Australian rock band Airbourne in Manchester, to write original hard rock music in 2009. Following a short period with another drummer and bass guitarist, the eventual line-up was secured by recruiting Alex Thistlethwaite (brother of Adam) on drums and friends Carl Cochrane and Adam Bouskill on second guitar and bass respectively. In 2017, Carl Cochrane departed and Stephen Holl joined the band as second guitarist; this remains the only line-up change to date.
Next up for me is Airbourne in Manchester next month – a band I suspect might even match the energy of Massive Waggons, although I doubt anyone will ever headbang and pogo as much as front man Barry!
Finally a quick shout out to support band Scarlet Rebels – a four-piece rock band. I didn’t manage to see the full set but from what I did see they had a good sound and went down well with the audience – and were certainly the perfect warm up act.
Barry Mills in full throttle
@garyskent #rock band @Massive Wagons Official were full throttle at a sold out #warrington @PyramidParrHall while also promoting the importance of #mentalhealth with @ANDYSMANCLUB – a truly memorable night of high energy #rocknroll #heavymetal ♬ original sound – GarySkent
Warrington Parr Hall setlist
Under No Illusion
China Plates
Billy Balloon Head
Sunshine Smile
Northern Boy
Robot (Trust in Me)
(First time since 2018)
Back to the Stack
Hate Me
Last on the List
Ballad of Verdun Hayes
Death or Glory
(First time since 2022)
Scorpion
(First time since 2018)
Everywhere We Go
Night Skies
Generation Prime
(Featuring “Mysterious Girl” and “No Woman No Cry”)
House of Noise
Bangin in Your Stereo
Encore:
You Can Leave Your Hat On
(Randy Newman song) (Band in their pants to support Men’s mental health)
Ratio
In It Together
Song played from tape
Take Me Home, Country Roads
(John Denver song)
