On Thursday night, I saw Pigsx7 play one of their finest shows in one of the best venues I’ve been to. There is no denying that The Crescent is one of the most important venues not just in York but in the country. It has everything you could want and enough space to move your body in a questionable fashion without hitting anyone by accident. Before I go into how amazing Pigsx7’s set was- I have to tell you about the support act; Meryl Streek. Meryl Streek is a crucial artist and is someone that HAS to be heard. He’s also proof that you must ALWAYS watch the support act if you are there on time.

A few weeks ago, Meryl Streek played on the Isle of Man and two of the most important (and best) bands from the IOM supported him- Half Naked Headline and Croteau. At the end of the night, I thanked him for playing there and for having those two bands support. Both bands are destined for greatness and deserve the world, and we spoke a little bit about how odd the Island is but also how important it is to have people like him play there. Not only was his set incredibly moving, but as a person, you can absolutely tell that he cares a hell of a lot about those around him, what he’s creating and being heard. He’s a credit to the music industry, and although the crowd seemed a bit reserved for his set- for some, the words truly hit home. Songs like Paddy (this broke me), Kelly and of course Death To The Landlord were so moving to hear and the way he puts his all into his performances is truly captivating. You leave feeling like a different person and also, angrier at the world. He’s a real inspiration and this definitely won’t be the last time I see him live. Music should always move you in any way, and I think if you see his performances and you don’t feel more rage at the world then you’re probably part of the problem.

Pigsx7 play 12 songs. No encores. No prisoners. No timewasting. No love for Download Festival. They limber up during the opener The Wyrm and you know you’re about to witness over an hour of chaos, magic, and the inability to hear for a few hours after. At their previous shows I’ve been to, I’ve always stood near the back but this time- the front (or a row behind from the front.) Not too close to the speakers but close enough to know that I would have a ringing in my ears for a few hours at the end. Bliss. I knew the show would be magical, but when you see a band, you love play in a venue that’s as special as this- it makes it something else. The setlist is perfect (although I still want to hear their cover of Hot Stuff live) and although 12 songs isn’t enough when it’s a band you adore with all you have- those 12 songs are delivered in a way that transcends how you hear them on record. Pigsx7 are my gym band, and their music has enabled me to lift heavier than I thought was possible but they’re a band that lyrically get me right in the gut. There is something so special about this band, and you know what? Fuck Download Festival for ignoring greatness for 16 years in a row. However, as the band did mention- playing venues like The Crescent means a lot more. It’ll always mean more.

As always, Matt introduces the band as 80s/90s Wrestlers but also mixes it up with 80s/90s Pop Stars too. We were joined by not only Rick Flair but also Rick Astley on a Thursday. In York. How lucky were we!? When you watch a band like Pigsx7 you have no idea where to look because every single one of them on stage is the best at what they do, each of them are the heartbeat of the band. Each of them plays with this urgency. The way Matt moves on stage is similar to how my cat psyches herself up to chase her little draft excluder toy. Focussing and moving in a way that shows she isn’t someone to be messed with. She then plays for 10 minutes and has a lie down. Matt doesn’t do this, none of them do. They all stay firmly focussed on stage and play as if their lives depend on it. Their sound is distinctive and vital. They aren’t just a great band on record, but live they take it to a different level- and they cannot be touched. They blitz through the set, and they play 4 songs in a row with no break (I cannot remember which 4 they were but at the end I did think they all needed a little rest because it was so intense in the best way.) Adam was able to go for a piss whilst Headbanger of the Evening was awarded so that’s always good!

The setlist was a dream, and the venue was perfect for them. I’ve seen them play the Ritz in Manchester and also New Century Hall but there is something really special about seeing them in a venue like this to really make you appreciate their sound even more. Stitches into GNT then into World Crust is just chef’s kiss. Collider into Toecurler? A DREAM! Was it the best I’ve seen them? Yes. Will this go down as one of my favourite gigs I’ve ever been to? Hell yes.