Live Review: Ten Tonnes - Riverside, Newcastle 15/10/2019
Riverside showcased Ten Tonnes and his band on Tuesday night as he returned to Newcastle again this year. This time to play his own show after a headline set at O2 Academy 2 as part of inner city music festival Hit The North back in May.
Supporting on this tour was Liverpudlian female artist Zuzu with a set full of original music wearing the sparkliest silver jacket that’s ever been made. After a summer full of festival appearances, she has gained a strong following and it certainly shows. Dedicating her newest release ‘Money Back’ to anyone with a university degree and throwing in a cover of Lizzo’s ‘Truth Hurts’, she had the crowd singing, dancing and warmed up perfectly for Ten Tonnes.
The lights went down at 9pm sharp and the tune of his traditional opener ‘Sweet Caroline’ echoed over Riverside as Ethan and his band entered the stage. Starting with ‘Lay It On Me’ - a perfect and energetic start, then into fan favourite ‘Born To Lose’.
More indie fuelled tracks from his self-titiled album such as ‘Too Late’ and ‘G.I.V.E’ were certain to deliver the atmosphere that fans had hoped for. Throwing in a rendition of The Foundations hit classic ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ was a bold move, but one that for sure paid off as the crowd were totally immersed in the atmosphere and audience members of the crowd sang along whilst others climbed upon the shoulders of their friends to join in. As the gig continued the crowd grew in enthusiasm and lapped up every song played. The set was infectious and the audience continued to be fully involved, even as the music took back a step with songs such as ‘G.I.V.E’ which has more of a slower melodic vibe.
Coming closer to the end of the set, we got to hear ‘Nights In Nights Out’, ‘Counting Down’ and ‘Better Than Me’ bringing the night of catchy choruses and rememberable hooks to it’s encore. ‘Lucy’ is the perfect song to bring the show to it’s end. A song which I’m sure any band or artist could have wished was their own.
Riverside has played host to several artists over the past twelve months, but Ten Tonnes has for sure been one of the highlights. His packed festival season of 2019 has helped him grow so much as an artist and a frontman. His confidence in his performance has developed massively and is a lovely thing for fans to watch.
Following in the footsteps of such a well known brother could have made performing a hard act to follow for Ten Tonnes, however him and his band more than hold their own with their own musical identity, style and effortless talent which is visible on the album but even more in their live show. I’m sure he will return to play to a much bigger Geordie crowd in the coming years. I can’t wait to see and hear more.
Words and Photography by Lauren Stewart