SANCTUM SANCTORIUM THE HAIRY DOG DERBY.
REFRESHING bands isn’t easy, yet new but experienced musicians Alistair Middleton on keyboards and bassist Mark Knowles effortlessly gelled into the Courtesan gang who opened for the main draw at this popular Derby venue.
Photography By Roy Goodall
Fronted by mainstay vocalist and guitarist John Hodgson, they opened up with Broken Soul, Neon and Sound of Heaven which the large appreciative crowd enjoyed. Their music is in the rock/goth/ industrial vain which takes them to many different and varied venues. Collectively they held the audience and all seemed very relaxed, with now settled guitarist Nigel Limer playing well. As with many units the rear gunner is always vital as tubsman Diego Benito held a reliable solid beat.
With the short set full of strong original tunes going out on a high is always wise as Courtesan ended their spot with the crowd’s approval of Placebo’s hit Nancy Boy.
Headliners Sanctum Sanctorium might be fresh meat to me yet they draw a strong following with their take on dark eighties gems. Formed back in 2019, live performances began post covid and whilst the first few tunes remained in low gear, it soon lifted with Cult classics Rain and Spirit Walker, which included dress changes to reflect the tribute from frontman David Black. His performance is almost spellbound and most certainly has learnt his craft. Of course one man doesn’t make a team and cohorts Roger Smith lead guitar, bassist Brad Hull, Claire Helm vocals/bass and Sayon Beaufort-Harwood on drums, all added nicely to the mix. All sixteen tracks got good applause with both Hong Kong Garden and Temple Of Love hitting the mark plus the venue did a decent fist of lighting and production.
WORDS & PICTURES: ROY GOODALL
