Audience engagement made ‘90s band special

Last Friday I went, with a group of friends, to watch popular ‘90s band, Space, at Strings Bar & Venue in Newport.

I have enjoyed Space’s music for years, especially admiring their lyricism. Originating in Liverpool, in 1992 the band’s music draws from genres as diverse as hip-hop, techno, post-punk, ska, and lounge music, as a result of the differing musical tastes of band members.

The combination of theatrical smoke and skilful lighting changes provided the perfect atmosphere for the night.

The evening started with opening act, Mouth, a band I was unfamiliar with, but was incredibly talented. There was lots of excitement when Space came on stage, with the venue quickly becoming crowded.

Lead singer, Tommy Scott, engaged well with the audience, especially during fan crowd-pleaser (and my personal favourite) song, Female of the Species, during which he came and took pictures with many of us in the front row. Between songs Tommy engaged in conversation with the audience, creating a relationship between artist and listener, which, to me, elevated the whole performance.

I believe that seeing a band you love perform live changes your experience of their music, and (in this instance) that is certainly the case. Now, whenever I listen to The Ballad of Tom Jones, I will forever be reminded of an excellent night seeing Space live at Strings.