The Sensational Return of Sleeper
It’s a cold and drizzly evening in west London, but for hundreds of music fans it’s the night they’ve been waiting for. Tonight’s gig at the o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire is sold out, and the packed crowd can’t wait to see the return of Sleeper, playing their first headline show after a 19 year hiatus.
Led by singer / guitarist Louise Wener, Sleeper were great advocates of #womeninmusic, (together with other 90’s favourites such as Echobelly, Lush and Elastica) writing classic indie pop songs with a catchy chorus and intelligent lyrics. As tour support to Blur, the band became part of the Britpop movement, but were also main support on the Manic Street Preachers’ legendary 1994 Holy Bible tour. Will their brand of guitar pop sound as good today? We’re about to find out..
Following 2 great support sets from Silver Sun and Yassassin, at last the theme song from Cheers plays and Sleeper take to the stage. Louise is joined by original members Jon Stewart on lead guitar and Andy Mclure on drums. With the addition of an extra rhythm guitarist and keyboards the band have a strong, confident sound. Opening with early track ‘Bedhead’ from their first album ‘Smart’ it’s obvious the band are thrilled to see the entire crowd singing the lyrics along with them. ‘I love you, Louise!’ shouts a male admirer, Louise grins and waves in his general direction before picking up her guitar for the next song. We learn later that fans have travelled from all over Europe and beyond to be here tonight, with one dedicated supporter flying in from the US!
Playing many of their 8 hit singles the band deliver exactly what the audience have been waiting for. The pairing of Blondie’s ‘Atomic’ (which the band recorded for the Trainspotting soundtrack) followed by their biggest hit ‘Inbetweener’ is a highlight. The lyrics, describing a bored housewife’s dreams to escape suburbia together with Jon’s chiming guitar riffs make a fantastic pop song, as relevant today as it was 20 years ago.
Last song ‘Sale of the Century’ sees 2 huge confetti canons on the sides of the stage burst into life and shower the band and audience with a festive paper snow flurry, the perfect ending. Just as family and friends congratulate a newly wed couple with confetti, we congratulate Sleeper in the same way, and wish them a long and happy marriage in music.
Catch up on the latest Sleeper news.