IN REVIEW
MASSIVE WAGONS
LIVE AT THE GREAT HALL
Massive Wagons - Blackham Images
Reviewer: David Weddle
Hometown shows are always a little bit special, and back in September 2025 that was certainly the case in Lancaster as Massive Wagons played two sold-out nights at a very special venue.
Having not been rocked for the last forty years, Lancaster University's Great Hall had its cobwebs well and truly blown off as Massive Wagons made a triumphant two-night stint at the historic venue that has played host to the likes of Black Sabbath and The Who.
It's lucky for you that they recorded it; otherwise, you wouldn't have a clue what it was like. The live album Live At The Great Hall captured the atmosphere perfectly. Thankfully, they haven't polished away the gritty feel of a live rock show in post-production. They have kept the raw, high-energy performance as true to life as possible; it reminds me of the old days in the late 80s and early 90s when a live album actually felt like a live album rather than a soulless, studio-like production.
Having not been rocked for the last forty years, Lancaster University's Great Hall had its cobwebs well and truly blown off as Massive Wagons made a triumphant two-night stint at the historic venue that has played host to the likes of Black Sabbath and The Who.
It's lucky for you that they recorded it; otherwise, you wouldn't have a clue what it was like. The live album Live At The Great Hall captured the atmosphere perfectly. Thankfully, they haven't polished away the gritty feel of a live rock show in post-production. They have kept the raw, high-energy performance as true to life as possible; it reminds me of the old days in the late 80s and early 90s when a live album actually felt like a live album rather than a soulless, studio-like production.
Kicking off with Back To The Stack and right the way through to In It Together (the final track on the vinyl release), the band are in fine fettle, and the energy that they start with doesn't dip from start to finish. There's plenty of crowd interaction as you would expect, but particularly during A.S.S.H.O.L.E., the fans really belted out the chorus. Well, you would, wouldn't you? I know I would.
Addressing the crowd, frontman Barry Mills had a great rapport with the fans, with his humour adding to the overall performance. I personally really enjoy those moments where the band have a laugh with the fans, especially when it is captured on a record. Cracking stuff!!!
I was lucky enough to see Massive Wagons opening up for The Darkness a few years ago now, and the vibe and energy that I remember from that show is very much present in this very special live album. This is a band that has a unique stage presence and always delivers the goods.
The album is available on CD and vinyl, with the CD version featuring 2 extra tracks, A.S.S.H.O.L.E and Nails. Whichever version you opt for, you will be getting a whole lot of rock goodness and a recording of a very special event in the band's history.
‘Live at The Great Hall’ is out this Friday March 27th via Earache Records. You can pre-order your copy here earache.com/collections/massive-wagons
Addressing the crowd, frontman Barry Mills had a great rapport with the fans, with his humour adding to the overall performance. I personally really enjoy those moments where the band have a laugh with the fans, especially when it is captured on a record. Cracking stuff!!!
I was lucky enough to see Massive Wagons opening up for The Darkness a few years ago now, and the vibe and energy that I remember from that show is very much present in this very special live album. This is a band that has a unique stage presence and always delivers the goods.
The album is available on CD and vinyl, with the CD version featuring 2 extra tracks, A.S.S.H.O.L.E and Nails. Whichever version you opt for, you will be getting a whole lot of rock goodness and a recording of a very special event in the band's history.
‘Live at The Great Hall’ is out this Friday March 27th via Earache Records. You can pre-order your copy here earache.com/collections/massive-wagons