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LIVE REVIEW
WE THREE
NEWCASTLE - RIVERSIDE
Photos and Review: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Oregeon alt-pop trio We Three recently released their fourth studio album, 'Love Me' and have been touring the world, bringing their new music to their already massive fan base as well as new ears across the globe. Bringing their emotionally charged album to the UK We Three started this leg of the tour in Newcastle, We Three rolled in to town with support from Alfie Sheard and singer-songwriter Morgan St. Jean.
Opening proceedings, Alfie Sheard gave it his all and got the crowd warmed up nicely on what was a freezing October night on Newcastle’s historic Quayside. Playing a plethora of covers of well-known tracks like Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape Of You’ and James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful’ interlaced with Alfie’s original material, the singer was an instant hit with the Newcastle crowd.
After a short break, the second act of the night, Morgan St. Jean took to the stage. Playing a selection of her own songs as well as hits including Britney Spears’ ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’. Morgan St. Jean wowed the crowd and, judging by the audience's reaction, made plenty of brand new fans in the Toon.
As the good folk of Newcastle topped up their drinks and paid a visit to the merch stand, the stage and front of house area became a hive of activity, with a very hard-working crew making the stage ready for the headliners, We Three. At 9 p.m., the lights dimmed, and the room was plunged into near darkness.
The words ‘Love Me’ shone from the stage backdrop as a solitary masked figure walked slowly onto the stage clutching a heart-shaped balloon. After glancing up at the words on the backdrop, the figure handed the balloon to an audience member and left the stage.
The words ‘Love Me’ shone from the stage backdrop as a solitary masked figure walked slowly onto the stage clutching a heart-shaped balloon. After glancing up at the words on the backdrop, the figure handed the balloon to an audience member and left the stage.
As red light swamped the smoke-filled stage, bass player Bethany stood on the drum riser to the left of her brother and drummer/keyboard player Joshua as the spoken word introduction to hard-hitting opener ‘Hell As Well’. The crowd’s anticipation was broken as Manny walked on to the stage and got right down to business with an emotional and heartfelt performance. Riverside is a relatively intimate venue, but you could easily be mistaken for thinking it was a stadium if you closed your eyes for a moment and listened to the crowd. This is a band that is well and truly loved by their loyal fanbase, and it shows.
I’ve said this before when I reviewed the album, and I stand by it: there is something very unique that happens when families perform together. The connection they have with each other is evident, as they seem to bounce off each other with an energy and enthusiasm that is highly contagious. Just ask the audience.
I’ve said this before when I reviewed the album, and I stand by it: there is something very unique that happens when families perform together. The connection they have with each other is evident, as they seem to bounce off each other with an energy and enthusiasm that is highly contagious. Just ask the audience.
‘Full Time Job’ saw Manny playing the trumpet as well as singing. He made it seem so easy, but anyone who has ever tried to play one will know how much effort it takes to get a note out of it. Hats off to Manny for that. They played a great mix of tracks off the album, including ‘Bad Ass Bitch', which really got the crowd moving, as well as older fan favourites like 'OVERDOSE', and of course no We Three show would be complete without playing ‘Sara’. A song that captured the hearts and minds of their fans just a few short years ago. It's amazing how time flies.
We Three are not afraid to put in the effort for their fans, and they definitely gave value for money with a huge setlist that just kept on giving. The crowd was taken on an emotional journey by the band, and they certainly seemed to enjoy the ride.
We Three are not afraid to put in the effort for their fans, and they definitely gave value for money with a huge setlist that just kept on giving. The crowd was taken on an emotional journey by the band, and they certainly seemed to enjoy the ride.
An outstanding show by a group whose continued success is thanks in part to their work ethic, their crew, and their willingness to wear their hearts on their sleeves in their songwriting, but also to the fans who have a real affection for We Three that I am sure is reciprocated.
If We Three are asking ‘Love Me’, then the Newcastle crowd who braved the cold to see them play have answered that call with a massive “We Do”.
We Three are:
Manny (vocals, guitar), Bethany (bass) and Joshua (drums)
If We Three are asking ‘Love Me’, then the Newcastle crowd who braved the cold to see them play have answered that call with a massive “We Do”.
We Three are:
Manny (vocals, guitar), Bethany (bass) and Joshua (drums)
We Three are in the UK for a few more dates so get your tickets while you still can, this is a band you do not want to miss.
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25/10 Edinburgh La Belle Angèle
26/10 ManchesterManchester Academy 2
28/10 BirminghamO2 Institute2 Birmingham
29/10 BrightonBrighton Concorde 2
30/10 LondonKOKO