The Charlatans – Live at the Púca Festival
Though they were among the bands who put the “mad” in “Madchester” at the turn of the ‘90s, The Charlatans’ career has been defined by a level-headed steadiness that’s seen them outlive the baggy trend by several decades. Formed in 1988, The Charlatans became instant UK icons two years later with “The Only One I Know,” a rave-era update of Deep Purple’s late-’60s organ grinder “Hush” (with lyrics poached from The Byrds) that epitomized Madchester’s acidic dance/rock symbiosis. But thanks to frontman Tim Burgess’ Jagger-esque presence and Lennon-like charms, The Charlatans were positioned to weather the scene’s gradual surrender to Britpop, with more classically styled albums like 1995’s self-titled release and 1997’s proving that Oasis weren’t the only skilled melody-makers in town. Even as The Charlatans’ sound expanded to reflect the influence of disco (2001’s Wonderland, reggae (2006’s Simpatico), and 21st-century indie pop (2015’s Modern Nature), the group have retained their essential hip-shaking verve and festival-sized bonhomie. That uplifting spirit also guides Burgess’ extracurricular activities as a DJ, crate-digging musicologist, author, and—thanks to his popular #TimsTwitterListeningParty virtual events—social media’s preeminent master of ceremonies for the COVID-lockdown age.
Joining the Charlatans on the night are Special Guestts Hermitage Green who have been touring sold-out shows right across the globe, entertaining fans throughout the Middle East, Australia, North America, United Kingdom and Ireland. Selling out iconic music venues and performing for thousands of people at some of the biggest festivals, this five piece band has had the chance to share the stage with incredible artists such as Lewis Capaldi, Paloma Faith, Bastille, Two Door Cinema Club, Tom Odell, Gavin James, Sigrid, The Riptide Movement, The Trews and others