THE Stranglers were back on stage in Southampton proving they are still a force to be reckoned with some 40 years after bursting on to the punk rock scene.Of course they have never classed themselves as punk and their musicality far exceeds most of those young contemporaries who fell by the wayside.

On stage at the O2 Guildhall they performed a good many tracks from those first two albums of 1977, Rattus Norvegicus and No More Heroes as well as other classics and some newer songs.

This tour follows the sell-out success of their Black and White Tour in March last year.

This time the focus was on presenting the classic collection to coincide with the re-release

of the entire Stranglers studio album catalogue from the period 1977-82.

Drawing from this expansive and impressive catalogue that spans some 40 years, the band delivered an enthralling show and their exciting mix of material all bore the distinctive signature style of this most enduring of British bands; driving rhythms, anthemic melodies, quirky time signatures and occasional dark humour, held together by those trademark rumbling bass lines and swirling keyboards.

One of the UK’s most exciting, credible and influential British groups, the Stranglers are riding high on the crest of a resurgent wave of popularity.

They continue to out-rock many on the live circuit, including much younger bands, and their existing large and loyal fan base has swelled in recent years as new converts join the ranks.

Each night of the tour is featuring a different selection of material from their vast repertoire, so every night is fresh.

The set list on the night was:

The Raven

Was It You?

Sometimes

(Get a) Grip (On Yourself)

15 Steps

Nice ‘n’ Sleazy

Never To Look Back

Always the Sun

Strange Little Girl

Golden Brown

Bear Cage

Who Wants the World?

Walk on By

(Dionne Warwick cover)

Something Better Change

Freedom Is Insane

Peaches

Genetix

Hanging Around

5 Minutes

Down in the Sewer

Encore:

Go Buddy Go

No More Heroes