Shed Seven - Getting Better All The Time

It's good to be back on the road again. This year kicked off with a trip to Leeds to hear York-based Shed Seven, a group that has recently debuted at Number One in the UK album charts with their sixth studio album, A Matter of Time. It was not only a celebration of their thirty-year success story but also a triumph, considering that the band had not released any new tracks for six years.

As the Yorkshire group arrived on stage at Ledes' Project House to the sound of Queen’s We Are The Champions, lead singer Rick Witter willingly held the Number One trophy, given to acts who reach the top spot, high in the air. For the band and their loyal supporters, the moment felt joyful, infectious, and appreciative.

While many acts prefer to play one of their old albums in its entirety, Shed Seven proudly showcased its new album from beginning to end. Rather than a conceited gesture it was more an opportunity to hear new tracks from a group that is back on a winning streak.

Let’s Go, the set opener, was indeed a statement of intent. Kissing California brought some west coast warmth on a cold Leeds winter evening, with the memorable In Ecstasy sounding inspirational.

The passion and enthusiasm that sprung from the stage were compelling, making the evening feel like a special occasion.

“There has not much been happening in January,” joked Witter, “but the big news is we have scored our first number one album,” he playfully continued.

A short second set continued with a selection of the band's most well-known tracks; though, however fine they are, the newer songs heard earlier are ones that will in time become staples of their live sets.

Getting Better provided a moment for their fans to shed some of that excess Christmas weight with a dance workout, though Chasing Rainbows was almost hymn-like as the sold-out audience sang back the chorus in an exuberant fashion.

For any band to start the new year with a number-one album is a good start, and having a responsive audience tonight is an added bonus. Shed Seven have plenty to celebrate in 2024, having found their own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Their fans will fondly remember and talk about tonight for years to come. The celebrations look set to continue with two homecoming concerts in York this July.