Standin’Man Debut Headline Show at FC2, Warrington, 11th December 2021

Dean Fairhurst  – Vocals/guitar, Joe Kavaney – Lead guitar/backing vocals, Peter Fleming – Drums, Paul Glover – Bass, Ste Seanor – Keys 

Tonight’s event promises to be something extra special.  It’s the debut show of Standin’ Man, the solo project of former Sly Digs frontman, Dean Fairhurst, on his home turf in Warrington, and the first live performance of Standin’ Man, with never before heard material. .. This is not to be missed.

Warrington is the setting for this exclusive and must see event – my hometown and that of tonight’s headline, Standin’ Man. There’s a good musical history in and around Warrington, as is well documented.  Our venue is FC2 (Friars Court 2), the newest live music venue in the town and already a firm favourite of mine.  It has a great vibe, is fresh, new, and cool, and is brilliant for the more intimate, live gigs, having capacity for 260 people  You get that ‘up close’ feel but enough of a crowd to give us the ‘gig’ feel’. I’m excited about tonight, not being familiar with the music hasn’t put me off one bit; being a huge fan of Sly Digs I’m really looking forward to this new incarnation of Dean’s (Fairhurst’s). 

Standing Man_Credit: Natasha Santi

There’s already quite a crowd gathered, like me all looking forward to this first glimpse of a long awaited gig. Chatting to Dean (Fairhurst) he mentions being nervous as people don’t know the music but how they can’t wait to get playing in front of a live audience again. As we find out during the performance, this really isn’t an issue, and Dean really needn’t have worried.

It’s an excited and packed out venue already, but once the lights dim, blue lasers start up and the distorted and dreamy sounds of guitar lines drift toward us that excitement multiplies. It’s a great start! It’s plain to see these guys have missed playing and are so pleased to be doing so once again.  The enthusiasm and energy thrown into this performance is second to none. It’s real rock n roll vibes, loud, fast, banging, textured, layered sounds with a real 60s psychedelic feel to it. It puts me in mind of Coachella or Woodstock in those summers of love. There’s a real spiritual almost far Eastern sound but with one solid stamp of pure rock within. Performance wise, these guys are on it! Putting heart and soul into every song, it’s a lively, toe tapping, foot stamping performance from the get go! Epic and intricate instrumentals are atmospheric. It’s back to back playing, and very well received indeed. This venue is alive, Standin’ Man have us all captivated; it’s bouncing as the hard and fast beats punctuate the sound-bath of shimmering, psychedelic sounds. 

Standing Man_Credit: Natasha Santi

This far reaching, atmospheric sound is completely addictive. Obviously, as all material is as yet unreleased I’m not familiar with any of the songs, but each one is as fascinating as the last. I for one cannot wait for the first single to be released, as I can assure you from tonight’s sneak preview it’s ‘must have’ listening. Dean’s voice of course is instantly recognisable, its rich tones and gravelly texture fitting perfectly within this new sound. The whole feel of this material is new and exciting and leaves you feeling that you need to see/hear more. The feels are almost hypnotic, trance like – ‘trippy’ fading and wah wah with transcending guitar lines and base, with a real banging rock’ n’ roll beat. It’s been an uplifting, feel good, sit up and take notice kind of a gig. It’s felt reminiscent, but fresh – new and bang up to date at the same time. I cannot wait to see what’s next from Standin’ Man, and commend the guys for one outstanding performance…’cos you sure wowed us tonight! 

Standing Man_Credit: Natasha Santi

This really feels like something special and I strongly recommend seeing these guys live, it’s memorable compelling stuff!! Safe to say, tonight’s debut show truly went off with one huge bang!! For a surreal, psychedelic, rock’n’roll experience, with banging tunes and must see performance, Standin’ Man is your man!! Go see them…I guarantee you’ll love them… Epic night, true genius.  Thank you to Dean and the guys and I look forward to seeing you play again…many times!!! Catch Standin’ Man next at the Salty Dog in Northwich, Cheshire, 25th January, with support from Good for Gordon.

Words: Janet Harding

Photography: Natasha Santi

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