6 April 2025
Irish cult singer/songwriter GAVIN FRIDAY made a name for himself as the melodramatic spearhead of new art wave outfit Virgin Prunes (1977-1986). Afterward he started his own creative journey.
Last year he released his 5th LP, named Ecce Homo his first one in 13 years. An enlivening electro-pop record, still frequently playing, with single The Church Of Love as one of the many highlights.
Last Tuesday Friday came to my hometown of Ghent (Belgium) to entertain a packed venue, mostly former Virgin Prunes fans. He performed Ecce Homo almost in full, with a couple of Virgin Prunes classics in between. It was a 90 minutes long trancey dance event, only interrupted by Friday‘s expressions of joy between songs (which, at times slowed down the concert’s spellbound flow).
His catholic upbringing and Ireland‘s God-fearing past still haunts him and his work. Religion as an oppressive tool to control people is still boggling his mind and triggers him to cast out his demons, on record and on stage, which caused a kind of spiritual ambiance that worked as a magnet for all of us. With his glittery appearance, he filled the whole house. With his disco bangers he increased the temperature, time and time again.
At 65, Friday still knows perfectly well how to enamour his
audience and give them a memorable night. Thank you.
SETLIST
Lovesubzero
Ecce Homo
The Church of Love
Stations of the Cross
Apologia
Lady Esquire
Amaranthus (Loves Lies Bleeding)
Lamento
Sandpaper Lullaby
(Virgin Prunes song)
Caucasian Walk
(Virgin Prunes song)
King of Trash
When the World Was Young
Encores:
When the World Was Young (Reprise)
Cabarotica
Daze
Angel