Last Wednesday saw the Shanklin Freakshow return to the Island in what was their first gig here in eight months.
After winning last year’s Bestival bands competition the group has taken the UK’s freakish fraternity by storm, having spent most of their recent time touring further up country.
I managed to catch the ‘twisted family’ at their Island visit and it was good to see they made time to get back on their own soil.
Their home crowd were clearly glad to see them back!
Support was supplied by Wooden Bullets, Wild Oats and Fuzzy Digits, but it was clear the majority of the audience were there for their freakish fix.
If you’ve never come across these guys before then they are quite a spectacle to watch to say the least.
Their music is a kind of alternative glam rock with an obvious influence coming from the Marilyn Manson end of the music spectrum, but their stage presence is what draws me in every time.
The band consists of four core members who go by the alter egos of Dr. Dread, Neandyfoul, Sgt. Stirling and are fronted by Mr. Strange.
With names like that it begins to paint a picture of how they look too! Joined by other freak show family members “Jesus”, “Clown” and “Stag” the group perform in full costume with makeup too!
Last Wednesday was a bit of a change as their usual getup was not to be seen – instead the performers donned dresses for their appearance!
Having seen them perform in their usual getup numerous times before the band looked decidedly “normal” in dresses…
Anyway, pictures speak louder than words and we wish them luck on their UK tour!
Images: Chris Cowley, Contrast TV
