Wanna be Shameous? Food for Worms Album Launch Shows in London

Karaoke Review by Lucy Thompson

Photos from Button Factory in Dublin, Ireland by Patricia Gomez

Edited by Miyuki Wang

Following the release of Shame's third album, Food For Worms, they played two London shows at Pryzm in Kingston and Rough Trade East. But these weren't any usual album launch shows. It was karaoke as well. And as per usual, like any other Shame gig, it was for sure an experience. For the Kingston gig, which was on the release day of their album, they played in the disco room, which had colourful tiles and was in the round, with stairs going round. We strategically placed ourselves so we could see the band, and next to Eddie on the left side was the karaoke screen. Shame opened with 'Fingers of Steel' and then Six-Pack, the first two singles from Food For Worms, both memorised by the fans. The band and crowd already had such an electric energy for the start of a set, but I wouldn't expect anything less for a Shame gig. They then played Adderall, the third single, before going on to the karaoke sequence. I really loved it when Steen said that those chosen could take a friend up on stage, it was such a thoughtful thing to do. My friend who got chosen for the karaoke brought me up and we did 'It Must Be Love' by Madness, which luckily, I know very well, but I was still nervous. Not because of the audience - but because Steen was standing to the left of us cheering us on which was so surreal. During the instrumental part of the song, I didn't know what to do so I turned round to see the band playing. It was just so weird. But it was so good and I'm so grateful and I love them even more. That night, my friends also went up too. It was definitely one to remember.

The next day at Rough Trade East, it was the same layout except they also played Alibis, a definite favourite from this album and was just so good to hear again live. There was no barrier so we were falling into the stage just like any other Shame show. Towards the end, there was karaoke of their own songs: 'Concrete', 'One Rizla' and 'Snow Day.' I thought to myself how I could do a great job of Snow Day, even doing karaoke of the guitar parts (even though I'd ruin it).

After the gig, there was a signing and I got to speak to the band again which was so nice. They're always so friendly. On Sunday, I went to Brighton to catch the karaoke and signing, but the set was cancelled so it was only a signing, which was an excuse enough to travel down. We had a good chat about their first gigs and the setlist for tour. Shame are a very special band. They never try to be too polished in their music and performance, and still give the greatest performance. They are also the nicest to talk to, especially with Charlie Steen who greets everyone with a hug. Following these shows, the anticipation is even higher for what they will bring on the Food For Worms tour, and their biggest London show to date at Troxy.

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Photos: Shame at Button Factory in Dublin, Ireland

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Check out Shame on their official website/YouTube channel/Spotify/Apple Music/Instagram.

Listen to Shame's brilliant new album Food For Worms on Spotify/Apple Music.

Shame is currently touring the UK and will be touring Europe until April. Get your tickets here

Shame will be also touring America and Canada in May. Get your tickets here

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Special thanks to Lucy for writing for us once again and Patricia for sending photos. Check out Lucy's blog Indified for more of her gig reviews and Patricia's instagram (xbonnieturner) for more of her photos.

Have you been to a gig recently? Let us know if you want to write about it, we would love to feature you on A Lucid Dream anytime! You can contact us via email (notaluciddream@gmail.com) or instagram DM (notaluciddream).