Those Damn Crows Soar at London’s 100 Club [Show Review]

In the sweaty, small venue on London’s iconic Oxford Street, Those Damn Crows took to the stage at the world-famous 100 Club on March 27, 2025. Known for hosting legendary acts like the Sex Pistols in the ’70s, this long and narrow venue, with its low stage tucked against a side wall, created an intimate atmosphere for fans eager to experience the Welsh rockers up close.

Cheers erupted as the band made their way through the crowd, taking full advantage of the venue’s lack of a secure backstage area. Launching straight into one of their new track, “Let’s Go Psycho!,” the audience sang along, already familiar with the tune’s lyrics from the yet-to-be-released album God Shaped Hole. Vocalist Shane Greenhall, clearly revelling in the intimate setting, waved directly into a fan’s camera with a joyous grin, an embodiment of the connection Those Damn Crows strive to maintain with their fans.

“What’s up, London!” Greenhall bellowed before diving into “Man On Fire,” leaving the audience little time to catch their breath. The stage bathed in pink and purple lights complemented the band’s impeccable sound, setting the tone for the high-energy performance ahead. As the song wrapped up, Greenhall addressed the crowd with a chuckle, “Welcome to the world-famous 100 Club, this stage is fucking shit! Look at Ronnie (Huxford) in the corner. No one puts Ronnie in a corner!” The crowd laughed along, embracing the band’s characteristic banter.

With the energy soaring, Greenhall introduced “Find A Way” in his distinctive Welsh accent as the stage was cast in deep red. Fans chanted along, fully immersed in the moment. Without missing a beat, the band charged into “Kingdom of Dust” followed by “Blink Of An Eye,” with Greenhall masterfully leading the audience in sing-alongs and rhythmic clapping.

Pausing briefly to soak in the electric atmosphere, Greenhall teased the crowd, “Do you guys want to hear a new song?” Their cheers provided an overwhelming yes, prompting him to introduce “No Surrender.” The fresh track was met with enthusiasm, proving the band’s newer material was already making a huge impact on their already loyal fanbase.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Greenhall picked up his guitar for the first time that evening. “We’re gonna play some songs off the new record. Who here’s bought the new album?” The crowd roared in response. “Who here hasn’t? Fuck you!” he joked, his signature cheeky humour on full display. Launching into “Glass Heart,” the audience responded with even greater intensity, seemingly unaffected by the rising temperature in the packed venue.

After a few more playful exchanges with his bandmates, Greenhall introduced “Dreaming.” The ballad-like tune permeated the venue, prompting fans to sway, sing, and chant along. Despite the cozy space, the song’s epic nature resonated, proving its ability to captivate any crowd. This led seamlessly into one of the band’s biggest hits, “Who Did It,” where the crowd’s voices drowned out Greenhall’s own. “Make some noise, London!” he commanded, leading yet another synchronized clap-along as the song reached its climax.

Building tension, guitarist Ian “Shiner” Thomas strummed the opening chords of “Sin On Skin,” urging the crowd into a fast clap before Greenhall jumped in. “I need you guys to count us in. It goes 1, 2, 3, 4 – can you do that for me, London?” As directed, the audience obliged, launching the band into an electrifyingly delivered “Go Get It.”

As the night neared its end, the band slowed things down for the first time with the emotionally charged “This Time I’m Ready.” Strangely, no phone lights illuminated the crowd, a now-standard sight at shows during slower songs. But on this night, the audience remained fully present, absorbing every note.

“Coming to the end, folks,” Greenhall announced, met with playful boos. “We’ll see you again, right?” A thunderous cheer confirmed their commitment to attend any and all future shows from Those Damn Crows. As “Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Dead” began, the audience instinctively sang along. Greenhall, pleasantly surprised, remarked, “Oh, you know this one?” The tune closed both the show and the tour on a triumphant high note.

With Those Damn Crows now capable of filling sizable venues, including a headline performance at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena in December 2024, this stripped-back, intimate gig and tour was an unexpected gift for fans. Free from the spectacle of arena shows, the night was a testament to the band’s raw energy, musicianship, and undeniable connection with their fans. It was a performance focused solely on the music, a night to remember in every sense.

Those Damn Crows Setlist:

Let’s Go Psycho!
Man on Fire
Find a Way
Kingdom of Dust
Blink of an Eye
No Surrender
Glass Heart
Dreaming
Who Did It
Sin on Skin
Go Get It
This Time I’m Ready
See You Again
Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Dead!

Those Damn Crows “Dreaming” single artwork