Ken Dodd’s Dad’s Dog’s Dead – Live Review

Since their appearance on Sounds of 2013, new British band Ken Dodd’s Dad’s Dog’s Dead (or KeDoDaDoDe as fans know them) have built themselves up an enviable live reputation as a new British band that plays live music in front of people.

Last night, at Brixton’s legendary Custard Club KeDoDaDoDe impressed a curious crowd right from the moment lead singer Croydon Grim greeted the crowd with a cheerful “Hello Cardiff” and played the intricate opening arpeggios to latest hit single Cheese Jesus on his didgeridoo.

We began to suspect it would be a special night as guitarist Trad Scaffolding set fire to his Fender Osprey midway through the first song.

The initial excitement soon turned to confusion as it became apparent that Scaffolding hadn’t brought a spare guitar. Intervention from a fire-marshall saved the axe-man’s blushes. Similarly, disaster was narrowly avoided when organist Rupert St John Doctorwho did the same with his key-tar which instead of burning just melted and started to emit unpleasant toxic fumes. Thankfully a member of the audience threw a glass of indeterminate liquid onstage and extinguished the flare-up.

Third song “Tuna Cabbage” proved to be a highlight, with the band forming a human pyramid behind Grim whilst his mike stand appeared to levitate in front of our eyes. Drummer Travis Perkins then played his signature solo which featured no less than four costume changes and several comedy impressions.

Crowd favourite “Vange Ange” followed, surely a homage to Ian Dury’s “Billericay Vicky”. The crowd all joined in – singing in falsetto – to the now infamous chorus of “Don’t forget your spanner, Hannah” whilst Grim showed off his carpentry skills. Marvellous stuff.

A minutes silence was then held in memory of the tragedy of JLS‘s last album, before the band launched into “Bacon Sandwiches”. (Not the track of the same name from their debut album, but some actual sandwiches on a small platter).

Sadly the show was drawn to a premature close. Just seconds after Grim declared “Not only is this the last show of the tour, it is also the last show we will ever do”, someone in the audience threw a lollipop onstage and it lodged directly in his eye. The lollipop was followed by Curly Wurlys, Sherbet Dib Dabs and Wagon Wheels which were all hurled at the band in a bizarre (and possibly premeditated) confectionary assault. The band only escaped injury because Wagon Wheels aren’t as big as they used to be.

So a famous night that will live long in the memory of all who were there. Probably the greatest live show since the Sex Pistols played the Manchester Free Trade Hall, Radiohead played Glastonbury and Razorlight played the Ipswich Gaumont.

Don’t miss Ken Dodd’s Dad’s Dog’s Dead – on tour in the UK now. Check local listings.

Second album “Grilled Halloumi with Watercress and Poached Pear” will be released in September and comes with a free recipe book.

Have you seen K4D live? What did you think? Leave a comment below if you were at one of their recent gigs….

Record #218 – K4D – Neptune’s Flump