God Save The Sex Pistols - The Professionals Wakefield, 23rd February 2018

A sell-out crowd filled Warehouse 23 on a crisp late February evening, all in aid of Scott Sorry from The Wildhearts who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December. The reformed Wildhearts headlined, and they are blessed with an enthusiastic loyal following; all dyed in the wool fanatics who live and breathe every syllable of every song. An impressive spectacle both on and off stage.

I was here primarily to witness the first Professionals gig of the year, their first since the album launch last October. Occupying the evening's main support slot, the pressure was on to keep the eager punters satisfied. A glance around the crowd dispelled any concerns. The Professionals can do down and dirty rock 'n' roll as well as anyone, and the connection with those gathered in Warehouse 23 was instantaneous. A fair few hardcore Pros fans were also in attendance and soon made their presence known, singing and bellowing their way through the 45 minute set.

The success of What In The World has seen a major shift in the live material the band deliver. Compare the Professionals previous 'festival' appearance at Rebellion last August, where a pair of 'new' songs were the only indication of what was to come. Now close on half the set is bang up-to-date Pros, and what a difference it makes to their authenticity. Good Man Down, Going Going Gone, Rewind, Let Go, and making its live debut, Hats Off, now fight for attention with the established Payola, Silly Thing, Just Another Dream, Join The Professionals, Kick Down The Doors and 1-2-3.

The line between old and new is no longer clear, and nowhere was this more apparent than the back to back pairing of the mid-paced epic Crescendo from '81 with the pile driving Hats Off, the epitome of modern days Pros. Transcending styles and intervening years separate the songs, but they are undeniably the same band, delivered with the attitude and personality that belongs to Paul Cook, Paul Myers, Tom Spencer and Chris McCormack, The Professionals. Another unforgettable performance with a whole new set of fans converted to the cause. Tonight a flag was planted firmly in the ground gained last year. Expect further territory to be claimed throughout 2018.

As a footnote, Cookie, Tom and Chris later joined The Wildhearts for their final encore of the evening, Pretty Vacant. A rousing ending to an uplifting show. With Scott Sorry at the forefront of everyone's mind, it was the perfect finale to a triumphant evening.

Review & pictures by Phil Singleton
Fund Scott Sorry / gofundme.com