“Only Girlschool could have a launch party for an album that isn’t out!” comments Kim McAuliffe tonight.

She has a point. As technical hitches go, Legacy being stuck at the pressing plant is pretty special, but it can’t stop a capacity crowd getting into the spirit at this celebratory show, also marking Girlschool’s 30th anniversary.

First though, Tokyo Dragons play an equally significant set, having announced they’re parting ways after tonight. It’s tragic timing as, with an anthemic ‘Rockin’ The Stew’ rounding things off, they finally sound tight and confident enough to step out of their perennial supporting role.
On to the main course and it must be said that, save for the absence of any CD souvenirs, a high-spirited Girlschool serve up everything fans could have hoped for. Alongside the required cuts from the forthcoming album, which offer flavours of blues-rock next to familiar speed metal fare, there’s a smorgasbord of favourites from each era of the band’s career to date.

As impressive as the musical legacy is the achievement of getting this far without appearing the least jaded by trials en route. When teen battle cry ‘Yeah Right’ rips into the PA it still sounds as bratty and angry as on first airing, all those years ago.

Pic: Trudi Knight