Description

Kingmaker played at The Adelphi 12 times between 1990 and 1994.

Paul Jackson helped Kingmaker find management and they subsequently signed, with EMI Chrysalis, the first major deal for a Hull band since the The Housemartins back in 1985.  They went on to tour supported by bands like Suede, Elastica and Radiohead.

“Seeing people queuing up outside the front door of the club for one of our shows, before it had even opened, was a big moment.  We had played much bigger venues by the time we got to fill the Adelphi.  And I really mean FILL.  The night in question saw the whole place so full that every last breathing space was filled with heaving, sweaty, breathless T-shirted friends, family and fans.  It was August and it was hot.  Sitting behind the kit all I could see was a wall of cotton, flesh and hair.  Before our opening barrage the faces looked edgy and expectant, but there was a real sense that this was going to be shared experience, something special.  Sweat ran in increasing trickles down my arms before we had even started.  Once the battering commenced it all hurtled along in a frantic blur of crashing bodies, sticks so slippery they felt like ice-pops, sore hands, stinging muscles and a glorious noise, not only from us but the rest of the Adelphi throng.  The bodies have never been piled as high as they were that night.”  (John Andrew, Kingmaker)