The Early Doors Club was held on the 28th of June at St. George’s Church in Tyldesley. The Dropouts, a local band from Tyldesley featuring Radio M29’s own Bevan Thompson, headlined the show for this edition of gigs. I was greatly looking forward to this performance, as knowing Bev personally, I was promised a spectacular show. However, despite being informed by Bev that the show could be described as “90s/00s pop hits with a rock twist,” I didn’t know what to expect.

When it comes to ’80s/’90s pop culture, I know very little. However, The Dropouts educated me on the infamous feud between Tiffany and Debbie Gibson. In short, back in 1987, two pop princesses were pitted against each other: Tiffany with “I Think We’re Alone Now” and Debbie Gibson with “Out of the Blue.” In a time of neon, big hair, and ripped jeans, the media (of course) decided this was the edgy drama we all needed.

During the start of the show, lead singer Bev used this as the perfect transition for the band to perform Tiffany’s hit “I Think We’re Alone Now.” With the passionate strumming of electric guitars, the beat of the drums, and Bev’s energetic performance, they breathed new life into a pop classic. The band were not the only ones bouncing around the stage; the audience, including myself, enjoyed the alternative rendition.

Another favourite song of the set was the band’s cover of the Blink-182 classic “All the Small Things.” Bopping to the sharp and crisp sound of the electric guitars, this cover was the most true to the rock genre among all the covers they performed. Bev’s smooth vocals sang the iconic lyrics, “She left me roses by the stairs, surprises to let me know she cares,” followed by the well-known string of “Na, na, na, na,” which enthused the audience and paid homage to this classic.

If I had to define the song I enjoyed most of the night, it would be their rendition of Britney Spears’s “Oops!… I Did It Again.” This track is undoubtedly one of the most iconic pop songs in recent history. The Dropouts’ slowed-down version gave the beloved hit a fresh, new feel. By altering the tempo, they transformed the song from its original upbeat, playful style into something deeper and more remorseful. Lyrics like “Ooh baby, baby” and “Cause I lost all my senses” took on a new, introspective quality. Listening to The Dropouts’ take on this song made me realise the power of reinterpreting a hit and making it one’s own.

Though I had been an avid gig-goer at the church before, hearing rock music within its walls struck me differently this time. The sound of the instruments seemed to bounce off the walls and reverberate throughout the space. It was both nostalgic and refreshing to experience a sense of déjà vu, being in the church and witnessing live music, yet hearing something new.

I loved The Dropouts’ gig at The Early Doors Club—it allowed me to relive songs from my childhood with an unexpected rock twist. The band poured their heart and soul into the performance, delivering an animated show that the audience thoroughly enjoyed and responded to with an enthusiastic encore. Despite Bev’s humorous remarks about them “destroying” pop hits and my potential for a scathing review, I actually think they enhanced many of these classics, giving them a refreshing and improved edge.

Time for my message: I’m sure you can predict what I’m about to say. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to support local talent and small grassroots venues like St. George’s, which hosts gigs as part of The Early Doors Club. The Early Doors Club brings together venues, musicians, and the community to ensure these events take place. Support local!

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