Whilst the pandemic era curtailed musicians’ ability to tour, it allowed creatives to experiment with their craft. At least, that was the case for Hands Off Gretel’s Lauren Tate. With limited opportunities to perform live, the Yorkshire native took time to reflect as well as push herself musically and artistically. Subsequently, Tate’s latest alter ego, Delilah Bon, was born.
By her admission, Lauren’s latest project was never intended to be taken on the road. However, the artist’s music, message and debut album struck a chord with her loyal fanbase, and as such, it became clear that Tate’s followers were keen to see a live Delilah Bon show. Fast forward to the present day, and Lauren Tate has taken to the road on her first ever Delilah Bon solo headline tour.
Just a few days into the artist’s current run, Delilah Bon arrived at The Cluny 2 in Newcastle where a packed-out crowd awaited her. But it was not only the headliner who captivated the Tyneside audience, but a strong undercard featuring Bizarre Fae and the North-East’s own Abi Nyxx delivered high-energy sets and received a great response early in the evening.
The beauty of Tate’s latest project is that it transcends genre, seamlessly integrating punk, nu-metal and hip-hop with ease. And what’s more, Bon’s lyrics and rhymes have more hooks than a fishing tackle shop. ‘Homework’, which featured early in the set, was a perfect example of this and proved to be a real earworm.
Delilah Bon has given Lauren a platform to promote safe spaces for women at concerts. And before her performance of ‘Red Dress’, the artist passionately discussed this subject.
With the front row packed with a large congregation of the artist’s female fans, Tate frequently engaged with her audience as she prowled from side to side.
Ferocious head banging, hair-flicking bass player Ruena and DJ/Hype Girl Tasmin Taylor completed the live band. Collectively, the trio worked so well, particularly during their choreographed dance routines which occurred throughout the proceedings.
Delilah’s theatrical stage antics set her apart from the rest of the underground scene, with the artist’s visual routines including baseball bats during ‘Clown’, axes throughout ‘Cannibal Summer’, and even a bubble machine at the start of ‘Bad Attitude’, with each of these props elevating the passion and intensity of Tate’s performance.
With Delilah Bon, you get more than just a gig – you get a show.
