Sultans of Ping 21.09.2024 @ The Ritz, Manchester

Credit for this page goes to: John Gilman

Back in 1988, in Cork, Ireland, the Sultans of Ping began their journey in a music scene where poking fun at bands like Dire Straits was practically sacrilege. They made waves in the indie scene well before the UK press took notice—largely thanks to their infamous single *"Where's Me Jumper"*, allegedly based on a true story (though, let’s be honest, *"Where’s Me Cardigan"* wouldn’t have had the same charm). Fast forward to 2024, and the band is celebrating their iconic debut album *"Casual Sex In The Cineplex"*. While I've often been on the fence about these album anniversary tours, the Sultans got it right. Rather than playing the album straight through, they mixed things up—integrating hits, deep cuts, and some brilliant surprises.

The night kicked off with their staple opener, *"Back in a Tracksuit"*, instantly setting the tone for an electric evening. It was clear that the Manchester crowd, who hadn’t seen the band since 2017, had been eagerly awaiting this return. The Ritz's famously bouncy dancefloor proved perfect, as fans immediately started jumping and dancing, packed in tightly but loving every moment.

The Sultans aren’t a one-album wonder, and they proved it with storming renditions of tracks like *"Teenage Punks"* and *"Mescaline"*, with frontman Niall careening around the stage like a wild troubadour. It’s a real shame this band never achieved the massive global success they deserved. As a live act, they are as tight and flamboyant as any stadium-filling band, yet with the intimacy and rawness of a club performance.

A standout moment of the night came with the blistering *"Give Him a Ball (and a Yard of Grass)"*, which included classic Brian Clough quotes. It’s often said the title was a nod to Nottingham Forest’s John Robertson, though the song itself is mostly about Clough’s son, Nigel. For the hardcore fans, the flexi disc version given away with the Forest fanzine *Brian* must be a collector’s holy grail. *"2 Pints of Rasa"* and *"Indeed You Are"* were next, flying by in a whirlwind of energy, with the crowd grinning and hugging, clearly having just as much fun as the band.

When Niall belted out, *“I’m five years ahead of my time”* during their cover of The Third Bardo’s *"Five Years Ahead of My Time"*, the room felt like it had stepped into a time warp—a joyous blend of nostalgia and the thrill of the now. The Ritz was sweltering by this point, with an impressively diverse crowd spanning generations. It was heartening to see the older fans passing down the torch of great music (and great mosh pits) to the younger ones.

The surprise inclusion of *"Eamonn Andrews"* was a reminder of how deep the Sultans’ catalog goes, and by this point, no one wanted the night to end. They closed the main set with a raucous *"Kick Me With Your Leather Boots"* and the infectious *"U Talk 2 Much"*, which prompted football-terrace-style chants of *“Sultans!”* from the crowd.

For the encore, the band teased us with *“Let’s Go Shopping”*, before launching into *that* song—*"Where’s Me Jumper"*, which sent the mosh pit into a frenzy all the way to the back of the venue. As madly brilliant as it was in 1992, it still hits hard today, with fans going wild. Just when it seemed like the night was over, the Sultans returned for a second encore, delivering the now-legendary *"Turnip Fish"*, complete with fans lying on their backs and waving their feet in the air. They finished with a frantic rendition of *"I Said I Am I Said"*, and then it was all over—leaving us bruised, battered, and absolutely elated.

Leaving the venue, clutching a *"Stupid Kid"* t-shirt and a *"Where’s Me Jumper"* badge (kindly handed out by what seemed to be a fan club member), I couldn’t help but reflect on what a fantastic gig it had been. This band oozes swagger and musicianship in spades. It’s a pity they don’t play Manchester more often, but if you get the chance to see them, grab it—unless, of course, you’re busy shopping in your flip flops.

**Set List:**

1. Back in a Tracksuit

2. Teenage Punks

3. Mescaline

4. Give Him a Ball (and a Yard of Grass)

5. 2 Pints of Rasa

6. Indeed You Are

7. Psychopath

8. Five Years (The Third Bardo cover)

9. Veronica

10. Mitchiko

11. Rubberman