British seaside towns are traditionally depressing places during the winter months, but Margate is seemingly breaking the mould of late. Two weeks ago a royal visit from the Queen created national headlines and yesterday Example nearly tore the roof off of the Winter Gardens.

The gig had been long sold out and the legendary Winter Gardens venue, which has seen acts such as Chuck Berry, The Beatles and Paul Weller grace its stage, welcomed all 2000 fans inside on a cold November’s evening. Playing much of the material off the number one album Playing in the Shadows, Elliot Gleave and his impressive backing band got their UK tour off to a flyer.

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It’s been obvious for years that Gleave has no problem controlling a crowd, but the addition of Johnny Drum Machine to the live band seems to have really added to the show. The former Streets drummer was on top form along with guitarists Andy Sheldrake and Dave Stewart.

Predictably No.1 singles Changed The Way You Kiss Me and Stay Awake were popular with the coastal crowd and the airing of Hooligans was a pleasant surprise in the set list – giving everyone a chance to get a little ravey.

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The night’s highlight was potentially the acoustic-heavy Playing In The Shadows which kept so accurately to the recorded version. Again the latter part of this song have the crowd another chance to go nuts, as do much of Gleave’s gigs.

Example’s tour lasts until the 15th of December and his arena tour begins in April, including a stop at London 02 Arena. More information on www.trythisforexample.com.

Text by Dan Kemp.