Back From The Dead

One year on from their very public onstage demise, the resurrection of CREEPER begins now. And as WILL GOULD and IAN MILES reveal, the journey to see this day has been a challenge that none of them could ever have imagined…

- James Hickie

November 1, 2018. The six figures move with purpose, through corridors, and downstairs. When they reach the exit to the street, pushing open the heavy door, they’re greeted by a rush of cold air that makes steam leap from their warm bodies. It doesn’t rise, though – they’re all walking far too quickly for that. It streams behind them like the vapor trails left by planes. Though no-one speaks, everyone knows to head for the van that’s nearby, and within seconds they’re all aboard and away – down Crowndale Road, around the corner and off into the night. Perhaps forever…

Seconds later, the doors to Camden’s KOKO venue open. Far from boasting the celebratory atmosphere that usually follows a gig here, the mood tonight is more funereal than fun. Many of those leaving are in tears, make-up streaking down their faces, comforted by friends and strangers alike, all bound by their collective sense of loss. These are Creeper fans coming to terms with having effectively witnessed the killing off of the band they love before their very eyes.

Minutes earlier, towards the end of Creeper’s 17-song set and before launching into the closing track, Misery, singer Will Gould addressed the crowd. “Of all the shows we’ve played in the last four years, this one will remain with us the longest,” he’d said, shakily. “Because not only is it the last show of this album campaign, but it’s the last show we’ll ever do.”

Not only were these fans coming to terms with what they’d just seen, then, as the band laid their jackets, complete with iconic Callous Heart back patches, down on the stage – they were also wondering where on earth their heroes had now vanished to.