Review by Steve Bennett

In his native Australia, former Doug Anthony Allstars frontman Paul McDermott is probably best known these days for fronting a Have I Got News For You-style quiz.

But, as he emphatically proves here, he's no sardonic Angus Deayton type - but a full-on, in-your-face ringmaster, goading his band, energising the audience and fiercely ranting against anything he sees fit.

He happily stomps over modern sensibilities, savaging just about everyone in a diatribe that by rights should be grossly offensive but somehow isn't, thanks to McDermott's wit and passion.

Our cummerbund-wearing host hasn't forgotten his musical roots either, and Gud serves up some high-energy songs alongside the feisty stand-up.

Some of the tracks are more than a little disappointing - especially a medley that simply drops war on terror buzzwords into existing songs ("You can call me Al - Qaeda"), following a path trodden by so many others, down to and including the Comedy Terrorist.

Others are more inventive, though, such as the saucy wind-up berating the poor for being assholes and mocking liberal guilt.

At the other extreme, their signature track Your Jeans Are Too Tight gets its laughs very cheaply, mostly from a string of below-the-belt euphamisms, even though it's so catchy you'll find yourself singing it at the most inopportune moments.

But it's the power of the performance that swings it, with McDermott and his spirited sidekicks Cameron Bruce and Mick Moriaty blowing away the audience with their energy, regardless of the fact that the material is mostly Gud, but not great.

Review date: 1 Jan 2003
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett