After the Try Whistling This tour in 1998 I promised Fiona that I would come to London for the following Neil Finn tour. For the one-off promo concert in the Palace Theatre in February 2001 in London I couldn't live up to my promise, but when the U.K./Europe tour to support the new CD One Nil was announced, I wanted to be there...
So I called the on-line ticketservice, but had been doubting a bit too long, and for Friday 4 May (one of the three shows in the Shepherds Bush Empire, the one that best suited me) there were only tickets left for the third stalls. But right after I let Fiona know that I would come, she offered me her husband's standing room ticket (they already planned to go to two other shows, and she would love to go to one of the concerts with a fellow fan), and at the same time she offered me to stay over at her place. An offer that was of course gratefully accepted.
After a good two months of anticipation, planning, ordering plane tickets, listening to One Nil and reading reviews on the Tongue in the Mail mailing list, I was more than ready for the adventure.
On May 4th the day started at 5am after a bad night of sleep. Left the house at about 7am with Jan, who gave me a lift to the railway station. There things got off to a bit of a bad start, as there were construction works going on and I couldn't find the ticket office straightaway. But that was the only thing that went wrong that day (and the following day). Had a smooth trip to Brussels, drank a coffee and spotted a VRT-journalist who was schmoozing with a girlfriend, and at 10:45am the plane took off to London. Besides me was a nice old Canadian lady who was game for a chat, which is pleasant for such a short flight (40 minutes). It also took my mind off that ghastly old Virgin aeroplane - even though I had sworn that I would never ever fly with Virgin Express again, well there I was on that plane... the exorbitant prices of the Eurostar (no less than three times the price of a Virgin plane ticket) were not exactly inviting.
At about 11am I arrived at Heathrow after a particularly bumpy touchdown, and a good half-hour and a coffee and a bread roll later I was in the Tube on my way to the centre of London. During that ride Jan called me on my mobile... the eyes of all my fellow travellers pointed at me, something I can't stand, but I could happily report that to Jan as they didn't understand me anyway (I think). And as the weather in Brussels was grey, wet and gloomy, London was sunny and warm, putting things on their head really. I had a whole day to kill, so I had enough time to do a little bit of sightseeing, first stop was Covent Garden. Beautiful, expensive and much too crowded. I ate my home-made sandwich and drank my fruit juice on the staircase in front of a shop, in the sun, and took the underground again going a little bit in the right direction, to Hyde Park. Walked around a bit, and sat down on a bench to watch the Londoners. The latter because I knew it would be a long day and I didn't want to be 'dead' by the evening, so I didn't do much and frequented a lot of benches.
I had agreed with Fiona to meet at 15:30pm in the Whiteleys shopping centre in Bayswater, where we had a long chat and something to eat. At about 6pm we went to the Shepherds Bush area and immediately to the venue, where the box office (for my own ticket on the third balcony) turned out to be closed until 7pm, while there was already a queue waiting at the doors. So we found a place in the queue, because of course we wanted to stand in the front for the concert. Met quite a few listees (Jasmine, Steve, Deborah, Jen, and the others I can't think of right now), nice chats guaranteed. In the end I gave up my idea to pick up and resell my own ticket, because then we'd loose our spot in the queue, and also because we found out that the touts would only pay £15 for it, and after 7pm their price would drop to £7. I considered it not worth it, especially since the ever so kind Fiona didn't want me to pay back her ticket.
At 19pm we could get in, and after a civilised sprint we stood in the second row, again surrounded by quite a few listees. I wasn't really impressed by the support act Alex Lloyd. The man had gathered a band around him just before the SBE gigs, and insufficient rehearsals and a very bad soundmix proved to be disastrous (at least from where we were standing, it may have been better behind us). I liked certain parts (the - way too loud - guitarist played well, the percussionist was a joy to watch and hear), but in its entirety Alex Lloyd's music wasn't brought out well. I would much rather have seen him, as I read in the reports of the previous shows, only with his acoustic guitar and tape recorder.
During the break I asked listee Mike, who was right in front of me in the first row, whether we could swap places for a while, so I could allow my tired legs a bit of rest against the crush barrier, which he didn't mind at all. He was one of those 'obsessed' people who followed the whole tour (barring a few concerts in the U.K. and the 3 shows on the continent), which stood for lots of stories. When Neil started, Mike had decided he had seen enough shows from the front row, and I could remain on his spot in the first row... something that still brings a smile to my face, made me very happy!!
The Shepherds Bush Empire is an old theatre for about 2000 people, very beautiful, with 3 balconies. It used to be a BBC-theatre, where amongst others Terry Wogan's talk shows were recorded. There was only about a metre between the stage and the crush barrier, and the stage was quite low, so I had a fantastic view (was standing in front of Lisa Germano). Fiona told me that Johnny Marr had been there the night before, but in the beginning when the roadies were setting up the gear, it looked like he wouldn't be there, judging from the stage set-up. But a while later they did add a microphone, enough to know that he would be there after all. Hooray!!
Distant Sun
What a start, with beautiful graphics of a rotating sun in the background. Neil immediately with a big grin, because of the tumultuous reception by the audience.
Hole In The Ice
Very glad that he played this, one of my favourite songs of One Nil. Something I would venture to say I sometimes missed during the previous tour, had been set right here: guitarist Sean Sullivan as well as multi-instrumentalist Lisa Germano provided beautiful backing vocals, which are really essential for this song.
Now We're Getting Somewhere
Neil seemed to enjoy himself playing old Crowded House songs during this tour (from the first album), and this version just happily bounced around, with an outstanding Sebastian Steinberg (from Soul Coughing) on standing bass.
Last To Know
Lisa Germano again replaced the backing vocals by Sharon Finn on One Nil very beautifully, and played fluent melodies on her violin throughout the song. The bridge (??) with But who I wonder/could fail to notice/the aching silence/came down was magnificent.
Wherever You Are
As always a beautiful and poignant version. Paul the sound technician joined the band during this song to add the beautiful piano tinkle.
Four Seasons In One Day
Another oldie, to everyone's and also my pleasure. Most of the concert did not evoke any goosebumps, but it did provide that extremely happy feeling and a big big grin. During this song Johnny Marr walked on the stage, and introduced himself with a tune on his harmonica during the instrumental break.
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Smiths)
The first Smiths-song, Johnny Marr with beautiful jingling guitar and Neil with a more down-to-earth rendering of the famous Morrissey-whine. There's a world of difference between Neil and the Mozzer, but still this worked in one way or another. It was as a matter a fact the first time since the split of the Smiths, that Johnny Marr wanted to play Smiths-songs live.
Turn & Run
Sean and Lisa traded places (Sean on keyboards, Lisa on guitar) and provided wonderful backing vocals, with Lisa who sang the Sheryl Crow of One Nil into oblivion. (interpret as you wish)
Giant Heartbeat (brief)
Request from the audience, Neil raised his eyebrows for a second, started the song but quit immediately because it had been too long since he had played it and he barely remembered anything.
Driving Me Mad
Another song swinging in a Now We're Getting Somewhere-ish way, much more than on the CD. I'm repeating myself, but beautiful backing vocals by Lisa.
Paper Doll (Lisa Germano)
Despite the fact that I found Lisa on stage a real asset for the band, I wasn't impressed by this song of hers. More a non-song really, and it dragged along a bit. Still I was a bit miffed by the girls next to me, who had tried to throw a fancy plane on the stage, miserably failed, and kept yelling at Neil even though the song had started. Not done.
Message To My Girl
Neil sat down behind his piano, and threw this crowd-pleaser our way. The audience choir brought a grin to Neil's face. I'm glad this was also included in the setlist.
Sweet Secret (Very New)
A new song, on piano, can't judge it because I only heard it once.
World Where You Live
Another song from the first Crowded House album, performed very energetically, inclusive enthusiastic singing by the audience.
Down On The Corner (Johnny Marr)
A recent Johnny Marr solo song. A bit too light, but saved by those typical Johnny Marr-riffs which he dashes off with remarkable ease. I think Marr is the epitome of cool, the ease with which he plays the guitar, the calm stage presence, the sense of humour, the foot that stamps on the floor, the dance steps during She Will Have Her Way... *grins*
Loose Tongue
I was disappointed when they started this song, because I find it one of the weakest songs on Try Whistling This. But very soon I had admit that I was wrong, because this just rocked you off your socks. Sean, Lisa, Neil and Johnny on guitar in one row in front of the stage, in blinding white spotlights, and let's rock and roll!! Easily one of the highlights of the concert. This was very different from the Try Whistling This tour, much more solid, a lot more playing pleasure, much more body, even though this may be attributed to the late adding of Johnny to the band.
She Will Have Her Way
Elaborating on the heavy version of Loose Tongue, this also slightly pounded away at it. Good version with lots of guitars. Song over, waving and greeting the audience, and everyone disappeared from the stage. Huge uproar in the hall... the audience had been truly tempestuous during this concert. Countless paper planes, lots of interaction between band and audience, everything was greeted with enormous enthusiasm. Later it also appeared that we had very good spots in front of the venue, a lot of people in the stalls had problems with overly enthusiastic and drunk Kiwis.
First encore
The Climber
A song that doesn't do anything for me on the CD, it's too flat. And live it didn't thrill me either, unfortunately. A bit of a dip in the concert for me.
How Soon Is Now (Smiths)
But now this is what I had hoped for... first of all the appearance of Johnny Marr, a wish that came true. And *if* he would appear, then please How Soon Is Now too please, my favourite Smiths-song. And yes... I heard the first few chords, and felt the shivers run down my spine. Marvellous. Sullivan took care of the beautiful guitar parts, and Marr bounced away on (anyone who can help me out with the technical details, be my guest). Of course this couldn't be compared to the original of the Smiths, but it was wonderful anyway. A dream come true.
Weather With You
The ultimate crowd-pleaser and singalong song, and again Neil with a happy grin from ear to ear. Pure fun.
Second encore
Private Universe
Neil started softly on acoustic guitar, but then in the middle went into a major tribal rock groove (thanks for the great description stevenmc). Delicious.
Into The Sunset
Fiona, with her voice mangled by a terrible cold, called out for this during the concert, and Neil answered It's coming up. And yes, saved for the second encore. A wonderful, restrained version. Gorgeous intro.
I Got You
For this song Lisa and Johnny disappeared backstage. Nicely basic rocking classic, that had everyone hopping on their feet. Funny moment at the end: Lisa and Johnny sneaked back on stage, sat down cosily close to each other on the bench behind the keyboards, were joking around and giggling and singing backing vocals. Neil hadn't noticed a single thing, danced around on the stage but always looked beside him, never behind him. So he was the only one who didn't know they were there. At the end of the song he looked behind him, saw them sitting there and burst into surprised laughter.
Don't Dream It's Over
An extra extra encore, because the audience was so enthusiastic. Neil on his own, on acoustic guitar. While he was singing, the techie who provided some extra keyboards every now and then during the concert, crept on the stage, and again Neil didn't notice. He was getting ready to play the instrumental break, usually with beautiful Hammond-organ, on his guitar, set in the first notes, and much to his surprise heard the keyboard notes rise up behind him. He turned around with a surprised look, saw the keyboardist sitting there and smiled contentedly. Just like with I Got You much to the amusement of the audience, which had of course again seen everything happening.
Had a few chats after the concert, and then quickly went outside to get a drink at an Irish pub. Fiona had been suffering from a bad cold the whole time, and just had to go outside. Afterwards I quickly returned to the venue to buy a T-shirt, but I wasn't allowed back in. No problem, I knew I would have another opportunity in Brussels. Saw Peter Green at the doors of the SBE, very busy telling tour-stories. I didn't want to impose myself, so didn't introduce myself. Went to pick up Fiona again, and hung around a bit at the stage door. It was ice-cold, and I didn't want Fiona to become more ill, so after about 20 minutes we left for the ride home.
Got up at 9am, and after breakfast with Fiona and her sons Jack and Ned, she took me to Heathrow. Smooth flight to Brussels where Jan, Janna and Milan were impatiently waiting for me. Mommy did you bring something for us?
Afterwards I heard from many people that this concert was the best from the row of three in the Shepherds Bush Empire, which even enhanced the beautiful memories. Roll on the Brussels show yeah!!
As soon as I knew that Nici had a ticket for the show in Brussels, I let her know that she was more than welcome to stay at our place, an offer that she happily accepted. After quite a bit of e-mails back and forth with itineraries and plans for her day here, she arrived at about 1pm directly from Cologne, where Neil did his first continental show the night before.
The day before I had gone out of my mind (only a tiny little bit) during the pop news of Studio Brussel... During the announcement at 17am the presenter said that there was 'good news for Smiths-fans'. I didn't want to believe it, I especially didn't want to be disillusioned... but then during the pop news I heard Weather With You and then I knew it for sure, Johnny Marr would be there too in Brussels. And indeed, it was officially announced that he would play along with Neil. And then of course Anne does a little dance...
After Janna and Milan came back from school, we left for Brussels at 4pm, in Nici's two-seater convertible. The drive went very smoothly, despite my fear of driving in Brussels, that mainly because of the notorious tunnels. Driving in a car with a foreign numberplate does give you some credit of course, even though I'm not sure a German numberplate helps here. Found the right exit of the tunnel, but then we still drove past the Blvd. Adolphe Max. But because of that mistake we did find a 'safer' parking place in the car par of the Innovation.
On foot to the Ancienne Belgique, and immediately I was reminded how unsavoury the neighbourhood of the Ancienne Belgique is. The doors of the AB were open and we could get in, and we bumped right into a few listees: Jos and Stefanie from the Netherlands, Steve and Deborah whom I had also met in London, Silke from Germany, and of course also Birgit (also from Germany), with whom I had been in touch for many many years. Meeting her was very emotional, we had been pouring our hearts out to each other for such a long time and it was almost unreal to finally meet each other.
A chat and a drink at O'Reillys (where some more listees joined us), a quick and unhealthy bite at the Quick, and a bit before 7pm we were in the queue at the AB. There apparently I have missed Johnny Marr, who whizzed past (duh). Got a T-shirt from the famous Peter Green (on the left, on the right is Eddie the man to go ape for Vedder), introduced myself this time and had a short chat.
Once inside we were in the front again, and had time for some more talking. When Alex Lloyd started, Nici was in the first row, and I was in the second, right in front of Johnny Marr's mic. The Ancienne Belgique by the way is one of the best venues in Belgium, beautiful and with a wooden floor (where nobody cares about the smoking ban, unlike in the Shepherds Bush Empire), and especially with outstanding acoustics. If the soundman knows his job, it can't go wrong there.
This time Alex Lloyd played, much to my relief, without band. Only the man, the guitar, and the tape-recorder. And the occasional paper plane from the audience, which obviously surprised him. Much better than in London, his voice didn't drown in the mix this time and now it was clear what a good voice he has. In spite of this he failed to hold my interest, and I was glad when he left the stage. Short break, during which I started to fear that I had chosen the wrong spot (i.e. not in front of Johnny Marr, I was a bit confused by the set-up of the material), but it was okay after all, and he appeared on stage from the very first song.
Private Universe
A most wonderful start of the concert. Building up magnificently from soft and acoustic to the aforementioned explosion into the major tribal rock groove.
There's a Light That Never Goes Out (Smiths)
Somewhere in-between a demonstration was given of how to gargle a song, and immediately the tone was set for a concert with lots of joking, interaction between band and audience, and also improvisations. Second song and already a Smiths-song, goes to show that Neil doesn't mind giving the others a place in the spotlights, like Lisa got her moment during every show, and also Sebastian Steinberg and Sean Sullivan regularly performed one of their own songs.
Secret God
The beautiful Secret God got a wonderful live treatment, with outstanding backing vocals by Lisa and Sean.
Loose Tongue
This time no disillusionment when this song started, quite on the contrary... I was smacking my chops while waiting for the heavy riff that the lady and gentlemen in a row in blinding spotlights would fire at us. And yes, it rocked full blast. Yummmmmm!!
The Climber
And then, after the temporary highlight, again a dip with the dull The Climber. I know not everyone agrees with me, and the song indeed has beautiful lyrics, but musically it just cannot move me. I suddenly realised that my legs and feet hurt.
Wherever You Are
One of my favourites, always wonderful to hear live.
Pineapple Head / improv.
As far as my mood was concerned, this concert went exactly the same way as the one in London: feelgood factor to the max, I had a silly, beatific smile painted on my face during the first four songs. There were few goosebumps-moments, but this surely was one of them. Yummie, sweet song, with a nice improvisation at the end.
Where Is My Soul?
And then, hip hip hurrah, a song of the Finn Bros. album, lovely!! At the same time one I really like, much better than the Paradise that was regularly played during this tour (though of course I can't judge on the live-version of that one). Beautiful, melancholy...
Recurring Dream (request)
Silke's (or Finnbo's?) plane landed right on Neil's microphone, and he said that whatever the request was, he would play it. He raised his eyebrows when reading the request, but then launched into an acoustic version of Recurring Dream. And a beautiful version it was.
Four Seasons in One Day
The first and only singalong song of this concert, few crowd-pleasers were played actually. The audience proved to know the bulk of Neil's solo-songs, but here and there there was a bit of disillusionment that songs like Message to My Girl or Weather With You weren't played. I didn't mind about that though, but I thought it was a shame that Hole in the Ice wasn't played. Lisa seriously slipped out during the keyboard-solo, Marr returned to the stage (after an absence of a few songs) to add a touch of his mouth organ.
Down on the Corner (Johnny Marr)
Again the somewhat light Johnny Marr solo-song, saved by his gorgeous guitar playing. Neil too seems to really enjoy playing it, the exchange of looks and smiles between him and Johnny was heart-warming to see. Those two really seem to get along very well.
Turn & Run
See the review of the SBE show...
Driving Me Mad
Soft and sweet but nicely swinging with Sebastian on standing bass. I keep repeating myself, wonderful backing vocals by Lisa. Pom-pe-dom pom-pe-dom... made me wobble.
Wood Floors (Lisa Germano)
I liked this song more than Paper Doll in London, this has a little bit more structure. Lisa had to start again, caused by problems with her voice because she didn't talk all day. Neil wanted to give her a massage, but she didn't want him to, and she said she found the plush dog on her keyboard a better friend (didn't get that all very well... anyone?).
Mini Dickman (improv.)
After something with cookies in Cologne, Nici had brought a packet of Mini Dickman cookies, which she threw to Neil. Well, actually she wanted it to be handed over to him, but someone next to her (Silke? Finnbo?) threw it, Neil slightly startled, opened the packet of cookies, passed it on to the first row and immediately improvised, with the band, a song. That's how we know Neil, don't we?
Rest of the Day Off
Before the concert I had told Nici that this song had hardly (not? one time?) been played during this tour and look, what do we get? A meaningful look was exchanged between us, and it was a damn good version of this song too. I can understand that Elastic Heart doesn't get played, but this obviously deserves more.
Mean to Me
And there that renewed love for the old Crowded House songs is again, with a bouncing Mean to Me, that obviously was met with the approval of the audience too.
First encore
How Soon Is Now (Smiths)
I could feel this song coming, and all I could do was greet it with an aggressive 'YES YES YES'. Again a beautiful version, with Neil of course much more mellow than Morrissey, but he fully appropriated the song, with Johnny Marr as temporary conductor.
Last to Know
Where is my mind??
Love You Til the Day I Die
Bouncing was the word for Mean to Me, and I'd like to repeat it for this other Crowded House (band and record) song. Bouncing, loud, enthusiastic... a De Morgen-journalist described it as a punk version according to Finn's standards and I can agree with that.
Hey Joe (request was Purple Haze) (Jimi Hendrix)
Finn-fun at its best, someone shouted out for Purple Haze en the band swiftly launched into Hey Joe on the rebound, as if they had never played anything else. (Finn-connoisseurs of course know that it wasn't the first time that he played this). Complete with backing vocals by Sebastian Steinberg, and guitar caprioles à la Hendrix by Johnny Marr. Afterwards Neil apologised to Jimi. (earlier in the U.K. he had refused to play Stairway to Heaven, because too many bands already had butchered this song. Modesty is a good virtue).
I Got You
This time everyone (Lisa too? can't remember) stayed on the stage for an intensely rocking and lively version of the Split Enz-classic. If you'd allow me to nit-pick for a moment, I'd say that I would rather have heard another Split Enz-song. But, but, I'm not complaining, I've had more than my fair share of fun...
Second encore
improv.
Mom can't remember what this improvisation sounded like, or what provoked it...
World Where You Live/improv.
Another swinging Crowded House-oldie, followed by an improvisation, and then suddenly it was over. Neil had a cold (he had missed quite a few notes here and there), and the band would drive to Amsterdam after the concert, those were the main reasons I think. A shame, because quite a few really nice songs were written down on the setlist...
In a nutshell this concert gave me the same happy feeling (I really can't describe it any better), but I did find it a bit less good than the London concert. I'm not sure whether that can be attributed to the difference between a concert in the U.K. (or, in other words, on English-speaking territory) and here, maybe it had to do with Neil's cold, fatigue... But, less good or not, the concert was still great, plenty of fun, beautiful moments... sort of the icing on the cake.
Something that struck me: Neil clearly had gathered a band of 'small people' around him. All musicians, except Sean Sullivan, were little squirts, like Eddie Vedder in Auckland also appeared to be a little squirt... (surprise!!). A nice picture of the band taken backstage at the Shepherds Bush Empire can be found on Peter Green's Famous for 16 Minutes site.
While leaving the venue and getting another T-shirt (for Jan), from Neil's youngest son Elroy (on the right, picture taken in Brussels). The extra larges appeared to have sold out, Elroy then very obligingly showed me how big a large was. A very sweet, polite, helpful and cute kid.
Had another drink afterwards with Nici, Christiane, Ingrid, Stefanie, Jos and a nameless New Zealander, and went back to the car (Nici was completely exhausted). Got harassed by a few annoying men, but then we got to the car safe and sound. The drive home itself was quite adventurous... first we came to the conclusion that the tunnels were closed (and again very poor signalisation, also aboveground), and at Aalst we ended up in a huge thunderstorm with a flooded highway. But we made it home. Obviously.
On Wednesday morning breakfast with the whole family, and then I showed Nici my hometown Gent. We went at a brisk pace, and we traversed about the whole centre of town, quickly went to Fnac to get the new Tool CD, and even passed by the concert hall of Arts Centre Vooruit, where Crowded House played about a decade ago. Nici left shortly after noon back to Germany, and the black hole awaited me.
Neil Finn & band for the music
Peter Green for the updates and his tour diary
Marck for the TiTM-mailing list, without it none of this would have happened
Jen Rundall for the practical help through her great site FameIs
Fiona for everything
Mike for a spot in the first row
Nici for the nice company
and all the others I met during those days
C-ya!!