Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Bryan Adams - Monday 29th October - Royal Albert Hall

Bryan Adams and his 'Bare Bones' tour finally reaches London. In the imposing surroundings at the Royal Albert Hall this show was being filmed for DVD and I'd managed to secure a half-decent seat on the floor without paying too exorbitantly.

Musically it wasn't that different from previous shows on this extended tour (being entirely acoustic), but some of the anecdotes were very funny. This reminded me of previous occasions when I'd seen Bryan at this venue - most notably at the World Sport Awards (bizarrely introduced by Roger Moore & playing the same song twice) and in fine voice with the Who playing Quadrophenia.

It appeared I was the only person speaking English in the surrounding seats at this show, which goes to show what universal appeal Bryan has. I just hope the lady behind me singing does not come out on the DVD!!
 
Setlist
Run To You
It's Only Love
Back To You
Here I Am
I'm Ready
This Time
Do I Have To Say The Words?
Can't Stop This Thing We Started
If Ya Wanna Be Bad Ya Gotta Be Good
Heat Of The Night
When the Night Comes
Not Romeo Not Juliet
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You
Cuts Like A Knife
18 Til I Die
Please Forgive Me
Summer Of '69
Walk On By
Heaven
When You're Gone
The Right Place
I Can't Stop Loving You
The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You
+
Somebody
You've Been A Friend To Me
Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?
I Still Miss You... A Little Bit
Straight From The Heart
All For Love

[Footnote - turns out Bryan released the DVD "Live From The Sydney Opera House" instead!]

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Ian Hunter - Friday 19th of October - Shepherd's Bush Empire


Mr Ian Hunter
Back to the Shepherd's Bush Empire for the second night running - this time standing on the floor. Whilst not full, a healthy crowd turned up to see Mr Hunter play a selection of material from his solo albums and some Mott The Hopple material as well. For man well into his 70s, his vocals are excellent and the band that he has assembled are very competent. Ian switched seamlessly between guitar and piano and the sonngs from his new album "When I'm President" mixed in well with the old classics.

To round off the evening it was no surprise at all to see his daughter Tracy and Mick Ralphs join the band for a rousing "All the Young Dudes". If it wasn't for the fact that we go away for the weekend tomorrow, I'd be back for the 3rd night running with Steve Miller.

Setlist
Comfortable (Flyin' Scotsman)
Once Bitten Twice Shy
Fatally Flawed
Wash Us Away
Just The Way You Look Tonight
23A, Swan Hill
Irene Wilde (first part) / All The Way From Memphis
All American Alien Boy
Black Tears
Just Another Night
Isolation
When I'm President
Flowers
Roll Away The Stone
Michael Picasso
Sweet Jane
+
Girl From the Office (snippet)
Ta Shunka Witco (Crazy Horse)
The Moon Upstairs
Saturday Gigs / Life
All the Young Dudes

Friday, October 19, 2012

Scouting For Girls - Thursday 18th of October - Shepherd's Bush Empire

A seated engagement at the Shepherd's Bush Empire and I'd forgotten what a good view you get from the 1st tier. After a pleasant enough warmup act, Scouting For Girls hit the stage to great excitement from the crowd. Playing a mix of material from their first two albums as well as from the new one this was a pleasant if not extraordinary show. Obviously the crowd reacted best to the old material and I'm glad to say a few favourites remain in the set - especially "I Wish I Was James Bond". It'll be interesting to see if the band can take their popularity to the next level.

Setlist
Summertime in the City
Heartbeat
Downtempo
Love How It Hurts
The Airplane Song
I Wish I Was James Bond
Famous
Snakes and Ladders
Rains in L.A.
It's Not About You
Elvis Ain't Dead
Can't Help Falling in Love
1+1
Make This One Last
The Light Between Us
This Ain't a Love Song
Without You
Keep On Walking
She's So Lovely