Many fans had travelled for the show and we had a very nice pre-gig meet up in the Foggy Dew. As a result we did not quite get front row, but we made it into the Olympia's mini pit. This was the first show of a considerable UK & Ireland tour, and I was a little disappointed that there was no new stage backdrop and that it all looked the same as the last tour. Minor quibble. The new merch is very nice however so, a hoodie :)
I liked support act Esme Patterson. She reminded me a bit of Anna Calvi. I had hoped that her presence on the tour might mean that 'Silent key' would get played (as she does the female vocal on the studio version), but not as of yet.
When you see a band repeatedly there are songs that you never get tired of, songs that you feel could be given a rest and songs that hit you anew for some reason. And for every fan they will be different songs. For me, 'Long live the queen', 'If ever I stray' and 'The way I tend to be' are songs I always love hearing. I could do without 'Wessex boy' and 'The road' (but on the plus side he has finally dropped 'Peggy...' and 'Glory hallelujah'). Standouts for me were the punchy full band version of 'Love forty down', 'The opening act of spring' (still my favourite off the last album) and 'Hits & Mrs', with a kazoo playing couple from the audience guesting. Frank introduced it as a song he rarely plays, yet somehow I think I have caught it four times so far. Lovely song.
Frank's solo section halfway through the show is generally where the surprises come. He played the aforementioned 'Hits & Mrs' and 'Redemption' as requests. I resigned myself to the fact that I was not going to get my request. Oh well.
The main section ended with 'Photosynthesis' and then Frank returned on his own for the encore. One introductory strum of the guitar and I realized he was about to play 'Balthazar impresario'. I got my moment in the sun and the people in front of me let me stand on the barrier for this one. I have had requests granted before ('Pancho and Lefty', 'Cowboy chords') but this one was definitely special. I hope I can get a recording of it.
We went for something to eat after the show and as we were heading back towards the Foggy Dew we saw a small group of people in the lane way beside the Olympia. Frank was still out there meeting and greeting so we got the chance to say hello.
All in all a great evening and as this was only night one of the tour there is plenty more to look forward to.
Helen.
