Probably gig of the year, that was. I was grinning like a maniac all the way, just flawless and wonderful. The Maels are so humble, with Ron at the end saying after a 20 year hiatus from the late '70s, the Shephers Bush Empire was the first UK gig they played when they'd come back, and they were overjoyed to be back there once again tonight. Russell was so endlessly grateful too. They spent about five minutes stood in front of the crowd to rapturous applause before they left, just waving and smiling. They were so happy and full of beans. Remember, they're 68 and 72 years old, but if you were stood at the back and weren't aware of their age, you'd be easily convinced that Russell was twenty years younger at least. Phenomenal!
Highlights were hearing the mind-blowing My Baby's Taking Me Home and being completely awestruck; Ron slowly taking off his jacket, loosening his tie and dancing a demonic Charleston with a sinister grin on his face during No. 1 in Heaven and then resuming his trademark deadpan keyboard position like nothing had happened; and feeling the full impact of Probably Nothing, an ode to old age and dementia, which was thoroughly touching and beautiful.
As others have said, Russell was note-perfect all night, and the backing band were tremendous. I'm so fucking glad I've had the chance to catch them live, especially after releasing what's easily their best album in many years. Unforgettable. What a fucking brilliant band they are.
Topic: Sparks (Read 24146 times)