| Author | Message | ||
     Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1611 Registered: 05-2005 |
How will we all recognise each other?! | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 793 Registered: 08-2006 |
Yeah - Randy's been a bit scarce around these parts lately, but I thought he was going. Mr. Adams, you been busy packing? You're still going, right? I envy you guys. And I expect some pretty damn entertaining posts when it's all over. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1299 Registered: 03-2005 |
Oh yeah, I'm going. I leave for the airport in about 11 hours. I'm excessively prepared. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1673 Registered: 05-2005 |
Have a great time Randy, you guys remember to post photos from the events and especially you lot together on your MySpaces!! Safe travelling buddy. I wonder if people are videoing the events? | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 796 Registered: 08-2006 |
What Spence said, Randy. I really admire you for making the trip. Wish I had the time/cash/guts. Enjoy yourself to the nth, man! | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1748 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yep, have a great time Randy, Padraig and co, remember to take lots of pics and I look forward to reading all about it. Cant believe I arrive in Brisbane a few days after these momentous shows, talk about bad timing. I've just checked our flight schedule and we arrive in Brisbane on Monday 30th at 06:35am(after a 14.5 hour flight from Dubai), so I just visited your Myspace page Randy to remind myself of what you look like in case I see you wandering about the airport. I think you said you were leaving that same morning? Are you heading back to the States or are you spending more time elsewhere in Aus? | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 2132 Registered: 03-2006 |
Randy, break a leg, bon voyage, yadda yadda, you lucky dog. We do all expect complete coverage - pics, posts - some live interviews would be nice. Hope you get to meet Forster - I have a strong inkling you will. Rob, tickled at the holy triumvirate you mention - those three, time/cash/guts, really do cover just about everything it's good to have a lot of ('ceptin', maybe, willie size!)...it's sort of like lawyers, guns and money. | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 81 Registered: 02-2007 |
I'm goin to all 4 shows, only 30 mins in the traffic!! Look for a 49 yr old white male with an embarrasing ponytail! | ||
| Donat Member Username: Donat Post Number: 276 Registered: 11-2004 |
I'm going - by all reports, it's going to be brilliant. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1675 Registered: 05-2005 |
Kev, what awful bad timing man!! You must be gutted. Mind, going to somewhere like OZ with your family isexciting enuff, have a safe and enjoyable time. David, get the photo of the ponytial, wanna see that too!!! | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 79 Registered: 05-2005 |
Arrived in Sydney eight hours ago - I'm barely concious, I'm so tired!! Travellling up to Brisbane on Wednesday morning.. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 797 Registered: 08-2006 |
Wow, Catherine, how much time have you spent Down Under this year? You're gonna go native! | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 80 Registered: 05-2005 |
Including this visit, I'll have spent 7 weeks in oz this year.. It could be tempting to go a little bit native, but I couldn't ever imagine myself using such expressions as g'day, strewth! or no worries! I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing that I'm too old to get one of those 12-month work visas so popular with all the backpackers. Otherwise, I'd be very tempted to spend a bit longer here. Then, they might not get rid of me!! | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 115 Registered: 05-2005 |
I'm not going - however noticed tickets for sale on ebay.com.au if anybody is stuck - don't know if it's sold out or not. Item # 110151737324 - FOR FRIDAY 27TH JULY AND SAT 28TH JULY 2007 PS ... for those of suspicious disposition, I'm not the seller . | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1301 Registered: 03-2005 |
Hope they're not MY tickets being fenced by a Powerhouse box office insider. So that "no worries" thing is a usual Oz expression Catherine? The woman at the place I eat breakfast uses it and I can't help thinking "well, I wasn't worried about it." But I know someone in California who uses it too so it didn't occur to me that it might be a regional expression. I haven't come across strewth yet. But I have encountered "arvo" (afternoon, I think) and have learned to ask for a "flat white" for coffee. The first time I heard that expression, I thought she'd said "fatwa" and I thought that a very whimsical re-use of an evil word. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 639 Registered: 10-2004 |
That's funny, people say "no worries" all the freaking time at my work. I'm not quite sure how it started, but it spread like wildfire. I've become so sick of hearing it that I've had to restrain myself from declaring an office-wide ban on the word. Not that any declaration of mine would impact anything, since I'm on the lowest rung of the totem pole, but still. | ||
| Paul B. Member Username: Paul_b Post Number: 27 Registered: 10-2004 |
Just has a meeting cancel, (working on getting tomorrows canceled too) and booked my ticket, sitting,not standing. Tall geeky fellow with glasses blue jeans, black pullover and brown cord jacket. Say hello is you see me. No worries! | ||
| Peter Member Username: Peterw Post Number: 12 Registered: 02-2007 |
Danger in the Past was sensational... He played the album out of order but it worked...Thomas Wylder and Mic Harvey were superb. Adele played bass. I spoke with Robert after the show he was stoked with how it went...so he should of been. One of the best shows I've seen for a long, long time (and I saw the Saints last week so its a big call!!). He was noticeably nervous to start - he spoke about the recording process etc before inviting the band up to start playing, I feared for him during the monologue, he was nervous and it showed. He pulled it off though. It was an historic evening, the return of Robert Forster and Bobby delivered on the hype!! | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 799 Registered: 08-2006 |
Hey, Peter, thanks for the speedy review! It's probably been about 10 years since RF's performed solo so he's more than entitled to some jitters. Glad to know it ended up such a success. I do wonder why he played the record out of order. Maybe for technical reasons? | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 282 Registered: 04-2005 |
Yes thanks a lot Peter! I am jealous! And Rob, not quite as long as 10 years... http://www.go-betweens.org.uk/gb/reviews /rf010310.htm | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 800 Registered: 08-2006 |
I stand corrected! That's actually fairly recent, if you don't count in dog years. Thanks, Andrew. And I'm just thinking ahead here, but how great is the RF's performance of the Go-Betweens stuff going to be? I assume he'll do some Grant tunes, or at least one, and my money's on it being tremendously great. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 2135 Registered: 03-2006 |
Hot diggity, Peter, that sounds like it was awesome. It seems as though Roberto, trailblazer that he is, is once again at the forefront of a trend. A lot of artists are performing full albums of theirs, in their entirety. We know about Sonic Youth, but I just read that Lucinda Williams is launching a series of concerts wherein she'll be assaying various of her many wonderful albums. And, I have to confess, I kind of enjoy hearing people say "no worries", even non-Aussies. It's charming, not nearly as obnoxious as the American version(probably originated in So. Cal.), "no problem". Which always makes me have to bite my tongue to keep from saying, "Since you were, in reality, just doing your job, I really didn't think that would constitute a problem for you. Sorry to be such a bother. I'll vacate the premises immediately, so you can go back to your pressing telephone conversation with your friend about last night's episode of Big Brother". | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 1486 Registered: 04-2005 |
"No worries" is certainly preferable to "it's all good," which too many people who should know better still say. Thanks for the report on the DITP show, Peter. Any idea if the show was being recorded, either audio or video? | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1303 Registered: 03-2005 |
Hello all. Yes, it seemed that the show was being recorded with video equipment. Nothing large, but it was there. Just to flesh out Peter's report, the encores were "German Farmhouse," a Nick Cave song from "Boatman's Call" (but I've only heard that album once so I didn't recognize it) and the thing that gave me a big charge: "The Prisoner" from the Saints' great third album "Prehistoric Sounds." Padraig texted me in the afternoon, coyly asking where I was and reporting that he had picked up his tickets and was at the bar at the Powerhouse. This was about five hours before the show. Next, he texted me to recommend that I come and get my tickets too because Robert was playing the piano! I think my text back was "holy jesus" or something like that. I had to hot-foot it to my place to get the purchase confirmation and then to the Powerhouse. It was actually Mick Harvey on the piano but, yes, Robert was there and we stayed through their rehearsal/sound check. Catherine joined up with us. Back to the question of recording, Robert told the audience that he would not meet with anyone that night or the next night (tonight, now) because he didn't want to catch anything and mess up the later shows. He was unsure about meeting people on Friday but Saturday he definitely will. I think this may also be a sign that he is trying to put together a string of very good shows to preserve. Well, that's my hope anyway. And it WAS a great show. I loved hearing all the DITP songs without the massive reverb of the studio originals. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 2136 Registered: 03-2006 |
Sweet Jesus, Randy, how much fun are YOU having, lucky, lucky man. That sounds incredible. I wonder if the Nick Cave song was "People Ain't No Good", pretty much my favorite song by him evah. If you meet Forster, be sure and tell him to bring his little revue to L.A.! | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 83 Registered: 05-2005 |
As I remember, Robert said something about playing the album in an order that worked better in a live set. It was wonderful to see him perform again. God, if he'd just sung baa baa black sheep, I'd have been happy just to have been there, and having him back where he should be!! Took some photos, but I'm not too sure how to upload them to the site - they'll be there by the end of the day, I promise!! | ||
| Paul B. Member Username: Paul_b Post Number: 28 Registered: 10-2004 |
Absolutely great show, great vibe from the audience. Robert seemed to be enjoying himself a great deal. Kept an ear out for Catherine’s accent so I could say hello but couldn’t hear one with try to haunt the bar beforehand to say hello., Randy where you Catherine and Padraig sitting in the middle of the room? I’m impressed with the level of commitment we all seem to have. Sat next to a guy from Wellington (I think) who is over here for 4 nights to see Robert. Booked my ticket for tonight, the last one I am able to go to unfortunately, but then ‘Country Phone’ is my favorite album. Saw Robert perform at the ‘Institute OF Modern Art’ oh so many years ago with (most of) the recording band. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1304 Registered: 03-2005 |
No, I know that one. I was introduced to it years ago when Lloyd Cole did an acoustic show by himself at the Troubadour. Great song. I'm not sure Robert could credibly mouth the word "ain't." Robert's monologue: It was one of those little moments that encapsulated why I like him so much and why I had to traipse down here for these shows. He's too authentic to conceal the nervousness. At some point he stopped and asked us if his explanation of the background to the album was a good idea. We assured him that it was. After that, he seemed fine to me. Oh, for you guitar geeks: Robert played a Maton acoustic 12, a lovely big fat brown (or was it dark red? I'm colorblind) thing, also a Guild acoustic 6 string and a Strat. Adele played double bass a bit and electric for most of the show. I really enjoy watching her play. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 640 Registered: 10-2004 |
Pure awesomeness. Wow. Thanks so much to Randy et al. for the detailed updates! | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1305 Registered: 03-2005 |
Paul, Catherine & I and Pete Azzopardi and his partner Liz were seated in the middle of about the 4th row I think. Padraig was right behind us with someone I neglected to meet. Jet lag was still doing its number on me last night so I didn't stick around much after the show. Since I finally have finally slept suitable hours I should be good for tonight. "Country Phone" is my favorite too. | ||
| Paul B. Member Username: Paul_b Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2004 |
Randy, yes I thought I saw your group. Don't remember you faces but I will try to track you down tonight -Catherine has long dark hair? I was jazzed, got my ticket reeeeaaly late and was prepared to be sitting behind a concrete pillar at the far end of the room. Ended up 2nd row, right in front. Got the full force of Roberts 'crazy eyes' during 'The Prisoner'. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1306 Registered: 03-2005 |
She does indeed have long dark hair. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 2137 Registered: 03-2006 |
Randy and co., is there any way you could continue with the excellent and detailed accounts without making it sound like so much dang fun, for all us poor saps stuck in the Colonies?  Aerial pics of So. Cal. would no doubt be showing a greenish glow right about now... | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 59 Registered: 08-2005 |
Last night's show must have been just reward for the long-distances travelled by this truly committed bunch of RF fans! I only had to drive a couple of ks and was absolutely elated afterwards. The sound from where I was in the third row was good, although I felt Adele's bass and back-up vocals were kind of down in the mix, which was unfortunate as she offers so much in both of those departments. Hopefully they'll get that right for the remaining shows. Nice to see Mrs F up on stage, albeit briefly, for back-up vocals for the title track. RF also seems to have got his rhythm guitar thing back after what seemed to me to be a bit of a stale period towards the end of the Go-Betweens (that augers well for the Warm Nights show on Friday). Most surprisingly, he came good on his 'promise', made way back in '99 in the interview for Axe Magazine, to cover 'The Prisoner'. At the time I thought he was not terribly serious when he said that, but Thomas Wydler was the perfect drummer for it — that little militaristic bit was totally great, and RF's whistle-solo outro fantastic. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 84 Registered: 05-2005 |
I didn't have any fun at all... I'm blatantly lying, but hopefully it'll make you feel a little better, LK!! | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 82 Registered: 02-2007 |
Agree with everybody, great great show. Robert's voice was the best I have heard for a while. Obviously these shows mean a lot to him. Very intimate venue, if the next 3 nights are as good as that, wow are we in for somethin special. Paul, I had a coupla beers before show with said New Zealanders who came over for the shows. Great bunch of blokes. Dedicated fans! See everybody tonight! | ||
| Adam Hogan Member Username: Hiimpact Post Number: 11 Registered: 05-2006 |
The Nick Cave song was Lime Tree Arbour. Robert absolutely nailed it. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 801 Registered: 08-2006 |
How weird. I was at the Nick Cave show tonight in Chicago. Odd symmetry. Still, I'm so damn jealous of you guys in Oz, but you've been doing a bang-up job reporting on it. As LK mentioned, you might notice a greenish hue over Chicago night, too. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1686 Registered: 05-2005 |
Thanks for updating us Randy. You mention how you enjoyed DITP wihout the reverb. I've always enjoyed that album coz of the reverb, typical kinda Cave sound that Harvey gets, it must've been really col te hear all those in the flesh. Glad you are having a whale of a time everyone! | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 114 Registered: 01-2007 |
Thanks for the lovely insight and relfection on these shows those of us who are not there are unanimous in wishing we were, I love Danger it is one on my all time favourites.I like the reverb as well | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1687 Registered: 05-2005 |
The reverb thing is interesting. I wonder how many classic albums sound without it!? One of my fave all time records is Swagger by Blue Aeroplanes. I have some demos without reverb, and they are actually superior in many ways, and all because the lady loves - reverb!! | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1754 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yep, its green all over my house too given that Danger In The Past is my favourite GoBetweens related album whether as a group or solo. Thanks for the updates folks,and wheres those pictures Catherine? PS - I love the sound of that album, reverb and all. | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 60 Registered: 08-2005 |
Night two was a bit of a disappointment compared to the night before. The mix was a mess, with David McCormack's guitar just way too loud and RF's playing frequently drowned out and his lyrics unable to be clearly heard. Adele's bass sounded better tonight, although there was some weird feedback thing happening with her double bass while it was on the floor not being played. The classical musician John Bone, who was such a strong presence on the 'Country Phone' album, sounded underdone tonight to me, although there were a few nice moments. He managed to extract some truly wonderful psychodelic sounds from the keyboard early in the show, while his violin playing on 'The House That Jack Kerouac Built' (the closing encore) was inspired and, for me, kind of saved the day. But my general impression was that he was not sufficiently familiar with the material and was winging it a bit. RF was clearly struggling with 'Girl To A World,' which was rather uncomfortable to watch. His general introduction to the making of the album followed the practice established the previous night, where he came on stage and began by explaining the context to the making of the album. He also gave some additional context regarding the single 'Drop', which was a curious omission from the recent Intermission CD. Apparently, the song was inspired by a meeting with a Hollywood record company executive who tried (unsuccessfully) to pursuade RF and GM to reform the Go-Betweens back in 1991. Hopefully, things will get back on track tomorrow with the much anticipated return of the Warm Nights. | ||
| Matthias Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 236 Registered: 05-2005 |
Randy, great to hear from you. Thank you all for your reviews. Please tell us about the venue. How big is it? Glad to hear they are capturing it. Perhaps a release will come out of it. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Admin, any chance this website could add a page to display everyone's photos and reviews and such? Thanks. | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 716 Registered: 01-2005 |
I think that greenish glow over Chicago can be seen over SE Michigan as well, as Matthias, Austin, and our mutial friend Cindy would attest to! Thanks for the reviews all you lucky folk!! | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 804 Registered: 08-2006 |
I'm sorry to hear about "Country Phone," David. That's kind of become one my favorite Forster CDs, but sound problems are sound problems and - as a friend to an oddly large number of sound guys - I'm sympathetic. Still, it's distracting. My guess is "Warm Nights" will be a nice surprise. I never liked the production on that album so a live performance - sans studio sins - would be a welcome showcase for some songs I though didn't get their due on record. | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 116 Registered: 05-2005 |
The studio sins of Edwyn Collins (apart from his very early ventures e.g. Frank and Walters) are few imho. He's not a dynamic producer but he did nail the 'chogglin' sound (as Robert once called it) on Warm Nights. To digress, I love the bRass on 'half the way home'- the b-side of Crying Love. The only thing I don't like on 'Warm nights' is the re-do of 'Rock and roll friend' which is a song (and I know I'm in a tiny minority here) I never really liked. I'm going to get Edwyn and Robert to jointly produce my first solo record after I win the lotto. It's going to be recorded in Cuba. | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 117 Registered: 05-2005 |
Shut up you wally! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1688 Registered: 05-2005 |
If you guys are still over in OZ, I recommend you see The Clientele: 27 Jul 2007 20:00 Spectrum Sydney 28 Jul 2007 20:00 Troubadour Brisbane 30 Jul 2007 20:00 Kings Arms Tavern Auckland 31 Jul 2007 20:00 San Francicso Bathhouse Wellington | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1307 Registered: 03-2005 |
My god, I am so grateful that I attended a different show last night than Mr. Pestorius! I attended a show of Robert Forster doing the songs from "Country Phone" at which he started right away with much more confidence thanks to the fact that he had enjoyed such a success the night before. He clearly knew that he would be playing to pretty much the same crowd and, well, he "trusted in his crowd." He opened with "121" a career favorite of mine (played on a Gretsch--I love them but not familiar enough to say if it was a Country Gentleman). It was great to have Glenn back in the drum chair along with Adele. Dave McCormack's Queensland Twang style hit the spot to perfection. As the night before, the songs were reshuffled from the LP order, a circumstance that seems to bring renewed attention to each individual one (and "Country Phone" really is my favorite so I would have thought they had received sufficient attention before). It is possible that another seat might have given me different results but I had no difficulty hearing Robert's vocals or picking out the lyrics. His guitar only became obscured at times when the band were really cranking and, well, Robert's the rhythm guitarist--that's usually what happens. I found the sound for this night quite agreeable. It was easy to hear the three backing voices (courtesy Glenn, Adele and usually also Dave). Indeed, so far, I've found this venue to be an incredible luxury as a listener. Robert was indeed endearingly nervous from the get-go with "Girl to a World" because it was all up to him (and Mr. Bone) and his guitar part is not in his more usual style. He forgot a line at one point, smiled and carried on. "Girl to a World" is one of Robert's finer moments as a poet and was the song that started to pull the tears for me. When he had finished, he told us how long he'd been worried about getting through it successfully. I think he was reasonably satisfied and, well, the people sitting near to me all seemed to be. I was. Mr. Bone alternated between keys and violin. He and Mr. McCormack ensured that the arrangements remained pretty faithful to the original without losing their live spontenaity and energy. There was an odd bass feedback moment during one of the later moments in the show. It was just one of those sound things that happens now and then during nearly any live performance. The encores were "3 a.m." very effectively delivered by Robert, "2541," "Head Full of Steam" (some of you will remember I used to dislike that song--I can't remember why) and "House that Jack Kerouac Built." It was easy to see that when Robert left the stage, he was satisfied with the momentum he had going. He clearly now knows that he can still hold the stage. Besides the Gretsch, Robert played his Guild 6 string acoustic and the Strat. Dave played a nice well-used looking Telly throughout. Matthias, the venue is a stylish study in wasted space. It's a big old power generating building but the audience capacity for the performance space seems only about 300 or so to me. Of course, for listeners this is ideal. For the economics of the performers and the owners of the establishment itself I must say I wonder . . . . But, lucky me, I was a listener. I too am relying on Catherine's photography. My old-tech 2 megapixel camera is far too slow in darker environments and I'd be unlikely to get usable images. Spence, the Clientele gig at the Troubadour clashes hopelessly with Robert's final show. Robert Scott will also be playing somewhere that night. The stakes go up on the weekend nights! | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 61 Registered: 08-2005 |
Hey Randy, old boy, you should get the wax cleaned out of ears before heading back to the States! You might also want to consider getting your eyes checked too because it was plain to see RF signal, on several occasions, to David McCormack to turn down and even stop playing on occasion. The most obvious was during ‘The Circle' but even then the natural showman that he is just couldn’t help himself. I might add that this was a problem back in the day: the live shows in 1993, with the then precocious McCormack compelled to fill every little bit of space with his flashy lead guitar, ultimately led RF to parting ways with the ‘Country Phone’ band. RF is very much on the record about his dissatisfaction with the way things developed back then, so it was, for me at least, always going to be interesting to see how that dynamic might have changed for the better after 14 years, but alas it was not to be. I suspect that RF may have hoped that by replacing the original ‘Country Phone’ bass-player (Bob Moore) with the more subtle and melodic bass playing of Adele Pickvance, and with the addition of John Bone on violin and keyboards, that he would have reduced the potential for the ‘McCormack factor’ (which always seemed to me much more suited to what he was doing at the time with Custard), to overwhelm proceedings, but, as I say, this was not to be. Having said all that, any RF show is better than the vast majority of what's on offer these days, so don't get me wrong, I still gained a level of enjoyment from proceedings last night, and have my fingers firmly crossed for a majestic return to form tonight! | ||
| David Fitzpatrick Member Username: Dgf69 Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2007 |
I'll keep this brief. Last night was brilliant. There's a certain amount of truth in what David P had said, but last night was 2541 times better than Wednesday ... worth travelling from Ireland for it! I was centre, very top. Next to the football chanting crowd, alas. But they didn't spoil the show for me. | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 83 Registered: 02-2007 |
I had my ears cleaned out last week just for these shows and recently had my eyes checked at great personal expense. As a result of such forward planning, I can only support Randy in his observations of an extraordinary show. This was a show by someone more sure of himself than Wednesday. A mistake or 2 did't matter, and the band let rip gloriously in fact. Any sound problems were negligbe from my vantage point (middle back) and in any case I was caught up in the sheer energy and joy of the music. McCormack was very good, understated in places and out the front in others as he should have been. I am convinced that the House That Jack Keroauc Built must be seen and heard live to fully appreciate how good a song it is. The shows were different, Badseedsy foreboding muse first show, poprock shimmering last night. Both brilliant to these cleaned out ears. | ||
| Donat Member Username: Donat Post Number: 278 Registered: 11-2004 |
I was at the same show David Pestorius was at. I found that not only McCormack was overplaying; he was also far too loud against RF's plugged-in Fender Twin sound (sans effects). For McCormack to drown out John Bone when RF calls for him to do a solo was shameful, as Bone's loose and ragged sound fitted last night's band perfectly. Most of all - he should've been heard. Bone motioned to the front of house on numerous occasions to be turned up and that simply didn't happen. On the other side of the coin, RF motioned to McCormack to turn down! To say that last night was disappointing was only due to the mix being a little unbalanced. I don't think it could be compared to the opening night, which was close to flawless in many aspects. That's the drummer in me saying how well Thomas Wydler had a grasp of the material and of RF's rhythm playing. Despite the fact that RF was quite nervous on opening night, he did get into his stage persona quite early into the set. Last night, he felt more stiff and quite uncomfortable with the way the songs were coming across on stage. And that was quite obvious to me during 'The Circle'. I'm looking forward to RF revisiting his 'chugga-chugga' sound with Warm Nights. It wouldn't surprise me if it'll end up being the best of the four. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 641 Registered: 10-2004 |
all i know is i'd give my firstborn (if i had one) to be able to see witness these shows at all. although i'm squirming with jealousy, keep these reports coming! | ||
| Paul B. Member Username: Paul_b Post Number: 30 Registered: 10-2004 |
Does anyone have any idea what songs, if any, have never been performed live. Of dropped early from set lists? | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 62 Registered: 08-2005 |
Donat, good to see someone else on the same wave-length here. I was almost beginning to wonder whether I was being a fraction harsh, but now you've reminded me of how irritating some of those pedal effects were too (I remember thinking at the time 'gee, that's weird, I wonder why RF let him get up to those tricks given his strong views against the use of pedals'). Add to that the overplaying and excessive volume and I'm now thinking that someone should just have gone over and pulled the power cord out of Dave McCormack's Vox amp — maybe, just maybe, he would have taken the hint! | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1308 Registered: 03-2005 |
I enjoyed McCormack's contribution very much. I WAS surprised at his use of vibrato during the later portions of the show, remembering Robert's expressed distaste for such things (although old Fender amps usually had the feature built in). | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 86 Registered: 05-2005 |
I'm so glad I was at the same show as attended by Randy and the 2 Davids (Fitzpatrick and Gagen). I thought the sound was perfect, even with the odd hitch - It's live for gawds sake - there's gonna be the odd hitch! Robert fluffing a line? Big deal, that smile was worth it. Isn't it better that he is smiling? If you want sonic perfection, go steal the master tapes, and re-produce it to your own exacting specifications. Give me live any day, the odd wonky bit and all. Most of the gig, I sat wondering why I thought Warm nights was my favourite! By encore time, the tears (of joy, sadness, sheer blown-away-ness) refused to stay within, and I noticed a number of others wiping them away, aswell as myself! It took me at least half an hour after the show to be capable of stringing a coherent sentence together, such was the level to which I was blown away. As for the photos - as soon as ever I can, I promise!!! I know you're all anxious, I'm just not sure as to the easiest method of getting them out there! I'll talk to Jonathan tonight, and see what I can figure out. | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 116 Registered: 01-2007 |
Hawks and Doves? good to have a bit of debate, would love to have been there,thanks for the commentary | ||
| Stuart Wilson Member Username: Stuart Post Number: 74 Registered: 10-2006 |
Ah, what a great thread. Isn't it amazing how subjective these things can be? Oh, and remember all you people lucky enough to be there, to all jump up together at one point and chant "EUROPEAN TOUR, EUROPEAN TOUR.." Maybe twelve times or so. I hope he does (or did) a killer version of RocknRoll friend for the WarmNights night... I adore that song, and its great, sensual drawl of a lyric, and the Street Legal organ sound... and Snakeskin Lady? "Queensland grahhhhhhss..." So, so wonderful. | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 117 Registered: 01-2007 |
I agree I like the version of RocknRoll Friend it seems he's unafraid to rework his back catalog.The original version I prefer, but the warm nights version is a warm joyous song and as you say dylanesque/hammond organ (is it) really makes it. | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 118 Registered: 01-2007 |
I am really looking forward to this thread every morning rading how its gone down under, my wife has family in Brisbane shame we couldn't make it... | ||
| Catherine Member Username: Cairo Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2007 |
Last night was magical. Every single song was a ripper, and I really appreciated the individual musicians talents more than I ever have listening to the album....nothing quite like live I guess. | ||
| Stuart Wilson Member Username: Stuart Post Number: 75 Registered: 10-2006 |
To which I can only respond with a big siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig h | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1690 Registered: 05-2005 |
Randy, or Radny I nearly typed, my typing is atrocious! Thanks for your wonderful overview of the Country phone night. Although I wasn't there, it sounds like you described it as it happened, and as I have become a great believer in what you say, that's a relief. The problem is with gigs, is there ain't enough of em. Robert, hasn't had to gig on his own for ages, due to the on-going greatness that was happening with the GB's, where he had full time well reheearsed support, and esp with his ol sparring partner by his side. So to expect the unexpected is so right for an RF gig, surely tis better like this. RF jhas to me, always shown nervousness, the best of writers and musicians always do don;t they? We love him for it too. What the hell if a guitar is too loud here and there. Anyhow, I am glad it all seems to be going well for the punters!. One final point, I must admit, re Edwyn's production, I remember him producing Ahouse's I am the greatest. Now hearing that album for the first time, although on vinly, I was really disappointed. It was just cold and harsh and well, crap. I'd played supporting AHouse prior to the album, and if there was ever a sound that was magical when they played live, it was certainly lost on the album. Or is it time to remaster? Maybe Ed's production was ok?? Who knows. Enjoy rest of the night(s)? We need photos and YOOTOOB's too - people!!! | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 717 Registered: 01-2005 |
I'll echo Spence...YOOTOOB's!!!!!!! After you people that are there get finished with Suart's request for chanting "EUORPEAN TOUR", please start chanting "NORTH AMERICAN TOUR"! | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1755 Registered: 05-2005 |
I am just intrigued, or is it puzzled, by the "football chanting crowd". What the hell were they chanting, and more to the point what were they doing at an RF gig? I can see this thread being a blockbuster of "Sound Quality of Oceans Apart" proportions, theres still 2 gigs to go and then there is the whole post gig reflections thing once all the dust has settled. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 806 Registered: 08-2006 |
Long live this thread! It's quite nice to see a GBs-related thread so busy (and timely), and I love all the differing opinions. I've been to shows with friends where, even though we're standing next to each other, our opinions on it merits were entirely opposite afterward. I can kind of identify with Catherine and Randy, though; if I'd logged their flight miles, I'd have died of joy even if RF had deigned to perform "Country Phone" on the kazoo. (And no, I am not recommending that.) | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 719 Registered: 01-2005 |
Rob, There's nothing more rewarding then a great road trip to see a favorite act! I have done a couple of three day ones, to see The G-B's in Chicago in June of 2005 and previous to that to Chicago to see The Soft Boys in 2002. The pre-show gatherings were great as well as the trips to museums and other activities. The post shows to discuss the performances, or hanging around the venue for an hour or two to talk with friends or to get an autograph on a cd insert are all part of a great concert experience. If I had the extra money I would be in the land of Oz right now! | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 807 Registered: 08-2006 |
You're so right, Michael. When I was living in Columbus, my roommate and I drove to Rhode Island for a particularly great Newport Folk Festival lineup. As I recall, just a few of the performers were Randy Newman, R. Thompson and the McGarrigles, and just a ton of other great acts. It remains one of my most memorable indulgences, and I envy the memories Randy, Catherine and others who made the trek are stockpiling right now. | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 119 Registered: 01-2007 |
You don't do road trips in the UK, more like trafic jamming, where people get stranded in their cars for hours on end, but I love the Idea of driving all day to a gig or more than a few days | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 2141 Registered: 03-2006 |
Maybe somebody should've gone all Pete Seeger on McCormack's ass and chopped his guitar cord with an axe! But actually, to all of us poor punters stuck in the states, sitting on the sidelines like wallflowers at a dance, all the carping seems a little like kissing Angelina Jolie and complaining that her lips were slightly chapped. Sometimes you just gotta be grateful and enjoy things! | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 63 Registered: 08-2005 |
Just got home after Night 3 and am watching the end of another stage of the Tour de France as I write this report. While Night 1 still stands out for me, there were still plenty of highlights tonight and none of the sound problems of last night, which was perhaps to be expected with a contraction of the band down to the three-piece of Warm Nights. RF's opening intro tonight was the longest and most relaxed so far. The show proper started with the chilly ‘On A Street Corner'. RF wisely got this one out of the way first, and unlike many of the other songs played tonight refrained from commenting on it’s subject matter. Indeed, RF’s intros to individual songs have been one of the truly remarkable features of the three nights so far. Generous, illuminating and often just downright funny, I can't remember a prior occasion when he has been so forthcoming in concert regarding the origins of his songs. I mentioned this last night regarding ‘Drop’ from the ‘Country Phone’ album, but tonight we got a number of real gems — the background to ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Friend’ was confessional yet somehow it didn’t feel at all intrusive to hear him relate such a personal anecdote. The song was given a new arrangement tonight too, with Adele on guitar and Glenn on the keyboard. For me it worked out nicely. I've heard the ‘Snakeskin Lady’ story before, but in a much more condensed version. Tonight RF was positively hilarious in revealing how the subject of the song was the original girl that he and GM sought out to play drums in the Go-Betweens back in early 1978, soon after they started the band. He described in detail their approach and how she knocked them back! The ‘Crying Love’ story, and how it was inspired by reading the biography of Picasso’s early years, was also great to hear. The encore tonight brought another great cover out of the hat, this time almost surpassing ‘The Prisoner’ from Night 1. Adele’s opening bass line was the give-away to Talking Heads’ ‘Psycho Killer’ with RF introducing the band as if they actually were the Talking Heads ("on bass it's Tina ... on drums it's Chris ... and I'm David")! A magnificent conceit. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 810 Registered: 08-2006 |
In case y'all didn't see it, our friendly admin has posted the setlists for the shows in the "news" section of the site. | ||
| C Gull Member Username: C_gull Post Number: 74 Registered: 05-2005 |
In case you have n't thought of it could those of you lucky ones there please remind Robert we would love him to come over to UK with a repeat showing. We are after all having great weather here. Must say though of the whole back catalogue to pick from - Surfing Magazines must have been a disappointment. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 811 Registered: 08-2006 |
His song "The River People" would certainly touch a chord if he played the UK right now. | ||
| julia motzko Member Username: Julia Post Number: 35 Registered: 05-2005 |
and so, david, what DID he say about the background to "Rock'n'Roll Friend"? | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 64 Registered: 08-2005 |
As I mentioned in my previous post, these contextual scenarios that RF evidently felt compelled to provide have often be quite lengthy and the one for ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Friend’ was no exception, so I can really only give you the gist of it. Basically, the song derives from 1988 when RF was living in Sydney. He said that the woman he was living with at the time had a well-paid day job (I think with the implication that she worked long hours), that he was working at nights (playing live and recording the ‘16 Lovers Lane album’), and that the song was written from what might have been the perspective of the woman in question. Digressing to the comment of C Gull above about ‘Surfing Magazines’, I’m kind of surprised that with a name like that the song in question is not fully taken to heart ! I was only thinking recently just how important surf music and themes have been over the years for RF. I had been listening to the bootleg of that wonderful Mosman Hotel show in early 1982 (this recording really should be officially released), and to the scorching version there of ‘I Need Two Heads.’ Back in the day I don’t remember thinking that surfing music informed that song (more the choppy guitar of early Talking Heads), but I can totally hear it in the way it was played on that occasion. Then on that European tour in late 2000, when ‘Surfing Magazines’ was debuted live, those that attended the shows back then will recall the music played through the PA just before the band took to the stage. It was the theme music from ‘The Morning Of The Earth’, a classic Australian surfing film from the mid-70s. I remember seeing a show in Berlin at this time and wondering how many people in the audience would have been clued into the reference here. BTW ‘Surfing Magazines’ was a little strained last night as RF seemed a bit out of breath after ‘Psycho Killer’, which was quite understandable in the circumstances. It still generated a smile as he knowingly cites the names of various surfing beaches during the outro, with perhaps another clue given to RF's transgressive agenda when Mavericks Beach in California was cited as "my favourite". I thought that was a nice closing gesture. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 87 Registered: 05-2005 |
Jesus makes his second coming. There he is, busy turning water into wine for the gathered crowd, when a voice can be heard from the back: "Oh, it's Merlot, I was hoping for a Burgundy!" | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1309 Registered: 03-2005 |
The "Warm Nights" show was Robert's "chooglin'" night. He stayed primarily on a Telecaster and maintained that "Bad Moon Rising" sound nearly throughout the show. The three-piece was as tight as something LK might say. It's worthwhile to remember that Robert has played with Glenn and Adele longer than with Lindy and it really showed on this night. I personally got a big kick out of the fact that it was all up to Robert (except on "Rock n Roll Friend" and "Snakeskin Lady" where the others left their usual posts) to fill the space with guitar and he demonstrated the virtue of effective minimalism convincingly. As so many of the "Warm Nights" songs are rather whimsical anyway, I thought the choice of "Surfing Magazines" a good one. Robert kept his early promise to be available after the show starting Friday night and he was. I felt a little bit of an idiot handing him the booklets to all three of the solo albums but he signed them all. He did confirm that he was very happy with this third night. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 88 Registered: 05-2005 |
FINALLY!!! I've uploaded a dozen or so shots (of about 200, so far) onto my otherwise empty myspace page. Hopefully it will give you all a taster of what's to come. The fact that the default picture is of Robert is accidental, I didn't know it would do that.. In time, I'll get as many of the others as are worth it up too. Oh yes - www.myspace.com/catherinevaughan | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 65 Registered: 08-2005 |
"It's worthwhile to remember that Robert has played with Glenn and Adele longer than with Lindy and it really showed on this night." While I think I understand the general point you're trying to make Randy, your comment here is apt to be misleading and certainly quite unfair when it comes to the hisorical contribution and legacy of Lindy Morrison. As anyone even vaguely familiar with the history here, the way The Go-Betweens functioned in the '80s was very different to how RF, Adele and Glenn have functioned since 1995. I mean the fact is if you calculate time spent on stage, in the studio, and in the practice room, Lindy would still be way, way out in front. You only need to have a look at the gigography on this website, which is by no means complete when it comes the the early '80s period, to get a sense of this. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1615 Registered: 05-2005 |
So finally I get to an internet cafe. Tried to use it at the library yesterday but Karen, who has gotten old and bitter with the years, would not let me. The Danger In The Past night was superb. Calling From A Country Phone was one of the greatest concerts I've ever seen. I don't know why somebody up there said John Bone was some kind of new addition - he played on the original album. His contribution was magnificent. Yes, Robert did ask Dave McCormack to be turned down on a couple of occasions, but I've also seen him ask for that at Go-Betweens shows where he wants the only instrument to be Adele's bass. I wouldn't too much into it. Warm Nights last night was great too, if losing out a bit because of some not great material. Jug Of Wine is a song I've never liked. The title track is also not much of a song. But the one with the oompa oompa brass on it worked a lot better without oompa. Rock 'n; Roll friend was great. I'd forgotten it was on that album. The choice of covers and other encores on all three nights so far has been inspired. Lime Tree Arbor and The Prisoner on the first night. 3am, 2541, Head Full Of Steam and The House Jack Kerouac built after Country Phone. Flicker's It's OK To Surrender, Psycho Killer (before which Rober introduced "Tina", "Chris" and "I'm David"), and Surfing Magazines last night. Apart from the music I want to say a bit about the people. Robert himself has been an absolute gentleman, as he has been any time I've met or interviewed him. But equally important has been meeting people who I've only known through their postings here. Some for the second or third time (Catherine and Pete) and everyone else for the first time - Randy, the Davids, Paul, the guys who flew in from Wellington, the native Brisvegans, Jonathan. One and all they are people who can talk about music as something that matters, something central to our lives, not just some ephemeral noise. I love that. They are people whose opinion I value, and not just on music. Randy and I spent yesterday afternoon in a bar setting the world to rights about religion, politics, culture and how the rest of the world views the US. I've talked up a storm with David Gagen on Australian politics every night. I've talked literature with Liz and caught up with the people I spent the day of Grant's funeral with with. Being able to have all these discussions and more with intelligent, funny, like-minded souls who love The Go-Betweens and like a beer or two has been an unalloyed joy. I will remember these days very fondly from now till doomsday. | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 84 Registered: 02-2007 |
Not familiar with the Warm Nights songs (how could I have missed this album!) and because I am Soooooo! tired what with the show and beers with lots of interesting people and working each day and getting home at 2am each morning and taking school X-country team in morning and teaching calculus to indifferent apathetic teenagers by day, AND following the brouhaha that seems to have unfolded on this board re 2nd night show, last night's show didn't quite match the others. But RF seemed to really enjoy himself. Luv the anecdotes about songs and where he wrote them etc they add human dimension and context. I could listen to this guy for 40 shows! Sat next to a coupla people (guy and girl) who had never heard of RF or GBs (can u believe it) but came cos somebody they knew recommended it. Others have come half way round world. What I find uplifting is that all of us, disagreements and all, seem to have been moved by what we have seen and heard. Still 1 show to go. And I can sleep in tomorrow! | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 105 Registered: 05-2005 |
I envy you all in Brisbane...Still got in my memory the brilliant concert in Belgium during the Warm Night tour. And remember Rob is also busy on the tour! http://www.letour.fr/2007/TDF/RIDERS/fr/ coureurs/92.html 134th on 141 today... | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1691 Registered: 05-2005 |
WHat a nice piece Padraig. So lovely to read your words, nicely put. One point about Randy and his mentioning of the Adele thing I don't think "your comment here is apt to be misleading and certainly quite unfair", its actually quite fair. More than often, later members of groups tend to be overlooked, Adele needs to be recognised as the quality musician she is and her overall contribution has been outstanding, let alone her dedication. More over, she made a real difference to the GB's sound. I remember seeing theam ll play at the Forum in London, 10 years ago. I hadn't heard the GB's since '89 in Birmingham. Adele was playing that night, and I can honestly say the songs and the sound were just as great as it was with Robert V and Lindy in the 80's. (maybe I was istening more, as in the 80's Mild was only 50 pence in the student bar!!) no, whilst its good to remember the old days with lindy and Robert, i think its important not to over look, the Adele and Glenn thing, had they not been there on the last 3 albums, save for SFRW for Glennn, it may not have lead to the fantastic live outings that constantly shined in their last incarnation. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1692 Registered: 05-2005 |
Catherine, ta for the pics, they are great. I particularly like the Robert one with his orange Gretsch Chet Atkins Nashville double cut away, bootiful!! It really sums up RF, you get the real RF splendour in that shot.THAT, should be the cover for the CD should there be a release of these nights, it really should, I'd be happy to do the art FOC! Actually the title could be "These Nights"!!!! Thanks again. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 812 Registered: 08-2006 |
Nice, Padraig. Thanks for the illuminating post. Sitting here, same as always, waking up by the light of a computer screen in my Chicago office, I get a real kick from the thought of all you guys - usually separted by thousands of miles - enjoying beers and some great music together. I'd like to think RF (and GM) would be tickled by the fact they brought you all together. Cheers! | ||
| Catherine Member Username: Cairo Post Number: 2 Registered: 07-2007 |
Well, I have just come home from #4 and again it was superb. Capped off the night to hear the encore of Spring Rain followed by a magnificent rendition of People Say, followed by an announcement that Robert is flying to London on Sept 1 with Adele and Glenn to record a new solo album titled 'The Evangelist'. It has been an exhilarating few days, and I am so glad to have gone along and been a part of it. I sure am tired though! I also would like to say that I agree with Spence.....Adele is a fantastic musician and so very versatile. She gave so much to every night. It is so very hard to pick what the standout songs of the lot were because they were all so damn damn good (especially from Country Phone) I will be interested to hear what everyone's thoughts are. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 2143 Registered: 03-2006 |
Spence, well put about Adele, sir. Though sometimes you might sound like you've had a glass of red or two (which you probably have!), there are times when you astound with your eloquence, man...you sound like some kind of dang poet or sumthin! And I agree with you and Catherine and Randy. Clearly, watching the Tivoli DVD and the Triple J tribute, Adele's a great musician, and what's more, she's clearly bringing it and she's clearly keeping the torch lit for GBs music. In brief, she is as much a part of the legacy as anybody not Grant or Robert. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 815 Registered: 08-2006 |
I'm dying to know if Robert played any Grant tunes during the Go-Betweens set. Anyone? | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 283 Registered: 04-2005 |
Just to add my thanks to all those travellers that have taken the time to write up all these informative posts! Agree with the sentiments that is kinda pointless to make comparisons with the past + just to wish Robert, Adele and Glenn all the best for the future recording. | ||
| Adam Hogan Member Username: Hiimpact Post Number: 12 Registered: 05-2006 |
< I'm dying to know if Robert played any Grant tunes during the Go-Betweens set. Anyone? Robert sang Boundary Rider. It wasn't quite right for his range, but no-one seemed to mind. | ||
| Adam Hogan Member Username: Hiimpact Post Number: 13 Registered: 05-2006 |
I've uploaded a short snippet from night 2's encore onto youtube. Please excuse my shakey camera work. Follow the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTwUYEfaE qs | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1310 Registered: 03-2005 |
Thank you Adam. That's really lovely. I hope we ultimately get to see the whole thing (again or not). Yes, Robert did "Boundary Rider." For some of us, at least, that was tears streaming down the face time. Robert said something like "he's in our house every day" after he finished the song. I knew you'd know precisely what Gretsch model that was, Spence! I expect Jeff would too. No instrument suprises tonight as far as I recall. Glenn spent the night mostly on the Telecaster. Robert was mostly on the Guild acoustic and sometimes on the Strat. Glenn played the keys on occasion but Adele played keys and Glenn played bass on "People Say." The last night interestingly had Glenn on lead guitar and a newcomer on drums. His name was something like Matthew Harrison, or something Harrison. I apologize for not committing it to memory but, well, that's some beers back. He was very well prepared and did a great job. He knew the lyrics to the songs. The set-lists have been posted, right? The encore cover of the Animals' "When I Was Young" was a real treat for me. The song Robert did to open the show is a great favorite of mine from the BYBO bonus disc: "Girl Lying on the Beach." I knew things were going to be great right then and there. Robert went sans guitar for "Caroline & I." I readily acknowledge that this could be nothing more than my own projection but while watching Robert mug and pose while singing that particular song unburdened by a guitar I got a mental flash-picture of a teenaged (or even younger) kid miming to his favorite records. Robert was doing something most of us only do when we think no one is looking. Yep, it's that authenticity/honesty thing again. Thank god I restrained the urge to yell one of my stupid comments like "Dusty Springfield has nothing on you!" Because I did actually think of yelling that after the song finished. Those were the sort of moves he was doing. | ||
| Duncan Hurwood Member Username: Duncan_h Post Number: 78 Registered: 05-2005 |
Setlists all look wonderful: wish I could have been there. | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 66 Registered: 08-2005 |
"No instrument suprises tonight as far as I recall. Glenn spent the night mostly on the Telecaster. Robert was mostly on the Guild acoustic and sometimes on the Strat." Wrong again Randy. Last night RF played a Jazzmaster, not a Strat (might really be time to get the eyes and hearing checked now — a Jazzmaster both looks and sounds nothing like a Strat !). This, and the fact that we were, once again, treated to a version of ‘Surfing Magazines’, served to reinforce my sense of just how important surf music and the conceptual value of surfing as a theme is for RF. Those familiar with ‘60s surf music would know how Jazzmasters and Jaguars, with their thin and trebly sound, was a kind of currency back then. So it was great to see it come out and RF was clearly looking forward to burn on it. Unfortunately, we didn’t really see too much burning last night. There were a lot of small fuck-ups, with RF evidently labouring under the stress of the 4 night ‘endurance test’, his parallel the night before to the Tour de France now assuming a certain unintended poignancy. The jack on his acoustic guitar, as on previous nights, was also playing up and adding to the pressure. All of this could not have made the task of the new drummer any easier, although apart from playing a bit fast at times, such as on ‘People Say’, he equipped himself pretty well for a first night. I wouldn't say there is anything particularly idiosyncratic or 'artistic' about his playing (say like with drummers like Lindy Morrison or Jeffrey Wegener), not yet anyway, but this move to introduce a new drummer strikes me as a wise move. Glenn Thompson’s shift to the guitar and keyboards is evidently part of this. In those final Go-Betweens shows in 2005 I felt his drumming lacked a certain presence. Whether this has sparked the shift I don't know because Thompson has always been a talented multi-instumentalist. His lead guitar playing last night was beautifully understated, deferential and in sharp contrast to David McCormack’s on Night 2. Glenn definitely brought something all of his own to this new role, which will obviously only get better over time. This, for me, was one of the real positives to come out of the show last night. Adele, as always, was great. The playing of ‘Boundary Rider’ was a nice gesture. However RF’s inability to hit the high notes during the chorus was, to my ears, excruciating. Even with Adele and Glenn on back-up vocals they couldn’t really mask the problem. Overall, I felt some of the new arrangements didn’t really work, with ‘Caroline and I’ being perhaps the most obvious case in point. I’ve always felt this song owes something to the Dutch group Bettie Serveert, but with RF off the guitar and just singing last night there seemed to be something missing. There were some nice moments though, with the band really clicking on ‘Here Comes A City’ and adding a new urgency to the song. A couple of final comments on the 4 nights, more directed at the venue than at the performers. Firstly, the PA was not well balanced for those on floor and especially those seated in the first five rows who really only got was coming out of the amps on stage. Everyone I spoke to who was standing upstairs thought the sound was good up there, which suggests that the FOH bins were more directed for them. Given that the more expensive tickets were on the floor it seems odd to me that the PA would privilege those up in the ‘gods’. The other thing was the stage lighting and presentation, which I felt was a tad underwhelming. Standard rock ‘n’ roll symmetrical lighting arrangements, which these shows relied upon, only serve to reinforce expectations rather than challenge them. There was also some awful grafitti-like text on the back wall, which was an unnecessary distraction, and should be painted out without further delay. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 89 Registered: 05-2005 |
David, vocal dexterity aside, are you even considering the enormity of Robert singing one of Grant's songs in the first place? That he got through Boundary Rider at all, without breaking, he should be applauded for. You realise he's human don't you? You realise the song he sang was written by his best friend, don't you?? You remember he lost his best friend of 30 years less than 15 months ago, don't you? | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 90 Registered: 05-2005 |
By the way, Randy, Robert said "He's in our hearts every day". He sure is. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1616 Registered: 05-2005 |
Last night's set: Girl lying on a beach (awesome to hear it live) Too nuch of one thing (magnificent version) he lives my life spirit (brilliant version) surfing magazines (I've come to really like this song; Robert clearly loves it) darlinghurst years born to a family Make her day when she sang about angels Caroline and I German Farmhouse (still don't like this song!) here comes a city Encores: When I was young (The Animals) boundary rider (this was incredible. Tears in my eyes. Afterwards Robert pointed to sky "he's in our heart always") spring rain people say. Robert was quite choked when giving his spoken intro to the evening. He was very happy with how the night went. It was all so wonderful. I didn't want the week to endm but now I'm back in Sydney, back to reality. When I mentioned meeting "the David's" above, I was referring to Mr Fiztpatrick and Mr Gagen. I did not meet Mr Pestorious. | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 118 Registered: 05-2005 |
Thanks to everyone for posting reviews etc above. Though it seems to grate with some contributors I don't think there's anything untoward about Mr Pestorius' critical eye, ear and hand. I have to say I enjoyed reading his perspective: 'Cast a cold eye on life, on death' ... etc. ps Was RF really playing a Gretsch or was that his old green Maton under a red stage light? | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1311 Registered: 03-2005 |
David P., I expect you are correct about the Jazzmaster. The ad hominems are not necessary. Fsh, I'll bet you're right about the Gretsch/Maton guitar. I quite forgot about the DITP guitar. I am getting ready for my return to California and must say I've enjoyed Brisbane enormously. It strikes me as a city at the perfect level in terms of size and cultural and commercial development. All cities are moving targets, of course, but this seems like a golden era for Oz' third largest city. I can only reciprocate the warm comments from the others I've met. I have some lovely memories of Padraig and Catherine and the Davids (Fitzpatrick and Gagen) as well as former board posters Pete Azzopardi (and his partner Liz) and Matthew Lobb. There were the New Zealanders, one named Richard I wish I could remember both. There were Jonathan and Carmen (I hope I got that right) with her fabulous sense of humor; I wished I could have had a recorder taking it all down that last night. And there was Paul B. who was not able to see the entire series of shows for an unassailable reason. And there was Robert. I believe Robert said that he had done 56 songs over the four nights. That's a lot of material to rehearse and perform as one-offs (other than "German Farmhouse" and "Surfing Magazines" which each received reprises). All things considered, I think Robert (and Adele and Glenn and Mick and Thomas and John and Dave and damn it, is it Matthew Harrison?) did an absolutely stellar job. The technical glitches were comparatively minor with all of the shows enjoying significantly superior sound to the two small-venue Go Betweens shows I've seen (Paris 2003 and West Hollywood 2005). I'm grateful for the fact that I had the chance to thank Robert for doing these shows. I look forward to my next trip to Oz. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1617 Registered: 05-2005 |
At www.myspace.com/padraigcollins I've written 1300+ words on the concerts. I tried to post it all here, but it's too long and won't let me post it. | ||
| Elizabeth Robinson Member Username: Liz_the_new_listener Post Number: 112 Registered: 10-2006 |
Thank you, so much, everyone. (tears at the thought of 'Too Much of One Thing' as well as 'Boundary Rider' even though I've only known of the Go-Betweens for such a short time.) Bravo, Mr. Forster, Glenn Thompson and the magnificent Adele Pickvance! I look forward to 'The Evangelist' 'NORTH AMERICAN TOUR.' (Sigh...) | ||
| David Fitzpatrick Member Username: Dgf69 Post Number: 2 Registered: 07-2007 |
I really enjoyed last night's show, though the 'Country Phone' evening remains my favourite of the four. Having said that, I really liked the new arrangements. The selection of the majority of the setlist could, I think, have been predicted; that's why I liked the new arrangements so much. I can see why David P thought something was missing from 'Caroline and I' without Robert on guitar. However, this allowed him to move around the stage freely and put in a great 'peformance' in line with 'Snake Skin Lady' during the 'Warm Nights' show. So with the musical loss came, I think, a 'performance' gain. Well, the 'performance' looked good from the rafters anyway. I watched all four shows with the hoi polloi in the skies: two from left of stage, 'Country Phone' from top centre, and last night from right. I can add to David P's grievances about the venue. (I think 'Stop' was some of the grafitti!) Noise could be heard from the bar and foyer throughout the performances. Little, I guess, could have been done about the bar, but I was surprised that staff didn't move the foyer folk on! I have another couple of weeks holidaying in Oz before heading back home. I will post pics and videos of five songs from over the four nights when I get there. There were two cameras at all the shows which recorded, I presume, the entire performances. I was told that they were for 'archival' purposes of Powerhouse Theatre. I hope they aren't left to simply gather dust. | ||
| C Gull Member Username: C_gull Post Number: 75 Registered: 05-2005 |
wow - jealous, jealous , jealous. Take the points about Surfing Magazines- may have fitted into the context of evening - difficult to judge as not there (gnashes teeth once more). Over in the UK in September eh -heres hoping! | ||
| peter ward Member Username: Peter_ward Post Number: 44 Registered: 06-2005 |
Thanks to all for the detailed reports on the shows, I really enjoyed reading them, each night sonded really special in their own way. My younger brother, who is not a GB's fan and is on a budget one year trip to Australia, is in Brisbane at the moment, how I wished I could have "lived his life" for the last week! I thought he might go just to piss me off for evermore as brothers are wont to do. If the shows did tour, even in smaller venues than Robert or GB's have played in the past I would imagine that they would sell out with most fans attending all four nights as most of you have done, can but dream. | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 67 Registered: 08-2005 |
fsh— RF was playing a Gretsch on the first night and not the Maton hollow-body from DITP. For anyone especially interested in RF's experiments with the electric guitar, the Powerhouse shows were something of a feast. It was really like he was trying things out there over the four nights, which given the limits and uncertainties of playing with new line-ups each night I found added another welcome layer of uncertainty to proceedings. A couple of other things I omitted to mention: the narrative flow of ‘Girl Lying On A Beach’ was wonderful to hear in the live context on Saturday night. It really seemed to double that shift in the song from the image to the real and back again. It is, to my mind, one of the great RF songs from more recent times, up there, I think, with ‘He Lives My Life’. While on the subject of rare or lesser-known tracks, one minor disappointment was that on the DITP night — still my favourite of the four — RF did not play the original version of ‘Falling Star’. I was kind of hoping that it would be trotted out as an encore (along with ‘Brookfield 1975’ on the CFACP night), but this was not to be. The original version of ‘Falling Star’ is absolutely magnificent and the ‘Intermission’ CD worth buying for this little gem alone. The bookending of the ‘Intermission’ CD with the two versions of ‘Falling Star' was a conceptual tour de force, and, I suspect, also something of a nod to Dylan’s ‘Planet Waves’ with its two versions of ‘Forever Young’. The original version of ‘Falling Star’ is so different from the extended ‘Country Phone’ version, with its extra verse that can perhaps to be understood as a reflection on the economic dilemma that brought down The Go-Betweens in late 1989. I had also never really ‘heard’ The Bad Seeds on the DITP album (and still don’t), but they’re all over the original version of ‘Falling Star’, so much so it sounds like it could almost have been an out-take from ‘The God Son' (maybe Nick Cave should cover it one day ?). I would have loved to hear it played live, with Mick Harvey’s sensitive piano part and that wonderful back-beat of Thomas Wydler during the chorus. Oh well, perhaps another time ... | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 91 Registered: 05-2005 |
Back in Sydney for a few more days, before normality hits me with a vengeance!! I'm lonesome as hell for Brisbane, and can't wait to come back to Australia. Unfortunately the reality that is my leaky roof will hit me square in the face, when my plane lands back in Dublin on Friday morning!! I'm convinced more than ever, that it was the right decision to come back for the 4 nights. It did my heart a power of good to see Robert the musician looking and sounding so well, but more importantly it did my soul good to see Robert the man looking and sounding happy and relaxed, and ready for the fifth (sixth?) age of Robert Forster. The pleasure of finally meeting everyone will stay with me. Padraig, David Gagen, (both 2nd time) Randy, David Fitz, Pete, Liz, Johnathan, Carmel, Matt, Paul, the other Davids (I lost count of just how many Davids I met!) Richard & Nigel(?), the guys from New Z - and random self-confessed board 'lurkers' who approached me and asked "are you Catherine?" I did what I came to do: To meet with like minded people, and listen to some damn fine music, but most importantly, to give Robert our support. And Randy, thanks for 'outing' my cowardice to Robert, otherwise I may not have gotten up the courage to simply shake his hand, thank him for the past 25 years, and tell him how happy I am that he's heading back to the studio. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 92 Registered: 05-2005 |
How could I have forgotten? Glenn's amaazing hair - Spectacular!!! | ||
| Peter Member Username: Peterw Post Number: 13 Registered: 02-2007 |
I saw two nights 'Danger in the Past' and the Gobs one. Both were wonderful. For me 'Danger' was the highlight, its amongst his best songs and Mic Harvey (and especially) Thomas Wylder were amazing. It was the perfect way for Robert to remerge and I was proud of him. He would of battled with self doubt and uncertainty following Grants death and to come out with with a such a dramatic and commanding statement like these shows was perfect. I was thrilled to hear he plans to record later in the year. On Saturday night I looked for people that posted on this board, but what do people who post on the Go-Betweens boards look like?? Randy I bailed up some poor guy with an American accent convinced he was you, he wasn't even attending the show (and was Canadian!). Oh well maybe next time ;-) | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1619 Registered: 05-2005 |
You should have emailed us beforehand Peter! We'd gladly have added another to our party. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1693 Registered: 05-2005 |
Thanks to everyone for thoughts/ reviews, articles and clips! Great to see you all hooked up and had a great time! What a celebration after the horrible time Robert and everyone went through. Catherine, I don't think Glenn will go bald in a hurry eh!? I've always loved his mopp, in a non peverese type way! LK, thanks man, wish I was a poet, no chance of that kind sir! Have a great week everyone, if it can get any greater after last week! | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 722 Registered: 01-2005 |
It's great to hear that Robert, Adele and Glenn will be back in the studio in September. So what, maybe a release in time for the holiday season do you think? | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 93 Registered: 05-2005 |
I have it on good authority (I made it up) that Robert's decision to work with Glenn had nothing to do with his talent as a drummer/guitarist/singer, but was solely based on his tonsorial wondrousness... | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 128 Registered: 01-2007 |
I've been in virtual Brisbane last week thank you Randy,Catherine Padraig, Davit et al for filling in the gaps. It is lovely to hear theat Robert is gonigto start recording in London in september-maybe there will be a few live dates, we can only hope. On the subject of Adele, I think she is very adept and on Randy's side of the debate on this, it all seems effortless to her playing Bass/keyboard, there seems to be no frills and showmanship,and looks like she's enjoying herself. I also loved the way her parents contributed to the notices on the web about Grants death. | ||
| Nigel Beckford Member Username: Nigel_beckford Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2007 |
Well I certainly took an old fashioned route to this message board, meeting most of you in person first! I think Robert's 56 song, 4 night re-emergence would have to rank as one of the best musical events I have witnessed. The last time I saw the Go-Betweens was in 1986 in London and it had been a long time since I had really listened to things like Danger in The Past. What struck me was how fresh the material still sounded and what a terrific ability Robert, Glen and Adele et al have to really bring it all to life. This was like a band starting out with time, energy and talent to burn. Each night's set was just the right length and left me eagerly awaiting the next. But the real highlight for me was experiencing first hand the depth of devotion amongst the fans. Those post-gig gatherings were very memorable. It was nice to meet you all. I've got a great group pic (print) of catherine, podraig, richard, randy et al and some of the numerous Davids. Happy to make copies. Richard, Mike and I also spent our days doing an eccentric but enjoyable tour of Go-Betweens significant sites in Brisbane - eg building 51 on Queensland Uni campus where they once played live on the roof, the box office at the uni theatre where Grant once sold tickets and on and on around the streets of your town. Many thanks to David at Griffith Uni for taking the time each day to draw us up an itinerary complete with a map and bring it along each night. What a gem! If any of you are ever in Wellington do look us up. Yours in GoBetween-ness Nigel/Richard/Mike Roll on the Evangelist! | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 85 Registered: 02-2007 |
Welcome to the board Nigel (and Richard and Mike). U might have a shite super 14 team outa Wellington but you sure have good taste in music! | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 96 Registered: 05-2005 |
My plane starts boarding in about 5 minutes - I guess the trip is really over.. Ah well. I took this time to write a message, it's just to say that I'll miss you. | ||
| andreas Member Username: Andreas Post Number: 494 Registered: 04-2006 |
i think i am a bit jealous of you lucky ones.... thanks for the great reports about the show and all what happened around. if some day robert will release a dvd of the shows resp. a summary of all four shows and i will watch it/them it could be that -because of your stories and your impressions - it could be that i have a feeling that i was there, too. n.b.:sorry for confused english and any grammatical mistake. the last sentence was a bit difficult.... | ||
| John Flood Member Username: Floodjo Post Number: 50 Registered: 05-2005 |
First time in a while on the site and what a time to choose. This topic is the best bit of music related reading I've done in a very long time - a fabulous way to spend a Friday night. Thanks to you all for the reviews and tales. Hope I'll meet some of you somewhere sometime. | ||
| David Fitzpatrick Member Username: Dgf69 Post Number: 3 Registered: 07-2007 |
Back from holidaying down under. I've uploaded my pics from the four nights onto my 'Windows Live Space'. They should be available here: http://cid-106c5a30463884ff.spaces.live. com/photos/ I also have a few *.mpegs - a song from each of the four nights. I'm happy to share, but I'm encountering a few problems uploading them onto sites. I don't have great technical know-how, but I don't have the patience to wait for everything to upload at snail's pace either. The songs (and file sizes) are as follows. I've Been Looking for Somebody (107,886KB) Cat's Life (108,905KB) Warm Nights (93,427 KB) Born to a Family (68,717KB) | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1328 Registered: 03-2005 |
Hey David, thanks for those. I see you worked out what to do with that sign. Did it make it back to Ireland? | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1722 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yes cheers David noce pies. Glenn's hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The best 'afro' looking hair on a white man I have ever seen! | ||
| Fitzer Member Username: Dgf69 Post Number: 4 Registered: 07-2007 |
Thanks, Spence. The post show pics give a small hint of the wondeful atmoshere on the Saturday night. Glenn was great and departed with pockets full of bottles of Cooper's Green! I don't know, Randy, what happened to the 'merchandise' poster. It left New Farm in a taxi ... in the custody of Catherine! | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 657 Registered: 10-2004 |
Did any fellow msg. board contributors make it into the post-show set of photos? | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 117 Registered: 05-2005 |
The Merch poster made it safely to Ireland. It's safe in my still semi-unpacked suitcase, until I figure out what to do with it!! I've still got loads of photos to get up somewhere on the www. Will try to get them out there soon. The three smilie beer-drinkers are Nigel, Richard & Mike, the wonderful NewZealanders! And Pádraig, where is your left hand, because the expression of Robert's face is something else!! | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 2179 Registered: 03-2006 |
LOL, Catherine. Highly amusing observation - that is a seriously startled expression Forster is wearing! | ||
| julia motzko Member Username: Julia Post Number: 36 Registered: 05-2005 |
thank you so much for the photos, David! they are great. (and they provide a good occasion to talk about fashion/clothes.) It's so good to see Robert again, and I love that black suit of his that he prefers to wear for live shows, and I can understand why. Sopisticatedly elegant. (And Adele's kinda Rockabilly look, with her shoes! Love it.) I've seen Robert live in that suit before, but I really wish I would see him in canary yellow sometime! (didn't see his tour with the couch on stage and the yellow suit back then) have a look at that poster of his Danger in the Past 1991 tour through Germany...he had more hair back then, but he already knows how good he looks in a black suit. ;) and it's exactly the James Joyce/literati image that he wants to bring across...just like on that picture of yours, David, that shows him with Pádraig. His "I'm an artist" look. Although I must say that on that picture, Robert's face looks like it has become somewhat thinner...  www.flickr.com/photos/51022020@N00/1151555486/ (copy and paste WHOLE link, please!) oh, and a question: why does the merch poster say that the cd "I had a New York Girlfriend" is now deleted? Deleted???(meaning there are none of the cds left, or what does that mean?) mind, he had his New York Girl "fried"...not a pleasant break-up... | ||
| allan kingdom Member Username: Allan_kingdom Post Number: 8 Registered: 04-2006 |
the photos and all the accounts have been brilliant. I found some footage of the shows on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bornsandydev otional enjoy! | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1330 Registered: 03-2005 |
Thank you very much for that link Allan. It's curious that this group of videos doesn't include any of Robert's solo songs, unless we count the superb "Girl Lying on a Beach." | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 127 Registered: 05-2005 |
Allan, thanks for the link. It's great to see this again. A bit emotional to watch it again... | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1756 Registered: 05-2005 |
Just read your Myspace review of the gigs (at last) Padraig. Sounds like you had a blast with Randy and the others, still cant believe I missed out on the gigs by a couple of days. Although in saying that we didnt stay in Brisbane after all, it was a place called Noosa (about 100km from Brisbane I think) where we spent 3 days before heading to Cairns for 2.5 weeks. Just back today, and my head is all over the place after 4 plane journeys in the last 36 hours - after 3 weeks of glorious weather it is peeing it down in Scotland, some things never change!! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1732 Registered: 05-2005 |
Welcome back Kev, hope u had a great time!!!! | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 132 Registered: 05-2005 |
Hey, Kevin, did you turn the fan off, and go for a walk by the lights down on Shield St? | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1757 Registered: 05-2005 |
Cheers Spence, it was truly the holiday of a lifetime. Catherine, is it confirmed that Shield St from Bye Bye pride is indeed in Cairns? We walked down Shields St, so maybe there is another street in Cairns called Shield St without the "s" at the end, or maybe Grant just got the spelling of the street wrong. Any experts out there who can clarify? | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 135 Registered: 05-2005 |
Kevin, I've always been led to believe that the Shield St Grant refers to is indeed the one in Cairns, as is the Sheridan St. As far as I can work out through googling, both Shield and Shields seem to be used to refer to the same street. I've never heard it to be any other, but someone more knowledgeable than I may be able to tell us otherwise. | ||
| Fitzer Member Username: Dgf69 Post Number: 5 Registered: 07-2007 |
Just a brief response to Julia's earlier post about the merchandise poster. I turned up at the Powerhouse around 6:00 or so on the first night. I just missed some other boardees who'd headed off to a restaurant nearby. I collected my ticket at the box office and saw Robert at what turned out to be the merchandise' stand. He was putting the finishing touches to the 'poster'. The Forster solo material which was available at the shows all came from, I was reliably informed, Robert's garage! So the 'now deleted' means, I guess, that the Australian record company no longer has copies of the CDs and cassette. Some of the solo material is still available via the Beggar's Banquet online shop. A piece of trivia about the shows and the merchandise: when he played "Cat's Life" during the "Calling from a Country Phone" show he introduced it as "the first song on the second side of the cassette". | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1763 Registered: 05-2005 |
Looks like you are right Catherine, this map of Cairns shows Shields St and Sheridan St in close proximity. http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/tourism/cbd _map.html Close by is Spence St -oh well, no luck mate. you could have been famous | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 159 Registered: 05-2005 |
The lights down on Spence Street weren't quite so nice though! Kev, did you notice the way they like their streets looooong in Aus? Sheridan St goes for miles, all the way to the Rainforest at the edge of the City, and If I remember correctly, becomes the Bruce Highway! I assume that rainforest is the "dark wood" Grant was on about? | ||
| Fitzer Member Username: Dgf69 Post Number: 6 Registered: 07-2007 |
Finally managed to get one of my mpegs from one of the shows on YouTube. Warm Nights from Warm Nights! http://youtube.com/watch?v=YYQaZdsuhSM | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1762 Registered: 05-2005 |
Thanks Fitzer, what a great version, its very talking Heads innit!? I love the look and the sound, and this is just an mpeg! | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1352 Registered: 03-2005 |
God, this is fabulous to see again! Thanks Fitzer! This particular show explains the enthusiasm David Pestorius always expressed on this board about this period of Robert's. I could never get it with the flabby versions on the album. Everything just takes off with Robert as the sole guitarist backed by Glenn and Adele. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 688 Registered: 10-2004 |
Yeah, that's a great version of Warm Nights. I looked around on YouTube for other Forster live clips, and that version of Boundary Rider is just beautiful. The way it's played, with Glen doing more active lead guitar, makes it even more melodic than the original. | ||
| Fitzer Member Username: Dgf69 Post Number: 7 Registered: 07-2007 |
OK, got a second mpeg from the shows onto MeYouTube: Born to a Family. (More Glenn on guitar, Jeff!) http://youtube.com/watch?v=y3FgbB6BwxI | ||
| Adam Hogan Member Username: Hiimpact Post Number: 14 Registered: 05-2006 |
Here's a 30 second snippet from night 2 - The House That Jack Kerouac Built. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z5q7kZ-hXCs |