Bryan Ferry

Newcastle City Hall - 15th April

Aye; I bet that one’s sent a few eyebrows ceiling-ward. And why not, he’s a “local lad” (Washington) made good, bit of a legend with a few tasty songs under his belt, and King of the Lounge-Lizards. That, and the fact he’s not getting any younger prompted splashing out more than usual on tickets but have to say, a good night was had by all, and by that I mean a well in advance, sold-out Newcastle City Hall.

I was never a big fan of Bryan or Roxy Music, beyond the kits anyway, so a lot of last night’s 100 minute set went over and around me, but did recognise a few chestnuts like Slave To Love, Avalon, Oh Yeah, Ladytron etc but it really kicked in after an acoustic More Then This with If There Is Something; Love Is The Drug, the evergreen Virginia Plain and ended with Let’s Stick Together.  That led to a three song encore, the first of which I didn’t recognise; not a problem with number 2, Jealous Guy and finally The Strand.

Not a lot of chat from Bryan between songs, if any, (remind you of someone?) except to introduce the band and another good reason to post on here, lead guitar was none other than Chris Spedding. Mind they were a fabulous 9 piece band that kept the numbers cooking. A wave of acknowledgement and a brief chat about being at City Hall since 1956 (surely as a punter that far back), but oozing charisma that you could bottle.

Let’s Stick Together - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaxL85U8NDQ
Love Is The Drug - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocC6C9bMLxE
More The This - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx0DITUiKoA