Here is a little feedback on Sunday's Hammersmith show.
Mark's set was brilliant for me. The only songs that I hadn't heard live before were Cleaning My Gun, Sonny, and Privateering and they are all great songs to see performed live. As previously said, Mark's voice is in great form just now, and he seems to be back in love with his guitar again. Lots of his nice "twiddly bits" in almost every song. I'm afraid I'm a fan that can't see Speedway often enough and that and Marbletown were the highlights for me. Sound volume and quality were excellent. Guy's backing vocals were clearly distinguishable. What about the new chaps? For what it's worth, my opinion is that Ian Thomas' drumming brought something extra to the set, noticed especially in WII and Sonny. Obviously Danny hasn't drummed Privateering, but Ian's drumming here was good. I'm not sure if Jim Cox brings more to the party than Matt. I'll reserve judgement there.
As for Bob. I was almost dreading his part, but was v pleasantly surprised. His set was pure pace from start to finish. Exciting. The band are excellent and Sexton in particular stood out. Bob has a great stage presence imo. Suit, hat, keybooard, guitar, harmonica, quirky intonations. All brilliant. At one point I was on my feet singing along to "Like a rolling stone" The voice isn't great - Bob's, not mine that is - but it didn'd detract too much from the set for me. The noise level was comfortable to start with, but as the set progressed, the volume was cranking up, and the last few songs were listened to with my ears partly covered. No real excuse for that level of noise realy.
A great night would be my summation. Back again this evening.
