Third time seeing the BJM for me and without question this was my favourite. Matt Hollywood's return to the fold lent proceedings an extra melodic edge that evoked notions of what this band may have sounded like at their mid-1990's chaotic peak. I counted 5 guitars on stage with a couple of distinctive instruments being passed around lovingly thoughout the show. Bandleader Anton Newcombe kept himself out of the main stage lights in shadow to the side of the stage for the gig. The last time they played Dublin (The Ambassador in 2008 I think) was a shambolic mess of the gig with open arguements about pitch and tuning onstage. This return of the band showed them at their Byrdsian best. They really look and sound like a throwback to the early 1970's and the sell out crowd were loving the hit packed setlist.
Highlights for me included a three song section near the start that define the band's early sound ("Servo" -> "Anenome" -> "When Joker's Attack"). "Anenome" in particular has a woozy jangly quality to it that is just fantastic. I don't think Anton sings it on the Satanic Majesties 2nd Request record but he did a super take on it this evening. Of course hearing Hollywood sneer "Last Dandy on Earth" in person was a treat.
Lowlight of the show was most certainly when an egg was tossed at Anton Newcombe from left of stage missing him and his guitar by inches. He justifiably left the stage followed by each of his bandmates in turn. Joel returned to the mic after about 5 minutes to protest that the band would not be back out until the head of the person who threw the egg was placed in the centre of the stage. Hollywood strolled out coyly a couple of minutes later (no sign of the egg throwers head) only for the rest of the band who then banged straight into "Who" from the Take it from the Man album. After one or two more tracks the band recovered from the egg throwing incident (which genuinely shocked them) to finish out the gig and tour in style.
Supersonic
Vacuum Boots
Got My Eye On You
Servo
Anenome
When Jokers Attack
Sailor
Nevertheless
Wisdom
Going To Hell
Not If You Were The Last Dandy On Earth
Who?
That Girl Suicide
Whoever You Are
This Is Why You Love Me
Hide & Seek (with “That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore” by the smiths)
Oh Lord
Satellite