Them Crooked Vultures / And So I Watch You From Afar, 10.6.10, Heineken Music Hall Amsterdam

I'd read a lot about the Heineken Music Hall as a top quality European Venue from a few different sources. It's minimalist design, just-right performance space & capacity and perfect acoustics have won it many fans. I don't think the HMH has the same pedigree as the Melkweg or the (jaw dropping) Paradiso but it certainly lent itself to a memorable show from Homme, Grohl, Jones and Johannes - Them Crooked Vultures.

Like most music geeks the notion of the supergroup leaves me cold and uninterested. It is a chance to see multiple musical heroes playing together, sure, but rarely do the participants create something that outshines their individual profile or ability. TCV are - in my opinion but few others - that rare exception. I ADORE their record. Ive listened to it incessantly and without the slightest hint at an Irish show the chance to see them in the 'Dam in the HMH was irresistible.

The gig itself was absolutely incredible. Purists will tut-tut and curl their lips at the thought but I felt they were one of the tightest, most hard rockin' bands ive seen in YEARS. A relentless multiheaded groovebeast - certainly a f*cksight better than the most recent shows i'd heard from Homme or Grohl in their "day jobs". This was a band with one record that stuck rigidly to it despite the huge pressure (im sure?!) to delve into their trench-deep back catalogue. The songs are great on the record but translated wonderfully well to the stage. The knowing looks between the band members are a dead giveaway to me that the Vultures experience has been a joy for all concerned - audience and band member alike.

Though still clearly Homme's outfit, for once he wasnt the centre of attention. This was not some ego trip or vehicle - on the night he was freed to relax and croon, to really luxuriate. Yes he's the band leader - but even the keenest of Homme fangirls (me included, ha!) flicked their gaze from bass player to drummer and back again throughout the show. What a prospect - Led Zeppelin's bass player with Nirvana's drummer and the guitar player/vocalist from Queens of the Stone Age! Mental?! When you add the unassuming intensity of Allan Johannes' bass & rhythm guitar this is a line up from the deepest of dreams and an absorbing delight to witness. I enjoyed it so much the celebratory double jack 'n cokes were in the teens by the end of a sensational show. It was really genuinely special.

"This is one I'll always remember" was repeated to myself from first tune to last.

An opening 4-song smack upside the head, with a jammaroony on the Cream soundalike "Scumbag Blues" that went on for ten minutes had my smile muscles in need of a serious massage. JPJ's bass solo and his interplay with Grohl's drums had so much fun and character to it that made it impossible to not grin... it was pure pleasure from start to finish. "Dead End Friends" had the place going doolally - there was a real pop feel from the Homme/Grohl harmonies. Admittedly you got the impression Jonesy's vocals were better off left on the bus but the other two lads really complimented one another. Grohl in particular revelled in backing up his mate with vocals - something we didnt really get to see in their last appearances together on record and on tour with the Queens.

Further highlights were "Reptiles" and a titanic version of "...Daffodils". One of the best & most enjoyable shows I've ever seen. Fact they only have one album makes it doubly impressive. Such a shame they never played Dublin.

Oh - ASIWYFA were support. They were fab and made a rake of new Dutch fans on the night. "Set Guitars to Kill" rinsed the place.

No One Loves Me & Neither Do I
Gunman
Scumbag Blues
Dead End Friends
Elephants
Highway One
New Fang (Followed by Alain Johannes solo)
Bandoliers
Interlude With Ludes
Mind Eraser, No Chaser
Caligulove
You Can't Possibly Begin To Imagine
Spinning In Daffodils
Reptiles
Warsaw or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up

Set Guitars To Kill
S Is For Salamander
A Little Bit Of Solidarity Goes A Long Way
D is for Django the Bastard
If It Ain't Broke... Break It
Eat The City, Eat It Whole