I’ve been lucky enough to have seen some amazing live shows over the last few months, which I simply must tell you all about. First, was the Jesus and Mary Chain, followed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
JAMC, Vic Theater, May 10, 2017
First off, intensity, be thy name! The Jesus and Mary Chain played at the Vic Theater in Chicago, and absolutely blew the roof off of the place! Insanely loud feedback notwithstanding, they nailed a live set which included not only tracks from “Damage and Joy,” their first studio album in 17 years, but also such classics as “The Living End,” from “Psychocandy,” “April Skies” from “Darklands,” and a blistering version of “Reverence,” off of “Honey’s Dead.” “Teenage Lust” was so fun to hear played live also.
Although some concert goers complained about the sound quality from the venue, I found it to be appropriately LOUD, which is what you should expect at a Jesus and Mary Chain concert, having been a fan since the early 90s. If your ears aren’t ringing after leaving the show, then you haven’t really seen JAMC!
Here’s the full setlist: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-jesus-and-mary-chain/2017/vic-theatre-chicago-il-63e7967f.html
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Auditorium Theater, Chicago June 16, 2017:
First of all, the man had me damn near WEEPING for at least a quarter of the set. Thanks a lot, Nick!! Thank god for waterproof eyeliner! It’s appropriate that “Weeping Song” was included in the setlist, a song which has been playing in my head on a loop ever since the show. But what an incredible performance from the Australian maestro of Southern Gothic!
I fully expected to be moved by the show, considering that Nick Cave had lost his son a few years ago, and completed his most recent studio album, “Skeleton Tree,” just after the tragedy occurred. But man, I was not prepared for the depth of emotions evoked by that show!! He truly poured his heart and soul into the performance, and it really showed. Songs like “I Need You,” “Into My Arms” and “Distant Sky” took on an almost transcendent quality. The audience were clearly transfixed by this man, as evidenced by the overwhelming outpouring of love, affection and support that he received when he made his frequent trips out into the crowd, or brought half of the pit onto the stage during “Stagger Lee.” The extreme pathos of the aforementioned songs (“Lee” notwithstanding) were swiftly followed by lighter, funnier moments, such as Nick admonishing the audience to “put down your iPhones for a minute,” and the hilariously funny “extra” lyrics included in songs such as “The Mercy Seat” and “Red Right Hand.” It all ensured that you wouldn’t need to use an entire box of Kleenex during the show, and it kept things lively. “Tupelo” had a bouncy, albeit dark and intense energy to it, and “The Weeping Song” actually felt more like an old gospel tune, particularly when sung by the entire audience. All in all, it was a truly memorable experience, and one that was well worth the long wait!
http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/nick-cave-and-the-bad-seeds/2017/auditorium-theatre-chicago-il-53e4b335.html
JAMC, Vic Theater, May 10, 2017
First off, intensity, be thy name! The Jesus and Mary Chain played at the Vic Theater in Chicago, and absolutely blew the roof off of the place! Insanely loud feedback notwithstanding, they nailed a live set which included not only tracks from “Damage and Joy,” their first studio album in 17 years, but also such classics as “The Living End,” from “Psychocandy,” “April Skies” from “Darklands,” and a blistering version of “Reverence,” off of “Honey’s Dead.” “Teenage Lust” was so fun to hear played live also.
Although some concert goers complained about the sound quality from the venue, I found it to be appropriately LOUD, which is what you should expect at a Jesus and Mary Chain concert, having been a fan since the early 90s. If your ears aren’t ringing after leaving the show, then you haven’t really seen JAMC!
Here’s the full setlist: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-jesus-and-mary-chain/2017/vic-theatre-chicago-il-63e7967f.html
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Auditorium Theater, Chicago June 16, 2017:
First of all, the man had me damn near WEEPING for at least a quarter of the set. Thanks a lot, Nick!! Thank god for waterproof eyeliner! It’s appropriate that “Weeping Song” was included in the setlist, a song which has been playing in my head on a loop ever since the show. But what an incredible performance from the Australian maestro of Southern Gothic!
I fully expected to be moved by the show, considering that Nick Cave had lost his son a few years ago, and completed his most recent studio album, “Skeleton Tree,” just after the tragedy occurred. But man, I was not prepared for the depth of emotions evoked by that show!! He truly poured his heart and soul into the performance, and it really showed. Songs like “I Need You,” “Into My Arms” and “Distant Sky” took on an almost transcendent quality. The audience were clearly transfixed by this man, as evidenced by the overwhelming outpouring of love, affection and support that he received when he made his frequent trips out into the crowd, or brought half of the pit onto the stage during “Stagger Lee.” The extreme pathos of the aforementioned songs (“Lee” notwithstanding) were swiftly followed by lighter, funnier moments, such as Nick admonishing the audience to “put down your iPhones for a minute,” and the hilariously funny “extra” lyrics included in songs such as “The Mercy Seat” and “Red Right Hand.” It all ensured that you wouldn’t need to use an entire box of Kleenex during the show, and it kept things lively. “Tupelo” had a bouncy, albeit dark and intense energy to it, and “The Weeping Song” actually felt more like an old gospel tune, particularly when sung by the entire audience. All in all, it was a truly memorable experience, and one that was well worth the long wait!
http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/nick-cave-and-the-bad-seeds/2017/auditorium-theatre-chicago-il-53e4b335.html