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That’s the brief history of 34-year-old Irishman Damien Rice.
For a man who writes frighteningly intimate songs, it was an odd venue for
his new UK tour. Maybe supply and demand dictated, though did confess to
hating arenas, because he couldn’t see us. The big question was, would the
reclusive Irishman adapt to an 8,000 crowd? Would it be an 'O' dear or a just
a '9'. It was a perfect 10!
For the next two hours he plunderd his back-catalogue with songs from both
albums, and lesser known.
Giving serious thought to his set (plenty of candles and joss sticks wafting
the stage front), he beefed things up when it mattered, shifting from penchant
'mello-chello' ballads - on both piano and guitar - to rock excursions that
recalled his early rock days, it was triumphant night.
Just like his albums, it was a slow start – Rice and guitar only and not much
said during the first few songs, that included Then Go, as his band
increased to four on the divine Older Chests and What I Am To You
with sublime cello hitting the heart strings, as it does on many of his sad
songs.
Gradually his confidence grew. He engaged more and more, showing a sharp wit,
in contrast with his melancholic musical template, drawing roars of laughter
to the very end, which was, by any standard, unusually spectacular. From then
on, he teased us, building his set to many highs and lows.
Dipping into 9 he played the, almost, uplifting last single Dogs.
The sombre but achingly beautiful Amie drew us in, as the sweeping cello rang
around the cavernous arena, then on piano for non-album single Unplayed Piano
with smoke and film footage rolling we got a tear-jerking tribute to Burmese
democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mid-way, he asked if we wanted a fast song, for a change. Somebody, as they do,
shouted "La Bamba!"... so we got La Bamba, sung in Spanish to
roars of laughter and cheers, followed by, "A few years ago I’d have done
your wedding do for £300. Missed out there didn’t yah?"
Cries for The Blower’s Daughter were skilfully dismissed, though we
wouldn’t be deprived. Finally the rock-blast struck, as lights went to overdrive
for a stunning crescendo on stirring I Remember. Then came the masterstroke.
Moving away from the mic, and another step forward, he sang Cannonball
front stage in tangable silence under the spotlight. We soon twigged we were
to join in, and we did a stunning move.
Running out of time, fears grew that he might not give us what we all wanted
the biggie – The Blower’s Daughter... predictably it was a joyous
experience for us all, and a kind of relief of sorts when it came.
With band gone, for the finale, Rice turned storyteller and comedian, with an
acted out lead-in for Cheers Darling, throwing himself completely into
the roll of a drunk, sinking four glasses of red.
A standing ovation resulted in a wave, a bow, "Goodbye", and he was gone.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept
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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.