Couldn't resist....
A couple of months ago, Mark told me that a re-formed Magazine were playing in Manchester and asked if I wanted to go. I did have reservations - Magazine were the soundtrack to part of my youth, and I have spent all of my bass-playing life attempting to get something remotely like the awesome sound that Barry Adamson achieved so effortlessly. The last time I saw them was probably around 1981 and I wondered whether I would feel let down by seeing them after such a long hiatus. Would they be old and tired? Would they be able to manage without John McGeogh RIP? (although Mark did tell me that the new guitarist had been given permission to use his guitar effects, which I thought was touching).
Anyhow, after some debate, I decided to go.
And they were absolutely and utterly brilliant. And I do really mean brilliant - brilliant beyond my wildest expectations, brilliant in a way they have no right to be at their age, brilliant in their stagecraft and musicianship. And full of little surprises. And funny. And odd. And all the other quirky things they were so long ago.
I was ridiculously excited waiting for them to come on - I realised I was being undignified when I almost cheered the bass guitar tech when he checked the sound, and that wonderful chorussy note sounded - I don't think I'll ever grow up....
And suddenly, there they were. Mr Adamson, with his usual sartorial elegance, sported a suit minus the jacket, silk shirt, gold pocket watch and chain, wraparound shades and witch doctor's hat. That man has cool in bucketloads - he's been given far more than his fair share. Howard Devoto came on in a baby pink jacket and mischievous grin - he played the naughty imp all night.
They started with The Light Pours Out of Me which is MY ALLTIME FAVOURITE BASSLINE - so simple, yet so complicated and perfect for the song. That got a five minute round of applause because it was so epic, it was almost as if it should have been the closing track. And when I shut my eyes, the sound was exactly the same as in the 1980's - that might seem to be an obvious thing to say, but so many groups of that era feel the need to change arrangements, add solos, play clever medleys instead of individual songs, in order to show that they are still relevant, but it doesn't often add anything and generally detracts from what were originally good songs. But Magazine stuck to the original arrangements, played them flawlessly and with energy and emotion, and somehow achieved a live sound far better than any other band I've seen at that venue.
I don't really admire many bass players - most of the 'good' ones are those who have a brilliant technique, but they feel the need to show off what they can do - they're probably frustrated guitar players, whereas the bass should be part of the foundation of the song, melding the rhythmic and melodic elements, not trying to be the icing on the cake. But that's why I think Barry Adamson is God - he's a highly skilled player with a totally unique style, but he plays within the songs and becomes part of the overall sound. He doesn't need to show off - he just stands there and waits for the admiration due!
They played song after song after song, obviously thoroughly enjoying themselves. The audience was noisy and exuberant - Mark was standing behind me and when I looked round at one point, he was in the middle of group of men from Dublin, sharing their lager and all singing along! The funniest point was when they played Shot by Both Sides - believe me, it's hysterical to see a crowd of middle-aged people pogoing like it was 1978....
The good thing is the gig was being videoed ** claps hands with glee!!! ** But until then, enjoy....
Anyhow, after some debate, I decided to go.
And they were absolutely and utterly brilliant. And I do really mean brilliant - brilliant beyond my wildest expectations, brilliant in a way they have no right to be at their age, brilliant in their stagecraft and musicianship. And full of little surprises. And funny. And odd. And all the other quirky things they were so long ago.
I was ridiculously excited waiting for them to come on - I realised I was being undignified when I almost cheered the bass guitar tech when he checked the sound, and that wonderful chorussy note sounded - I don't think I'll ever grow up....
And suddenly, there they were. Mr Adamson, with his usual sartorial elegance, sported a suit minus the jacket, silk shirt, gold pocket watch and chain, wraparound shades and witch doctor's hat. That man has cool in bucketloads - he's been given far more than his fair share. Howard Devoto came on in a baby pink jacket and mischievous grin - he played the naughty imp all night.
They started with The Light Pours Out of Me which is MY ALLTIME FAVOURITE BASSLINE - so simple, yet so complicated and perfect for the song. That got a five minute round of applause because it was so epic, it was almost as if it should have been the closing track. And when I shut my eyes, the sound was exactly the same as in the 1980's - that might seem to be an obvious thing to say, but so many groups of that era feel the need to change arrangements, add solos, play clever medleys instead of individual songs, in order to show that they are still relevant, but it doesn't often add anything and generally detracts from what were originally good songs. But Magazine stuck to the original arrangements, played them flawlessly and with energy and emotion, and somehow achieved a live sound far better than any other band I've seen at that venue.
I don't really admire many bass players - most of the 'good' ones are those who have a brilliant technique, but they feel the need to show off what they can do - they're probably frustrated guitar players, whereas the bass should be part of the foundation of the song, melding the rhythmic and melodic elements, not trying to be the icing on the cake. But that's why I think Barry Adamson is God - he's a highly skilled player with a totally unique style, but he plays within the songs and becomes part of the overall sound. He doesn't need to show off - he just stands there and waits for the admiration due!
They played song after song after song, obviously thoroughly enjoying themselves. The audience was noisy and exuberant - Mark was standing behind me and when I looked round at one point, he was in the middle of group of men from Dublin, sharing their lager and all singing along! The funniest point was when they played Shot by Both Sides - believe me, it's hysterical to see a crowd of middle-aged people pogoing like it was 1978....
The good thing is the gig was being videoed ** claps hands with glee!!! ** But until then, enjoy....
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