On the tour’s final night, The Dandy Warhols put on a celebratory ode to their hipster roots. Here I was, listening to the music that soundtracked a generation of proud slackers and stoners, standing with the people who had really been there and done that. They were an undeniably cool crowd of ’90s bohemians: women dressed in chic, all-black outfits or sporting cheetah print berets and red lipstick, and men in leather jackets and well-worn Converse. There was a rockabilly undercurrent here; it felt less New York cosmopolitan and more Portland metrosexual.
During “Ride,” they were spitfires, hammering through their songs as if racing along train tracks. The band’s keyboardist, Zia McCabe, was a pixie going wild, her hair frizzy and back-combed in an “Eureka!” style, as if she had just stumbled upon a great idea. In “Be Alright,” they were, by turns, growling and optimistic—wry, dry, and always funny. Frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor looked almost messianic behind a curtain of black hair, like the cooler younger brother of The Sisters of Mercy.
One of the set’s highlights—most of the first hour was filled with lesser-known songs—was “Holding Me Up,” an extended instrumental featuring saxophone. While they focused on newer material, the last fifteen minutes were truly epic, a set for the ages. It was a smorgasbord of old hits (songs my dad had played to me as sonic gospel), including “Bohemian Like You,” “Godless,” and “Get Off.” One song that was sorely missed was “Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth,” but then again, bohemians can’t be choosers.
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
I am a self taught Photographer and an aspiring reviewer.
I have been in and out of bands for the past 15 years and some, so thought it only makes sense to stay in the scene that has been the most important aspect of my life since I can remember, live music.
Available for:
I am available for small gigs, larger concerts, recording sessions and festivals.
First attended gig:
The first proper gig that went to that I can actually remember was Muse supported by a then lesser known Elbow and I think the main reason I remember that is because it was the first big concert that I was allowed to go to with just my friends. Obviously Muse were fantastic by the way.
First gig shot:
Im pretty sure the first gig I shot was for a friends band at a local social club with some sort of £30 Argos camera. You can only imagine the fantastic quality of the shots.
Dream gig:
My dream gig to shoot would most definitely be either Tool, not just because they are amazing but their stage and lighting is magnificent. Or I would love to shoot another one of my favourite bands which is Explosions In The Sky and that’s just because they are incredible.