25 November 2005 (gig)
28 November 2005
As a lifelong fan it's always difficult for me to access The Frames' performance in a sane, neutral way. Removing my obsessed stalker status I hoped Glen Hansard didn't remember the time I asked him to sign my left tit, but equally hoped he remembered the glorious moment in my life when I actually brought him a drink. Alas I hoped to suppress the memories of 15+ gigs and the lifelong devotion but the excitement continued to boil. From adolescence gropes of Irish teeny boppers, to the last dance at my wedding
The frames have been with me since birth(well not quite).
Connoisseurs in the know such as Damien Rice have stated this band and Radiohead in the same breath as inspirational acts that they aspire to in their live performances. Overstated words perhaps but The Frames are like a rare variety of musical marmite and one has no choice but to love them rather than hate them.
One wonders why the English music stage has not been impacted as much as Ireland, America and much of Europe. The answer is simple - taunt me no more Mr Hansard 3 gigs a year here is not enough. Only the second time of playing at the Shepherds Bush Empire one wonders why it has taken more than a decade.
All of that said their second appearance here was some what of a let down. The Frames don't like playing England and The Frames give the impression they simply don't like the English. Who can blame them when venues like this don't give them the intimate setting they crave. Their quiet beautiful melodies deserve respect but surely one should draw the line at the pretentious removal of a screaming female fan out of ear shot. Most people loved their performance fans and music lovers alike. Belting out classics such as Star, their last song, and pitching in with some heavy weight new songs most of the audience were ecstatic and spell bound. Looking around left me feeling like I new something they didn't.
Disappointment overwhelmed my weekend, as this was the worst live performance I have ever seen by The Frames. All of that said, what a glorious evening, what a glorious band, marmite for all, long live The Frames.
