30 October 2023 (gig)
31 October 2023
Incredible show at the London Palladium for Irish singer-songwriter and The Frames frontman Glen Hansard. This Irish hero of indie folk also became an award winner for the romantic independent film ‘Once’ which then went on to become a successful stage musical! He hasn’t toured for a few years and says for his first gig to be London is tough as he usually likes to have a few under his belt before he hits the big smoke.
Hansard performed with a six-piece band of talented musicians who apart from two members of The Frames hadn’t performed together before this gig. The drummer he picked up in Berlin (The Frames drummer was currently touring with Tindersticks!) and a violin player who was no second fiddle. He introduced two new songs showcasing the depths of his baritone voice set beautifully against the incredible highs of the Theramin. The hair on the back of your neck stood up!
During performances Hansard regaled stories of his first love -ACDC, steeling bottles of wine from Damien Rice and an evening escapade with fellow artist Lisa O’ Neill. He dedicated a song to his uncle, Anto, ‘the Thespian’ who worked in theatres in London all his life…he was the floor sweeper, and when was not sweeping floor’s he was singing Irish rebel songs in London bars…’GOAN ANTO!’ the crowd cheered!
In addition to cheers when ‘Falling Slowly’ started there was an audience sing along. Cohen’s cover of ‘Bird On A Wire' was followed by Interference’s 'American Townland', you could hear a pin drop…the words ‘stop fighting for your Gods…they can’t hear you now, not with the noise of your guns…resonated.
A night of beautiful sounds ranging from quiet, subtle to rousing rock finished with a duet with Murdo Mitchell, this very nearly lifted the roof!
Set List
Sure As The Rain
Between Us There Is Music
The Feast Of St. John
Down On Our Knees
Time Will Be The Healer
My Little Ruin
When Your Mind’s Made Up
There’s No Mountain
Ghost
Don’t Settle
Falling Slowly
American Townland
Mccormack’s Wall
Leave A Light.
Bearing Witness
Revelate
Her Mercy
Bird On The Wire
Short Life
This Gift
