10 October 2010 (gig)
13 October 2010
The rock god that is Ian Hunter played a unique one-off acoustic concert last Sunday, featuring his Rant Band as well as the handpicked London string ensemble Oopsie Mamushka.
Performing songs from his illustrious back-catalogue – both solo and Mott The Hoople classics – this special event was complimented by the grandeur that is Union Chapel.
Sporting his trademark blond curls, dark shades and tight black denims – and running slightly late - Hunter sure knows how to make an entrance! His swagger and charisma reminded anyone who might have forgotten that although the golden age of rock n’ roll is over, he’s still an undisputed star and one of the most gifted songwriters and musicians ever. Not that anyone needed reminding.
Seated between Rant guitarists Mark Bosch and James Mastro, the former Mott The Hoople frontman chose ‘Big Mouth’ from the Shrunken Heads album for the opening number, which he performed not only with guitar but adding some skilful harmonica play to it. The superb ‘River Of Tears’ came next - with echoes of Bob Seger and Bruce Hornsby ringing through, it had a distinct Americana sound to it but ultimately remained Hunters triumph.
Greeting the audience (comprised of fans, friends and colleagues), he proudly announced that it’s great to play such a special show in such special surroundings. Of course, with a string ensemble in tow the night proved to be even more special, given the fact that the last time Ian Hunter performed with a string band was back in Oslo in 2002! The song ‘Ships’ seemed particularly perfect for it, a melancholy tune with touching lyrics (“We walked to the sea, just my father and me and the dogs played around on the sand. Winter cold cut the air, hanging still everywhere…”). Admittedly, it was somewhat of a difficult number to listen to, as the lyrics resonated with me on a personal level.
If ‘Ships’ resonated with me, then ‘Irene Wilde’ no doubt holds a lot of personal memories for Mr. Hunter. With an amused twinkle and in a deadpan manner, he explained that the song is based on a true story… His explanation was met with amused applause, for pretty much everyone knew that the song was born out of unrequited love over a teenage crush he once had. “I will be somebody one day” goes one of the lines. More laughter and applause.
‘The Great Escape’ and ‘Soul Of America’ likewise were two songs that are perfect for acoustic renditions. The former boasted a stompy, choppy rhythm while the latter – despite its upbeat sound – felt rather chilling with its semi-political lyrical content, much in the vein of 60’s protest singers like Dylan and yes, there was some harmonica to be heard, too.
The mood went from chilling to gritty with the obviously very personal ‘Man Overboard’, while the audience briefly joined into the chorus of ‘Wash Us Away’, a song from the Rant album.
Then came the evening’s first “Pass me the Kleenex” moment, namely with ‘Waterlow’ – a weepy and hauntingly beautiful number guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes faster than chopping an onion will achieve. Really, this one should be called ‘Waterflow’ and once again, the accompanying string orchestra only enhanced the mood, with the audience listening in utter silence.
‘Flowers’ and ‘23A Swan Hill’ (dedicated to Ian’s childhood address in Shrewsbury) were two uppers if you so will. The set ended with the Velvet Underground cover ‘Sweet Jane’. Only kidding. Of course it didn’t end here, what’s with an ecstatic crowd drowning the venue in thunderous applause, begging for more. And they waited, and they applauded, and they clapped and cheered, and waited some more… Finally the band returned, this time with Hunter taking to the piano, delivering a wonderful ‘rock n’ roll chanson’ called ‘Sea Diver’. The oddly (but aptly) titled ‘Letter From Brittania To The Union Jack’ reflects zeitgeist and provided food for thought.
Then came the evening’s second “Pass me a box of Kleenex” moment with ‘Michael Picasso’ – a song that Hunter wrote in memory of his close friend Mick Ronson, the ‘Spider’ with the platinum hair. What more appropriate finish than unleashing a David Bowie-cover (and also Mott The Hoople classic) with ‘All The Young Dudes’! While Union Chapel audiences usually are rather well behaved in accordance with the surroundings, this time – and in good ole rock n’ roll tradition – conformity gave way to a little dancing, with fans getting up and singing. Who knows, perhaps the master dude high up in heaven rapped along all night, too.
