Bryan Ferry Illuminates Blackpool
Published
Somehow it seems fitting that Mr Ferry should be playing in the splendour of the 3000-seater Opera House. Both are blessed with sophistication and grandeur. It’s a magnificent building and tonight’s act belong here.
Ferry is here to promote his latest album, 'Avonmore'. I say latest, it was actually released last year.
And here’s where we start the evening with its title track. And what an opener it is. Pure trademark Ferry. Then onwards into another new track “Driving Me Wild”, a song that wouldn’t have been out of place on Avalon.
However the new songs didn’t seem to strike the same note as the well-established Ferry/Roxy tunes. “Slave to Love” sounded as fresh as ever as did “Ladytron”, but all seemed a bit hit and miss with ”Smoke gets in your Eyes” and a stripped down version of Dylan's “Don’t Think Twice” included in the set.
Also noticeable was the lighting. Dark and moody. Ok for a song or two, however it lasted for three quarters of the set.
Then something strange happened. The audience suddenly rose to their feet and there was a stage rush. And somebody decided to turn the spots on. The last quarter of the show is what the fans are here for… "Avalon", "Love Is the Drug", "Virginia Plain", "Do The Strand", "Let’s stick Together", they are all here, hit after hit. And Blackpool is loving it. And so is Bryan who’s cool smouldering looks have transformed into what resembles an excited pop star on his first outing.
The closer to the show "Jealous Guy" is a magnificent tune that carries its audience off into the seaside night time.
Bryans off to Blackpool airport… not quite the romantic south of France dream but for the audience they were transported into world of music, for their pleasure.
To find out more about Bryan Ferry click here.
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Words & pictures by Lawrence Taylor
Video by Ewan Fall
