Saturday
18 August 2001
Last night Roxy Music was in town, playing at the Adelaide Entertainment
Centre. I wondered if they would play to a packed house, after all there
hadn't been a great deal of promotion evident ... no billboards or flyers
at the Bass outlets and no indication at the venue that Roxy would be
appearing there. I need not have worried though, the Roxy fans turned
out in force.
We waited in anticipation for the curtain to go up, well, to be drawn
aside. Bryan Ferry came on stage, looking as handsome and debonair as
always, and sporting a new hairstyle. From that moment he was in perfect
control. He cut a dashing figure in his black outfit.
The set and lighting were brilliant. The cascades of colours and the
live photographic backdrop filled the senses. The music was almost tangible,
spiriting the audience to a new dimension of appreciation. There was
Lucy Wilkins giving a sensational solo performance on her violin, Andy
Mackay superb on his sax and Phil Manzanera creating a storm on his
guitar.
Yet it was Bryan who stole the show with his impeccable performance.
You can always tell when he begins to enjoy himself : how he lights
up when he smiles! He added the personal touch by going to the wings
and waving enthusiastically to the audience. They waved their arms and
shouted back, some started dancing.
A few fans danced in front of the stage, but only those who had their
seats down there anyway. No one else was allowed down. Staff were strategically
place to prevent them. Never mind, they danced in the aisles instead!
I thought that this was a sad state of affairs as Bryan likes to encourage
audience participation in front of the stage.
The mood created by the mix of the lighting, music and the polished
performance of Bryan Ferry was enthralling. In fact the audience became
so caught up, that for the final twenty minutes or so of the show everyone
was out of their seats and on their feet enjoying themselves.
Not surprisingly it was Bryan's rendition of "Jealous Guy"
that brought the house down. His performance was brilliant. The sheer
joy of the moment was beamed across his face and I almost melted in
my shoes just looking at him!
The show ended all too soon in a somewhat low key fashion, each performer
waving and leaving separately. Personally I think "Do the Strand"
should be their final performance of the evening, with everyone taking
a bow together, and leaving the audience on a high.
Still it was one hour and thirty-eight minutes of heaven while it lasted.
Thanks Bryan.
Signed: A Washington Lass |
