Divinely Special
Posted in Music, We own the Night by: LottieAnd the award for Gig Of The Year goes to….Can Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) and Duke Special (Peter Wilson) please stand up. Okay Tom you have a point there. Well the boys can take second prize.
Last night was the hotly anticipated Duke & Divine gig for Amnesty Internationals Small Places Tour and it was pure magic. Everything off-beat and theatrical about Duke combined with Hannon’s quick wit and showmanship. The two friends have electric chemistry together and have recently taken to collaborating in their song writing resulting in Our Love Goes Deeper Than This in 2007.
There was sing-off’s, on-stage arm wrestling, Jedi battles and high-noon sword fights. It put a whole new meaning to “the Battle of The Bands”. The only criticism I can make is that the gig lacked some consistency as the two performers interchanged every other song and each would vacate the stage when they were not involved breaking the momentum somewhat. But otherwise, it was truly exceptional – they never fail to deliver.
October 16th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Yes indeedy! One of the most insanely fantastic gigs I have ever been to. Don’t think I have ever laughed so much at a music gig. And musically…. SWOON!
That said, I felt like calling Amnesty listening to Dave Couse before hand. The guitar was far too loud in the mix. Methinkgs Ferg is in the wrong type of band!
October 16th, 2008 at 10:34 am
And you didn’t come say hello?!
Yip the warm up was a bit of a wet fish. I really didn’t like his voice – he could only sing in one flat monotone note. I did enjoy the endless art piece though.
October 16th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I was away up on the balcony where the old folks with creaking joints sit.
“Our Mutual Friend” blew me away – I couldn’t see how they could do the big orchestral finish justice with just 2 pianos.
In hindsight I shouldn’t have been surprised as I remember a Divine Comedy gig where Mr. Hannon performed it, to astonishing effect, with just an accoustic guitar, a double bass and an accordian on stage. An accordian!!
October 16th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Totally agree about the guitar being too loud during the support act. It was painful to listen to. Also agree that Dave Couse kind of made up for it during the endless art piece.
The night was amazing, musically it could not have been better. The camaraderie between the two made it so fun. I though Duke was on top form and went straight online when I got home and booked tickets to see him at the end of November. Definitely the best gig I’ve been to all year.
October 16th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I had an absolute ball at this and would go again in a heartbeat
October 16th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Apologies for the multiple comments – thought this would be right up your street.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In Belfast
It gets The Bad Ambassador “2 thumbs up” seal of quality!
Completely slipped my mind earlier!
October 16th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
@Bad Ambassador – not at all – I feel loved. I don’t have that one – where did I leave my credit card?
@Milkymoo – Go! Get Tickets! Fast! Have you seen him live before? He puts on a terrific concert!
October 16th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Also @ Bad Ambassador – Check out Darraghs post on the night – he got some great videos.
See here
October 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
@Lottie – thanks for the nod there missus. Just published any of the videos I had (quite a few as it happens) on You Tube.
@The Bad Ambassador – hey there. Guess what I got?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeB4iPVr5yI
October 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
No idea?
If I had to guess I’d say “a really nasty head cold” or the Duke in Belfast cd?
April 11th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
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