Amanda Palmer at Koko

The 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer' tour hit London tonight in the scarlet and gold music hall surroundings of Koko in Camden. We mourned Amanda with Jason Webley and with Zoe Keating, followed by an obituary read by Neil Gaiman and then Amanda rose from the dead to entertain us and bring us joy.

In fact, Amanda rose from the dead right beside me as she walked through the crowd to the front of the stage to magically appear and have a lace veil removed from her head. I was standing in just the right place for Amanda to walk beside me as she hobbled to the stage without her crutch but with a helper to keep people from accidentally hurting her injured foot. I'd forgotten how small she is. Unfortunately for me, once she was on stage people started pushing closer to the stage so my relatively spacious standing area became crowded so I moved to the back of the hall to avoid people getting close to my back.

Amanda was on top form and looking and sounding good, swigging from a bottle of wine and plonking away at her Kurzwiel piano, occasionally augmented by cello and violin and by the dance movements of the Danger Ensemble. She opened with 'Astronaut' and 'Ampersand' from the new album, an excellent way to begin. Most of the songs were from the new album plus a few Dresden Dolls songs and a couple of covers/karaoke verite. For a few of the songs she got up from the piano or, rather, was carried to the front of the stage by the tall Ensemble bloke, to join in the performance moves with the Danger Ensemble moving around and behind her. The first time she did this was for 'Guitar Hero' and it was great to see her stand up and be more visible.

The format of the gig was as you'd expect, a couple of songs followed by some chat - general or about the record or song - and then more songs. Dresden Dolls favourites were 'Mrs O', 'Coin Operated Boy' and a great, extended version of 'Half Jack' with mad violin and cello, sounding very different to when it's just piano and drums. Amanda played most of the new record including 'Blake Says', Have To Drive', 'I Google You' and 'Strength Through Music', and was joined on stage by Neil Gaiman and Jason Webley on a fun version of 'Oasis'.

Amanda did her karaoke version of 'Umbrella' made famous at the Edinburgh Festival a couple of years ago when wine was poured over the umbrellas sheltering her. She also led the audience in singing Bon Jovi's 'Living On A Prayer' (I didn't sing along but even the youngsters in the crowd did - how on earth do they know the words?) while the Danger Ensemble passed through the crowd with collection buckets (or in the case of the Ensemble member near us, a black boot). They're on tour with plane tickets and food paid for, but earnings rely on what they can collect from the crowd. Then we were given a great version of 'Leeds United' with a troupe of girl dancers in sparkley outfits dancing and high kicking along with Amanda, a great sight with them all obviously having great fun up there on stage. Amanda told us the video for 'Leeds United' isn't out yet because the record company seems to think she's too fat - eh???

And that was it for the night - Amanda live and kicking and not letting a minor hindrance like a plaster cast on one leg/foot slowing her down. It was good to see her interacting with a range of other performers and musicians creating a dramatic show. She puts a lot into the show and you can tell - she lives it - and that's good for us. As ever, the only downside was the venue - unless you were at the front of the stage or the front of one of the balconies - or seven feet tall - then a few glimpses of Amanda is all you'd have. Her piano wasn't raised up for some reason (maybe because of the plaster cast and difficulties moving?) but I saw relatively little of Miss Palmer, even catching glimpses of her hair inbetween people's heads when they moved was a bonus. Why wasn't she on a platform so that everyone could see her? Koko looks flash but isn't the best venue for gigs and only one exit which means it takes an age for everyone to leave.

I might not have seen much of Amanda, but I certainly heard her and she was in fine fettle! And I got merch - another 'Who Killed' tee shirt and a set of 12 badges, each with an image for one of the 12 songs on the album. My photos aren't much cop this time since I was at the back of the hall most of the time, but I have some great memories. Thank you Amanda!

Marc Bolan - The Celebration Concert DVD

In September 2007 Marc Bolan would've been 60 if it hadn't been the 30th anniversary of his death. In other words, the perfect opportunity for a celebration gig at Shepherd's Bush Empire which I attended (see my commentary of the event here). I knew the event was being filmed but I only found out that the DVD was actually available by accident so I don't know how long it's been out.

I haven't watched the DVD yet - that's scheduled for the weekend - but the packaging is good, a nice clean cover with retro '70s lettering. Inside is a booklet with some text about the event and photos of everyone involved. The odd thing is that Shakin' Stevens doesn't seem to be included, which is strange to say the least. I've never been a Shakey fan but he won big respect at the event for bringing some much needed professionalism to the stage and doing a killer version of 'Chrome Sitar'. Why he's not on the DVD or in the booklet is a mystery - maybe the reason is explained in the DVD?

The DVD includes performances by Marc Almond and Gloria Jones (they sang 'Tainted Love' together as well as Marc's over the top glam dup versions of T.Rex songs including 'Dandy In The Underworld'), Clem Burke, Linda Lewis ( great version of 'Children Of the Revolution'), Dr Robert and others. And of course, T.Rexstacy was on stage for virtually the whole event providing the musical backing as well as leading on some songs (I'm, seeing them at Shepherd's Bush again in December as part of the Merry Xmas Everbody Tour with Slade).

I know what I'm doing at the weekend... (now, where did I put that silver glitter?).

The Daily Mash

What with the world financial system collapsing, environmental disasters and me without hot water or heat since Sunday, it's a sad old time. So I thought I'd share this with you, 'The Daily Mash' that gives a slightly different view of the news.

I quite like the article on today's announcement of bailing out the banks:

BANKS TO LEND YOU YOUR OWN MONEY

THE government is to invest £500bn of your money in British banks so they can lend it back to you with interest.

The historic move is being hailed as a lifeline for the financial system as long as nobody asks too many questions.

Julian Cook, chief economist at Corbett and Barker, said: "The government will give your money to the banks so the banks can start lending you that money, probably at around 7% APR.

"Thanks to all the interest you're paying on your own money, the banks will make billions of pounds again and normality will be restored.

"After a few years of this the government will cash in the bank shares it bought with your money and use the profits to build a huge fucking dome somewhere."

He added: "In case you hadn't already worked it out - the entire global financial system is predicated on the assumption that you're an idiot."

Chancellor Alistair Darling said the decision had been taken in tandem with the banking industry, adding: "They used a lot of dirty words I'd never heard before and one of them had an angry looking dog."

Meanwhile, Emma Bradford, a sales manager from Bath, said: "Why doesn't the government just give my money to me so I can buy stuff from businesses who will then make a profit and put it in a bank?"

But Mr Darling insisted: "Shut up."

Go on, have a chuckle.

Amanda Palmer's Crutch

Amanda had her accident in Belfast last week and ended up in plaster and walking with a crutch. A perfect way to start a tour to promote her first solo album, I'm sure you'll agree. But does she let that stop her? Not on your nelly! Here's a great photo by Sandra Wilkes with crutch, plaster cast and Miss Palmer in perfect harmony. And I'm seeing Amanda on Friday.

Michelle Shocked - New Album

She's kept it quiet but it seems like Michelle Shocked has been working on a new album, 'Soul Of My Soul'. You can hear one of the new songs, 'Other People', on Michelle's website and MySpace page. It sounds like she's returned to her more folksie, accoustic stuff with simple melodies and words worth listening to.

I love the photo on her website of the baby with a guitar and the sign that says, 'I love you America but I think we should see other people'.

I'm looking forward to hearing the new record when it's available.

Amanda Palmer - 'Leeds United' Single

Amanda Palmer's first 'single' from 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer' is out now for download on iTunes - 'Leeds United (Edit)'. At 4.00 minutes long it's 0.55 seconds shorter than the album version and 0.34 seconds shorter than the 'lounge' version (both available on iTunes, of course). And it works really well with a radio audience in mind, especially when The Horny Men of Edinburgh kick in with their wild brass half way through. Buy it. Now.


"Who needs love when there's Southern Comfort... Who needs love when there's Dukes of Hazzard..."

I'm looking forward to seeing the video for the song - it was filmed in a theatre at Elephant & Castle and, if I could've been bothered to get out of bed one Sunday morning a month ago, then I could've been in it...

If you want to see the lady herself then scoot along to your favourite ticketing site to see if there are any tickets left for her current tour. I'm seeing her on Friday at Koko and *so* looking forward to it - a show and a 'arf is promised and I'll be there to collect! Keep up to date with developments at Amanda's MySpace.

6 Oct 2008 19:30	Club Academy	Manchester, UK
7 Oct 2008 19:30	Thekla	Bristol, UK
8 Oct 2008 18:30	Carling Academy	Sheffield, UK
10 Oct 2008 20:00	Koko	London, UK
12 Oct 2008 21:00	Knaack Klub	Berlin, Germany
13 Oct 2008 21:00	Star Club	Dresden, Germany
14 Oct 2008 21:00	Karlstorbahnhof	Heidelberg, Germany
16 Oct 2008 20:30	Abart	Zurich, Switzerland
17 Oct 2008 21:00	Music Drome (fka Transilvania)	Milan, Italy
18 Oct 2008 20:00	Komma	Wörgl, Austria
20 Oct 2008 19:00	Szene Vienna	Vienna, Austria
21 Oct 2008 20:30	59:1	Munich, Germany
23 Oct 2008 20:00	La Boule Noire	Paris, France
24 Oct 2008 20:15	Handelsbeurs	Ghent, Belgium
26 Oct 2008 19:30	Melkweg	Amsterdam, Netherlands
27 Oct 2008 19:30	Tivoli de Helling	Utrecht, Netherlands
29 Oct 2008 20:00	13	Tilburg, Netherlands
12 Nov 2008 20:00	Mercy Lounge	Nashville, Tennessee
14 Nov 2008 20:00	The Orange Peel	Asheville, North Carolina
15 Nov 2008 20:00	Lincoln Theatre	Raleigh, North Carolina
16 Nov 2008 20:00	Variety Playhouse	Atlanta, Georgia
18 Nov 2008 0:00	9:30 Club	Washington, DC, Washington DC
19 Nov 2008 19:30	Toad’s Place	New Haven, Connecticut
21 Nov 2008 19:00	Webster Hall	New York, New York
22 Nov 2008 20:00	Theatre Of Living Arts	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
24 Nov 2008 19:00	Paradise Rock Club	Boston, Massachusetts
25 Nov 2008 19:00	Paradise Rock Club	Boston, Massachusetts
29 Nov 2008 19:00	Mr. Small’s Theatre	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
30 Nov 2008 20:00	Mod Club Theatre	Toronto, Ontario
2 Dec 2008 20:00	Magic Bag	Ferndale, Michigan
3 Dec 2008 18:30	Cabaret Metro	Chicago, Illinois
5 Dec 2008 20:00	First Avenue Nightclub	Minneapolis, Minnesota
6 Dec 2008 20:00	Bluebird Theatre	Denver, Colorado
7 Dec 2008 20:00	Belly Up	Apsen, Colorado
8 Dec 2008 19:00	Murray Theatre	Murray, Utah
11 Dec 2008 20:00	Showbox Theatre	Seattle, Washington
12 Dec 2008 20:00	Wonder Ballroom	Portland, Oregon
13 Dec 2008 20:30	Harlow’s	Sacramento, California
15 Dec 2008 19:00	Bimbo’s 365 Club	San Francisco, California
16 Dec 2008 20:00	Henry Fonda Theatre	Los Angeles, California

The John Lydon Advert

Watch and enjoy:

Give Us A Goal

Loathe as I am to advertise a Playstation game, but the TV advert for the FIFA09 game uses SLADE's 'Give Us A Goal' as the backing music. I wonder if it'll be re-released? It wasn't a hit back in (I think) '78, but it could be on the back of the game.

In any case, I hope they're getting a lot of money for it.

An Important Announcement

The Buffy Sainte-Marie wires are a-buzz with the news that Buffy's long-awaited new album, 'Running For The Drum' is now available to pre-order on Amazon Canada as is the DVD of the documentary, 'Buffy Sainte-Marie - A Multimedia Life'. Both will be available on 28 October in Canada so, all things being equal, the record should be available here on 27 October if it's a worldwide release..

There's no artwork yet and no details so I'll need to keep checking. 'Running For The Drum' is available as a CD and as a limited edition CD but there's no indication of what the 'extras' are. I'm not going to get too excited until some details start appearing. But after all this time waiting for the record and DVD, the signs are promising!

'Hadrian: Empire & Conflict' at the British Museum

As part of my I-must-do-something-everyday(-ish) regime I visited the British Museum for the first time in an age to see the Hadrian: Empire & Conflict exhibition. There is so much to see at the Museum that it's rather shameful how infrequently I've been over the years. I must put that right.

Now, if I was asked who my favourite Roman emperor was, I'd probably say Hadrian (not that I've been asked that question). He's sort of a local boy done good, not that he ever set foot in this country, but I grew up a few miles from his wall, variously known as Hadrian's Wall or the Roman Wall, that was built across Northumberland and Cumberland to mark the northern edge of the Roman Empire and to keep those pesky Picts and Scots out. I've been on the Wall and visited Roman forts and settlements at Housesteads, Vindalanda and Corstopidum (Corbridge), all good Geordie names - I remember it always being very windy and chilly whenever I visited as a youngster.

They've managed to pack a lot into the exhibition, lots of busts of Hadrian and his people, some nice statues, areas dedicated to his enthusiasm for building and architecture, a miniature of his palace outside Rome (which was huge so the 'miniature' takes up most of the room), a room to his lover Antinous and the cult that sprang up after he died, a small area for his wife (well, they didn't have much of a marriage, really) and the usual collection of coins and small objects. The exhibition is doing really well and was packed, mainly with old women for some reason when I was there, as well as tourists. You exit the exhibition into the shop (of course).

I spent an enjoyable 45 minutes wandering round, dipping in and out and looking at things that caught my eye. I never follow exhibitions round in the 'proper' order, trailing after people listening to the audio tour, I much prefer pretending to be a magpie and waiting for something shiny to home in on.

Of course, the curator had to include some non-Hadrian objects to give a flavour of life and society at the time, like a big corner with a few olive oil jars to demonstrate wealth and trade and, to spice it up a bit, a section on homosexuality since Hadrian was gay (rather a bald statement since sexuality was a lot more blurred back then). And, naturally, the gay bit was about sex with a small silver cup called the Warren Cup (I can think of better names) which drew the crowds of little old women. So I obviously have to show it here...

One thing I liked from the off is that Hadrian had a beard and was, I think, the first emperor to be consistently portrayed with one. That must've given the sculptors something to think about! But it meant that he looked broadly the same throughout his life and therefore quite recognisable. There were a few nice busts of him and some full-length statues in togas with the usual carefully sculpted folds and creases to make them lifelike. There was even a statue of him as an athlete, ie naked, but it looked like they'd just plonked his head on top of a typically toned nude statue so it didn't really work for me.

There were also a few images of Hadrian's Greek lover, Antinous. One of the highlights was an enormous head with elaborate cascades of hair. The well drafted notes accompanying each exhibit pointed out the holes drilled into his hair to attach flowers and fruit to the cold stone and the empty eye sockets that would've been filled with precious stones to make his eyes alive. And, no doubt, the voluptuous lips would be painted red.

The other highlighted image of Antinous was a full length statue of him as Osiris in Egyptian garb. This is a striking statue but the pose and definition of the body screams Roman rather than Egyptian so I found it both irritating and striking at the same time. It's very stylised and I assume it was done by Roman or Greek sculptors rather than Egyptian. He died in Egypt hence the Egyptian imagery (as well as the life after death cult of Osiris).

The final exhibit is a nicely lit bust of the older Hadrian beside one of his short poems anticipating his death. It reads:

Little soul, little wanderer, little charmer
Body's guest and companion
To what places will you set out for now?
To darkling, cold and gloomy ones -
And you won't make your usual jokes.

There are some building works outside the museum which are screened off with big panels showing scenes from the Roman Wall and from his villa and baths. So, this is me pretending to be on the bleak, windswept hills of Northumberland walking Hadrian's Wall like in olden days....