The Mercury Rev gig was GREAT. The night was an unadulterated JOY. The atmosphere backstage was generous, super friendly, focussed. Ben Frost had six bass stacks behind him on full pelt, two drummers either side including the great Shahzad Ismaily, shaking Koko with volume so hard that you knew where the nearest steel girder was wherever you were in the building. Then we came on and did our improvised thing - a live soundtrack to The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse:
... as filmed by someone in the audience with forearms of steel.... (that's Grasshopper we see doing his thing - I'm way off on the left with theremin, zither, electronics and pedals) And then SWANS came on... and just took off. The music was mesmeric. Yes, it was unbelievably loud, but it was exquisitely loud, like a vast wave lifting you up and surging through you without breaking. It actually took my breath away. Unforgettable, beautiful.
Thank you, Grasshopper and Jonathan for asking me along... a special night. X
Thank you, Grasshopper and Jonathan for asking me along... a special night. X