Adelaide: Bryan Ferry sporting a new hairstyle - Sat 18th Aug

Adelaide: Bryan Ferry sporting a new hairstyle
18 August 2001

Thank yo to Audrey for the following review.
Friday 17 August 2001 by Audrey Fletcher 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.


I only saw a couple of people taking perhaps one or two photos. There weren't any signs up anywhere prohibiting photography, so I thought this rather curious. I took eighty photos using a digital camera which didn't require a flash. I am sure that Andy Mackay posed for me a few times!


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

Bryan Ferry A Washington Lad

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