I don't know if it was me feeling somewhat languorous after a busy week at work, but I did struggle to get into the mood for this gig.... some of the songs were rushed and/or shortened and the band rattled through the set list at a brisk pace... there were no misfires, for sure - this lot are professional - and there were highlights , of course , Ladytron , in particular worked well with Quistgard's virtuoso guitar playing , as did the extended version of Tara and I actually enjoyed the hits sequence at the end - a stomping version of Virginia Plain, which sounds better live now than on record, and also Let's Stick Together, when a lady from the audience entertained us all and clearly amused Ferry by attempting the Jerry Hall moves from the promo on stage. ( she was swiftly escorted off).

I also found myself making comparisons with the Palladium gig I attended on the Bete Noire tour, - I was positioned close to where I seated was then. Alas, we've all aged almost three decades. It shows.

PS. Only one track from Avonmore , and no live CD's for sale as far as I could tell.

I sighed rather deeply after reading your insightful take on last night's show Avalon Eyes. Yes, we've all aged accordingly and there were a few oft familiar faces missing among the crowd, hopefully I'll see them when I return for Friday's airing. Needless to say the audience was full of enthusiastic, ardent fans and expectations were running high.

I agree that the set was 'brisk and professionally delivered' but I feel that the first half was performed in murky shadow as it was mired in poor lighting and muddled sound. Both seemed corrected following the exquisite extended version of Tara (truly beautiful and a personal highlight) as Bryan probably had a word with the sound & lighting team. The band could have performed Beauty Queen in a darkened room and I would not have cared as it proved a wonderful treat and the first time I've witnessed it performed live (albeit in a modified shortened version) since '73's RM tour.

I'm going to forego scribing my two pence until after Friday's show as I'd like to hear more takes on last night by fellow devotees. Naturally I'm looking forward to the second Palladium show albeit with more than an ounce of cautious optimism that the spark of days gone by will return.

While not strictly on topic here, but more by way of comparison, I thought that Monday evening's show in Stirling was a real treat. After partying way too hard on Sunday on the back of the local football encounter up here, I was still fuzzy headed and in a slightly subdued mood when I took my seat at the venue. Two hours later and all hints of my hangover had disappeared and I was buzzing!!
I thought that the set list was close to ideal, the band was excellent and, after his usual slightly tentative start while he gauges the audience, BF quickly blossomed into the star performer that we all know that he is when he realised that he was in amongst friends.
I agree that the extended version of Tara was beautiful - although I suspect that has been primarily extended to allow a bit more "off-stage" time before kicking off the 2nd half of the show rather than exploring and developing Tara's potential.
It is a pity that Beauty Queen, in particular, is cut short and I don't really understand what the benefit is of dropping one line from the end section of ITIS (as seems to be the norm nowadays) - but that is just nit-picking on my part.

Philosophical Philanderers,
After this feedback, Windswept confesses to being on tender hooks albeit he does believe that second nights can sometimes be a safer bet.
It proved to be the case in Dublin for the BFWS special. Reviews for the first night included reports of sound issues and a lacklustre band performance and yet the second night was sublime.
That said, this practice of shortening songs is becoming a bit of a worry.
Although the technique gives the gig pace and allows more numbers to be showcased it does, IWNSHO, dilute the songs somewhat. It doesn't allow Ferry or the band to really either settle into the song or to maximise the emotional impact. It also does give the appearance of things being rushed.
Still, fingers and everything else crossed for Friday -Il est nécessaire d'être positif non?
Salutations,
W2
Ps. Has anybody got the complete set list ?

and no live CD's for sale as far as I could tell

New live double CD was £20 and on both merch stands that I saw.

Show was excellent & well received; will report more later, when I have more time.

The guys on the sound desk felt that there may be one or two set list changes for Friday, just to reward those who attend both nights, but last night's is here.

The reviews for Wednesday night have been favourable and The Telegraph, Times and FT granted four stars each. Some great photos too boot. I particularly like Ludovic Hunter-Tilney's take on things as I feel he's one of the better reviewers/writers out there. Worth checking out:

www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/bryan-ferry-london-palladium-review

www.ft.com/cms/s/2/01c6d61a-07b2-11e6-a ... 39ec2.html

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bryan-ferry- ... -6nxw7x6qv

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Ooohhh
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Slave To Love
Take A Chance With Me
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Heart Still Beating
Avalon...

But No
Mother of Pearl
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