Little Theatre, Cleadon Village
Saturday, 30th November 2024
Obviously, concerts are about the music. Be that hearing new bands or familiar ones playing equally familiar, or less well known material. However, on occasion a concert can be more than the sum of its parts and the acts can appear to be players in a larger presentation. Even if the venue was not of the size of the Royal Albert Hall this seemed, to me at least, to be special in a way that might not be self-evident, but for those in the know it had a extra magical element that made it even more memorable.
As it was a landmark birthday of TPA’s very own photographer extraordinaire, Chris Simmons (21 plus a lot more), he wanted to mark the event with a charity concert for two causes that were close to his heart, Cancer Research and Guide Dogs. Mixing two additional things he enjoyed as well, staying alive, to face his next decade, and concerts.
Not only did he come up with the idea but he was the captain, navigator and crew that did pretty much all of the legwork to ensure that everything came together. Admittedly, on the night the bands were the ones that made it what it was, but without him all the audience would have been elsewhere and not been able to experience such a wonderful night. Even though it was just one night it demonstrated how much hard graft is needed to make sure everything is alright on the night and if it is such a difficult task for just one night imagine how much of a nightmare it must be for bands to arrange full tours and ensure all plates are kept spinning, all with no guarantee of even breaking even, never mind seeing a profit. Not something I’d willing do, but thankfully there are plenty who are.
So, after, quite literally, months of discussions with bands, arranging the venue, promoting and detailed preparation, the night finally arrived. The Blackheart Orchestra and Foxpalmer arrived and there was the seemingly ubiquitous performance technical issues. Seemingly enough cables to rewire Joddrel Bank, ensuring instruments made the appropriate noises and the difficulty of hearing the words “One, two, one, two” at the right volume, pitch and tone for the audience. Frustrating for the bands and nerve racking for Chris but as the problems were resolved the concert began and Chris could finally sit back and enjoy the show. And oh, what a show it was!
FOXPALMER
First on was the wonderful Foxpalmer (AKA Fern McNulty). Armed with just a guitar. For those of you who are unfamiliar with her, she has a wonderful voice that seems to capture emotions, paint them into her songs and in a head on way that ensures that you could never be bored. Being alone on the stage her set sounded different to her CD, which has a full band but that didn’t detract from the enjoyment, instead it delivered an extra dimension. If you have yet to experience her live, she is worth seeing.
Forever
That Way
Freed from Desire
Tired
Escape
Wanted
Fern McNulty (Foxpalmer) – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA
Then it was the turn of The Blackheart Orchestra. I have reviewed their live show before so I don’t think that I can add much to what I have said previously. Chrissy Mostyn’s voice was, as always, beautiful while Rick Pilkington, along with Chrissy, was the musical maestro. Even if the set list might not change that much, two or three new songs appear, while older ones slip away, they always manage to make every night sound brand new. Plus, as they go on Chrissy seems to be letting Rick speak more and that banter between them is joyful to witness. Two people enjoying themselves and that pleasure always spreads to the audience. Chrissy always claims that they are a ‘depressing band’ but I would challenge anyone to agree with them. How could anyone feel down after hearing songs that reach into the heart, lift up even the lowest soul and leaves the audience flying long after the concert had ended?
And after the show? The audience left happy, the bands were jovial and, as for Chris, he was able to release a sigh of relief, smile and relax. Not only had he shared his own special day with those lucky enough to be in the audience with him, but he also raised a nice bit of cash for two wonderful causes. Not all heroes wear capes, some carry lots of camera equipment and have a heart of gold.
[Photos by Chris Simmons]
SETLIST
Africa
Raise Your Heart
A Dangerous Thing
The Tide
Night Circus
Stars
Astronaut
Better
Lifetime
Bloodlines
Before
Now That We Are Ghosts
Drown Me Out
The Flood
Hey Pluto
MUSICIANS
Chrissy Mostyn – Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar, Percussion & more
Rick Pilkington – Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals & more
LINKS:
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X | Instagram
