THIS CHARMING MAN, JOHNNY MARR, HOUSE OF BLUES, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
The people of Orange County, California showed up to see This Charming Man, Johnny Marr and his band play and the Anaheim House of Blues. The show did not start without a hitch, unfortunately the House Of Blues had audio issues and the show started about thirty minutes late. The crowd stayed cool and calm only chatting Johnny's name every now and then. Once things were cleared Marr and his band came out focused and determined to give the fans what they wanted. Johnny. Fuckin. Marr.
The people of Orange County, California showed up to see This Charming Man, Johnny Marr and his band play and the Anaheim House of Blues. The show did not start without a hitch, unfortunately the House Of Blues had audio issues and the show started about thirty minutes late. The crowd stayed cool and calm only chatting Johnny's name every now and then. Once things were cleared Marr and his band came out focused and determined to give the fans what they wanted. Johnny. Fuckin. Marr.
Marr and his band played music spanning his career from his early days with super group of the 80s-90s, Electronic. The band originally included Bernard Sumnor of New Order and Joy Division along with Neil Tennet and Chris Lowe of The Pet Shop Boys. Marr covered songs like "Getting Away with it" and "Get the Message" which got the crowd dancing and singing along. He of course played his most beloved music of the Smiths with gems like " Big Mouth Strikes Again", "The Headmaster Ritual", "Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me" and he closed his first set with "How Soon is Now" which got a loud roar of excitement from the crowd.
This show, however, was not to showcase the old, but to accentuate the new. Last year Marr released a new album, "Call the Comet". He opened the show with "The Tracers" and continued on with "Hi Hello" and "New Dominions". He also played tracks from his previous album Playland like "Easy Money".
The show ended with a four song encore that included a cover of "I Feel You" by Depeche Mode. Marr had the house singing loudly along while performing his last two songs of the night, "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" and "You Just Haven't Earned it Yet, Baby", covers from The Smiths. It roused the crowd so much that multiple people decided to rush the stage just to touch the former Smiths guitarist.
Marr and his band have another show at the John Anson Ford Theater in Los Angeles on May 21, 2019, be sure to check it out.
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN ENVELOP FANS AT THE OBSERVATORY WITH DAZZLING POST-PUNK NOSTALGIA
The stage at the Observatory in Orange County was dark and the backdrop displayed a distorted bunny(man) as the iconic Echo and the Bunnymen made their entrance. As Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant walked on stage, the crowd roared with excitemet. Echo and the Bunnymen were just now kicking off their North American tour, and they made their appearance cooler than ever.
The stage at the Observatory in Orange County was dark and the backdrop displayed a distorted bunny(man) as the iconic Echo and the Bunnymen made their entrance. As Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant walked on stage, the crowd roared with excitemet. Echo and the Bunnymen were just now kicking off their North American tour, and they made their appearance cooler than ever.
McCulloch came out in his usual form. He was calm, cool and collected, donning black sunglasses and a stylishly messy ‘do. He played a couple songs and took a moment to walk back and light himself a smoke. He did another song with cigarette in hand. Given that he is a smoker you’d think McCulloch’s vocals would sound a bit weathered, lacking that smooth 80s sheen — but that was not the case. McCulloch’s voice was immaculate, and he seamlessly hit every note from songs written over 30 years ago.
The set was unfortunately a bit short. Echo and the Bunnymen came on stage at about 9:40 p.m. and ended just before 11 p.m.; however, they played all the songs you wanted to hear. From the brooding “Killing Moon,” to “The Cutter” and “Bring on the Dancing Horse” — Echo and the Bunnymen pleasured with all the hits. They ended their set (obviously) with their 1987 classic “Lips Like Sugar.” McCulloch did an extended version which was mind blowing. Judging by the looks and feels of the crowd, they did not want the show to end (and neither did I).
To add some extra spark to the show they played a couple medleys which included songs by David Bowie (“Gene Jeanie”), Lou Reed (“Walk on the Wild Side”), and The Doors (“Roadhouse Blues” and “LA Woman”). Sadly, Echo and The Bunnymen they did not play their rendition of The Doors’ “People are Strange” — needless to say, it was an impeccable performance through and through, however, a two-hour set would have been much more satisfying.
Words & Photography: Wes Marsala
Written for Grimy Goods, October 5, 2016
PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT DELIVER OVER THREE HOURS OF JOY DIVISION AND NEW ORDER AT FONDA THEATRE
On Saturday night, Peter Hook, the former bassist of two iconic bands (Joy Division and New Order) came out to Los Angeles with his band The Light to perform tracks off both Joy Division’s and New Order’s versions of the album Substance in its entirety. The show was packed with thirty-one amazing songs that spanned about four decades worth of music.
On Saturday night, Peter Hook, the former bassist of two iconic bands (Joy Division and New Order) came out to Los Angeles with his band The Light to perform tracks off both Joy Division’s and New Order’s versions of the album Substance in its entirety. The show was packed with thirty-one amazing songs that spanned about four decades worth of music.
The first set was New Order’s version. The set contained songs such as “Ceremony,” “Blue Monday,” “The Perfect Kiss” and “Temptation.” Joy Division’s set was next and we got to hear
“Warsaw” and “Digital” which is always amazing to see live. Without a hitch, Peter Hook and The Light closed out the night with “Atmosphere” and “Love Will Tear us Apart.” While both songs moved fans, a great moment for me was when he played “Dead Souls” which I’ve never heard live.
As a special guest, Moby came out toward the beginning of the show and did vocals for “Ceremony.” Peter Hook graciously introduced Moby out once again when he dedicated “Transmission” to the one-and-only Ian Curtis.
It was an incredible night of music that lasted about three and half hours. Fans of Joy Division and New Order definitely got their money’s worth, and then some.
Words & Photography: Wes Marsala
Written for Grimy Goods, Sept 27, 2016
MOVING UNITS CHANNEL THE SONGS OF JOY DIVISION AT THE ECHOPLEX WITH PASSION AND ENERGY
It was a bit of a debacle. Performing the songs of Joy Division, Moving Units were supposed to perform two sets at The Echo this past Sunday night at Part Time Punks. But with such a high demand, the shows were merged into one performance at the Echoplex, a much bigger venue than the intimate Echo. Doors were supposed to open at 9 p.m. but did not open till past 9:30 p.m. Many people in line were confused about what was going on and kept asking if this show was going to be for both sets.
It was a bit of a debacle. Performing the songs of Joy Division, Moving Units were supposed to perform two sets at The Echo this past Sunday night at Part Time Punks. But with such a high demand, the shows were merged into one performance at the Echoplex, a much bigger venue than the intimate Echo. Doors were supposed to open at 9 p.m. but did not open till past 9:30 p.m. Many people in line were confused about what was going on and kept asking if this show was going to be for both sets.
We were finally let in and opening act Second Still came on at about 10 p.m.. They gave a pretty haunting performance. Second Still front-woman, Suki, had a voice similar to Siouxsie Sioux. Through the crowd, you could hear fans making their own comparison to Siouxsie. One fan even rushed to the stage just to tell her. Second Still had a great sound, but it would have been a far more engaging performance (especially if you’re sounding like Siouxsie Sioux) with a bolder stage presence, perhaps more feeling and movement in the performances. And that goes for Second Still as a whole.
Viktor Fiktion came out next and put on a stellar performance. Fronted by Dave Trumfio, he came out in all black with thick rimmed glasses. Upon first look, we had no idea what to expect form their performance. Once it all started, we were pleasantly surprised. Trumfio’s voice and lyrics had a great edge to them that everyone seems to be into, including myself. After his performance, Trumfio would go on to assist Moving Units on guitar and keys with their Joy Division set.
As the evening’s main event, Moving Units started off with some technical issues. They could not get through the first song before needing to reboot their computer. It was unfortunate, but they quickly got things sorted out it and it was non-stop energy from there on.
Moving Units started off with their own originals and then they ripped right into the songs of Joy Division kicking things off with “Disorder” and ending their set with the iconic “Love Will Tear Us Apart.” Moving Untis played roughly nine Joy Division songs in a row. I am a huge Joy Division fan and I often get leary of bands covering Joy Division’s work; however, Moving Units did the influential band well. The show was packed with excitement and Blake Miller most definitely channeled Ian Curtis. It wasn’t just the vocals, it was Miller’s entire presence, state of mind and passion. He truly gave it his all.
It was amazing to see all members of Moving Units on stage just completely into the music. Miller, was very appreciative for all the Joy Division fans that came out so they could hear (and see) Moving Units perform their songs. The crowd happily received their performances with fist in the air, mosh pits and sing-alongs.
Moving Units ended the night playing a few selects from their own catalog. You could tell that they had some loyal fans in the room that didn’t just come for the Joy Division songs.
Photography & Words: Wes Marsala
Written for Grimy Goods, August 10, 2016
