David Byrne Live In Manchester 30th March 2009

Posted on 31. Mar, 2009 by baggy in Reviews & Previews, Videos

Drawing on material that’s over 30 years old, David Byrne arrived in Manchester last night for yet another sold out show of the UK leg of his world tour to perform works from his vast output during the sometimes turbulent partnership with uber-producer Brian Eno.

After a 28 year break (‘My Life In The Bush of Ghosts’ being their last collaboration) the pair last year reunited to release ‘Everything That Happens Will Happen Today‘ an album that concentrates on the vocals and lyrics of Byrne over the electronic wizardry of Eno.

‘A Bit Arty’ is how my missus described the performance but that’s no surprise as Byrne went on to describe how the jerky dance moves had been choreographed by Twlya Tharp. These movements were juxtasposed with the angular funk jumping from the strings of Byrnes guitar, the flawless handling of his instrument being one of the stand out facets of last night’s performance.

Although i’m still to be convinced of any ‘Electrified’ performance held at the Bridgewater Hall (Home of the Halle Orchestra) this was no doubt the stand out show i’ve yet to see at this venue. Looking extreamely fit and agile with a stunning crop of white hair, Byrne was accompanied by a very tight and accomplished group of musicians and troupe of dancers who also join in on backing vocals and guitar on a couple of numbers.

All in all this was a polished performance. Not in the same league as Ms. Grace Jones recent similarly ‘Retrospective’ show in Manchester but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.

You can still catch the tour in the UK at the Royal Concert Hall Glasgow on 31st March, The Sage Gateshead on 1st April and finally at Liverpool Philarmonic Hall on 3rd April.

I managed to record a few tracks from the show but typically ran out of battery during the excellent rendition of Al Green’s ‘Take Me To The River’ and the encore of ‘Burning Down The House’.