David Axelrod live

Posted by: Kevin-W on 18 March 2004

Did anyone see Mr Axelrod & The Orchestra at the Festival Hall last night?

It was absolutely brilliant - a two and three quarter hour set with two intermissions. First up The rchestra played for about 30 minutes (all material unfamiliar to me). Then the big A himself came on, and we were treated to awesome versions of Tensity, Holy Thursday, Merlin's Prophesy, The Sick Rose, etc.

Richard Ashcroft guested on a great version of the Electric Prunes' Holy Are You.

Apart from Tensity, the best hing all night was an absolutely extraordinary 10-minute version of Norwegian Wood.

The standard of musicianship was staggering - particularly the drummer (can't remember his name, but I'm pretty sure his surname was Weller – any help?)

Axelrod himself didn't do a lot, as he looked very frail and is still recovering from a recent serious illness, but it was a great night enjoyed by a sell-out crowd and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this great artist in the flesh.


Gig of the year for me so far, I reckon!

Kevin