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Peter Murphy -
March 16th 2000 -
Clutch Cargos
By Andrew Lochhead
In the wake of last years seemingly inevitable and highly successful
Bauhaus reunion tour it seemed only a matter of time before the legendary
gothic rockers frontman, Peter Murphy, should grace a Michigan stage again.
Of course it has been five years in the waiting since Peter Murphy last
visited Pontiac with a then unknown performer by the name of Jewel opening
the evening.
Possibly due to the nasty experience of having his opening act booed off
stage, Murphy decided to go it alone, playing a masterfully executed set of
songs that spanned his entire solo career, and making this night well worth
the hours spent outside the door in sub-freezing (-5C) weather with fierce
winds, as well as the two hour indoor delay before showtime.
At about 10pm the stage lights finally went up and the man of the hour took
the stage in fine form, dressed in a fanciful paisley suit with a white
dress shirt done up in traditional Peter style, sans cufflinks.
The sold out venue was ecstatic as Murphy danced, posed and sang his way
through such tracks as "The Scarlet Thing In You", "Wild Birds Flock To Me"
(which occasionally due to his accent can, in fact, sound like "Wild
Boars". God, or perhaps Allah [the singer converted to Islam in the early
90's] helps Peter Murphy if he ever finds himself in that situation) and
"The Mirror To My Woman's Mind" from 1995's Cascade album (Beggars
Banquet/Vertigo).
During this song, Peter, being the ultimate showman that he is would often
join hands with audience members, and illustrated his saucy British wit to
one particular woman who upon declaring her love to Mr. Murphy was
encouraged by him to instead "Love your boyfriend".
If you have ever taken in a Peter Murphy show you would know that this is
not unusual at all. It is through exercises like this that Murphy, despite
all the critical acclaim bestowed upon him, has illustrated to his fans
that they are a part of his performance.
Often dismissed as pretentious (mostly for his arty/heady Bauhaus days)
Peter Murphy that evening was the perfect gentleman and consummate
performer.
Called back for over two encores, complete with costume changes - one to a
smashing red velvet number - Murphy and his all star band, comprised of
members of Janes Addiction/Porno For Pyros, as well as former Bauhaus/ Love
& Rockets Drummer Kevin Haskins, pulled out the big hits such as "Cuts You
Up" from the Deep album, "Roll Call"
from 93's Holy Smoke and "Huuvola" many of which Peter actually played
12-string guitar upon.
Lights up and it was over, leaving none in attendance with disappointment,
except perhaps to the fact that the concert was finished and that we would
all have to wait until the next time when Mr. Murphy might again come
calling.
In the meantime if you are unfamiliar with the works of Peter Murphy, or
just need something to tide you over to the next show, there is a greatest
hits collection now available entitled "Wild Birds" and widely available at
most major record stores. Or if you are the 'obscurest' type try checking
out his collaboration with Japan's Mick Karn known as Dali's Car, but by
all means the live experience is paramount.
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