Kris Kristofferson, Hamilton Town House, 20/1/16
Jan 21, 2016 15:46:48 GMT
007, andrewjw, and 5 more like this
Post by Martin on Jan 21, 2016 15:46:48 GMT
Not strictly a review, more of a hazy overview of last night's entertainment. I say 'hazy' as there may have been one or two little refreshments involved, but more of that shortly 
The legend that is Kris Kristofferson was for some unknown reason playing the world-famous venue, The Town House in Hamilton
As I said in the Gig thread, I couldn't turn down the chance to see someone I have enjoyed in various BLADE movies over the years, so I booked up
The tickets stated a 7pm start - quite early, but the time was clear, so we sacrificed a pre-show dinner and instead rushed about sorting a babysitter and making sure we get there early enough to get parked reasonably nearby.
We got there at 6.50pm, and after dashing through the front doors, I made immediately for the bar in order to get a drink to take in with me.
I was thirsty, so ordered two pints of John Smiths (only the best) and a soft drink for mychauffeur better half. As we went to go into the auditorium, we were informed that the show would be starting later - 8pm to be exact!
So, we retired to the larger bar/function area in the basement whereupon more John Smiths and several brandies were consumed, while the show was again delayed until 8.15pm.
We eventualy took our seats just as the 'support' act came on to stage. This comprised Kris' young daughter Kelly on vocals, ukulele and (later) banjo and Andrew Hagar (son of Van Halen screecher-in-chief Sammy) on vocals and guitar.
They made a very pleasing (if unrehearsed) pairing, and it was a joy to see them respond the the warm and rather raucous audience.
Kris casually walked onto stage just as they finished their fourth number, and after a brief embrace he immediately launched into his own set.
At 79 years of age, he stood throughout the next 90 minutes just picking his Gibson J45 and growling his way through over 20 songs to rapturous applause and good-natured heckling.
About halfway through, Kelly returned to the stage to accompany her father with harmony vocals and some very light banjo picking - it was great to see and sounded amazing. So basic and stripped back, yet perfect.
Kris said very little between songs, restricting himself to simply responding to some of the many shouted comments ('We love you!', sing Johnny Lobo!' etc). This may have been down to health issues or perhaps it's just his way, but his non-stop delivery of hit song after hit song more than made up for it. I was genuinely surprised at just how many of the numbers I recognised, not realising maybe that he had written so many classic tracks.
Nor did he once tune or retune his guitar, and there was no detriment to the sound as a result
The gig finished just before 10pm, and he left stage without any fuss to a huge reception from the (approx 1400) sellout crowd, and although there was massive, steady applause for 2 full minutes as everyone wished for an encore, sadly the house lights came up and it was all over.
An excellent evening, one I'm glad I didn't miss, and an inspirational display from a great singer/songwriter.
The legend that is Kris Kristofferson was for some unknown reason playing the world-famous venue, The Town House in Hamilton
As I said in the Gig thread, I couldn't turn down the chance to see someone I have enjoyed in various BLADE movies over the years, so I booked up
The tickets stated a 7pm start - quite early, but the time was clear, so we sacrificed a pre-show dinner and instead rushed about sorting a babysitter and making sure we get there early enough to get parked reasonably nearby.
We got there at 6.50pm, and after dashing through the front doors, I made immediately for the bar in order to get a drink to take in with me.
I was thirsty, so ordered two pints of John Smiths (only the best) and a soft drink for my
So, we retired to the larger bar/function area in the basement whereupon more John Smiths and several brandies were consumed, while the show was again delayed until 8.15pm.
We eventualy took our seats just as the 'support' act came on to stage. This comprised Kris' young daughter Kelly on vocals, ukulele and (later) banjo and Andrew Hagar (son of Van Halen screecher-in-chief Sammy) on vocals and guitar.
They made a very pleasing (if unrehearsed) pairing, and it was a joy to see them respond the the warm and rather raucous audience.
Kris casually walked onto stage just as they finished their fourth number, and after a brief embrace he immediately launched into his own set.
At 79 years of age, he stood throughout the next 90 minutes just picking his Gibson J45 and growling his way through over 20 songs to rapturous applause and good-natured heckling.
About halfway through, Kelly returned to the stage to accompany her father with harmony vocals and some very light banjo picking - it was great to see and sounded amazing. So basic and stripped back, yet perfect.
Kris said very little between songs, restricting himself to simply responding to some of the many shouted comments ('We love you!', sing Johnny Lobo!' etc). This may have been down to health issues or perhaps it's just his way, but his non-stop delivery of hit song after hit song more than made up for it. I was genuinely surprised at just how many of the numbers I recognised, not realising maybe that he had written so many classic tracks.
Nor did he once tune or retune his guitar, and there was no detriment to the sound as a result
The gig finished just before 10pm, and he left stage without any fuss to a huge reception from the (approx 1400) sellout crowd, and although there was massive, steady applause for 2 full minutes as everyone wished for an encore, sadly the house lights came up and it was all over.
An excellent evening, one I'm glad I didn't miss, and an inspirational display from a great singer/songwriter.
Jo whoever he is.
