Belfast fans crow along to night of great music
Counting Crows, Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Friday, 8 May 2009
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It’s great for the soul to go to a good old fashioned gig every now and then and Counting Crows at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena last night was no exception.
The band rose to fame in the late 90s and have maintained a loyal following including those who attended the Odyssey Arena gig.
Occasionally described as morose, last night the Crows proved themselves to be anything but, performing all of their songs, both slow and fast, with unwavering energy.
They did of course have an album to promote, so the audience were treated to the latest songs from Saturday Nights, Sunday Mornings, but we also got the hits and golden oldies such as Mr Jones, Round Here, Colourblind and Sullivan Street.
The set was non-existent — no catwalks, big screens or pyrotechnics, just a stage, some excellent lights, a few mic stands and the instruments.
The band themselves are consummate professionals in this business and were very laidback for the evening, enjoying the banter among themselves on stage.
There are seven of them all together and between them they produce a wall of sound to accompany Adam Duritz’s mournful crooning. Even if the lyrics don’t appeal, the three guitarists of the band provide some excellent riffs.
In all this was a fabulously mellow gig to sway along to.
KERRY McKittrick
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This gig was soooo disappointing, as stated 2 of the 4 old songs mentioned were not played - everyone around our seating and people I met in the foyer were baffled at the lack of 'hits' - also he didnt once say hello, or address the audience. I used to be so fond of this band but thought Adam was cocky and arrogant. No doubt his vocals and the musicians were fantastic but a trip down memory lane would have been nice rather than a blantant plug of the new stuff - take a raincheck next time!
Posted by K B | 02.06.09, 13:58 GMT
The Hold Steady did indeed rock. Come back soon, doods.
Posted by Sneekster | 09.05.09, 20:35 GMT
They did not play colourblind!!!! What concert exactly were you at Kerry????
Posted by Clare | 08.05.09, 11:27 GMT
They DID NOT play colourblind!!!!
Posted by Clare | 08.05.09, 11:25 GMT
Colourblind and Sullivan Street were NOT played. A new album to promote? Yes, but they onply played 2 songs off of it.
Posted by bogios | 08.05.09, 11:14 GMT
was a good gig, but they did not play colourblind as suggested in this article. would have been good though!!
Posted by tim | 08.05.09, 11:03 GMT
Was Kerry at the gig?? They didn't play Colorblind. (Spell it right also!!)
They also rose to fame in the early 90s with the album August And Everything After released in 1994.
Whilst they played a decent show, many of their classic tunes were missing which dissapointed such as Colorblind (Kerry!!), Omaha, Perfect Blue Buildings, Hard Candy, American Girls, If I Could Give All My Love -Or- Richard Manuel Is Dead to name but a few.
However, it took nothing away from a great performance. They related to the crowd extremely well. What other band could go off stage letting the DJ play some music for the crowd to disperse with the lead singer still standing on stage and singing along to the DJs music with the crowd!?!?!
I know they had an album to promote, but it would be great if they came back and played a greatest hits set........
7/10 for me.
The Hold Steady however rocked and stole the show to an extent. Love that band.
Posted by Barry | 08.05.09, 09:57 GMT
Great band, great songs, great gig, no need for screens etc
Posted by JOhn | 08.05.09, 09:51 GMT