Live: Patrick Wolf at The Garage, Highbury

So I went to see Patrick Wolf last night at The Garage in Highbury thanks to my free tickets. I was going to go and see him on this tour anyway, and hopefully I’ll get to see him at The Roundhouse, too.
It was a great gig, firstly there was no support act which suited me and my friend as we both had to leave early, and we still got to see the whole thing. Also, support acts are annoying.
I had a feeling the stage/ set would be quite pared down this tour compared to the old Vulture shoulder pads treatment we got at Heaven and I was right. He came on in a pork pie hat with a little dicky bow, and his set was quite mellow, too, I guess, there was a lot of the new ones, which are quite slow. The crowd really came alive when he played his dancier stuff; personally my favourite song of the night was Time of My Life, which is the strongest song off his new album. Also good off the new album were House and The City (even those saxophones seem more acceptable live) and one I think is called The Future. He did some stuff I’ve heard before like Wolf song (zzz), The Bachelor (not an oldie, as introduced) and The Libertine (clip clop). The best oldie he did was The Magic Position, obviously. The crowd went mad.
Other things I noticed: his voice sounds AMAZING. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it so strong, it really is a joy to listen to live. Sometimes he sings out of the side of his mouth a bit which reminds me of that Harry Hill when he called Kate Walsh sideways mouth for the way she was talking on the phone. And that also reminds me of Marjorie Dawes a bit. Yet despite all this Patrick oozes sexuality. Even covered in sweat. No, especially. Plus his hair looks really good at the moment.
When he came back on after the encore he was wearing an all-red suit which made him look like he should have devil horns, with blood smeared over his face. He did Tristan at the end, but it was a bit of a duff version of it, he’s gone for the classic Brian Molko style ‘reimagining’ and it had a lot of interference on it, so it lacked punch. He finished with Together off the new album, notable for him coming down from the stage and walking into the crowd, pretty much halfway through the room (but sadly on the wrong side to us). Now I’d like to see Morrissey or Conor have the balls to do that.I like the way Patrick seems to walk to walk when it comes to his fans, it doesn’t seem like rhetoric, he does seem to care for them/ us.
I have seen him do a better setlist before, but if you've never seen PW live, go see him, he's magic. Bonus point: there'll be no vivisection videos (oh, Moz, I've missed you this tour, unforgivable of me).

Live: Patrick Wolf at the Electric Ballroom

Sorry I've been absent; my birthday celebrations went on slightly longer than expected!
And topped off in no finer way than going to see the glorious Patrick Wolf again last night, this time at the Electric Ballroom on the last night of his UK tour. I think I also saw him on the first night of it; at Heaven, so I did well, really. His costumes weren't QUITE as elaborate this time (what no cape?), but you have to give him credit, the boy sure does know how to put on a show. I liked him in that vest, but not sure about his bouffant. Still, frankly, he can do what he damn well likes.
I'm still bloody waiting for my super-delux copy of the album from Bandstocks and I haven't downloaded the album yet (I'm a good girl!) but just as last time, the new album sounds amazing; epic, theatrical, dramatic, loud, exciting! I want to revel in it.
The support band Yacht were a bit of a worry, crap but fun. I liked it when they put their address up on a big screen and said 'come visit us'!
The Electric Ballroom is a decent venue, it has good views and air-conditioning, which was much appreciated yesterday. We got a pretty good spot, too.
Patrick was charming as ever; especially when he realised his flies were undone (twice). The setlist was different from the last time I saw him (no Bloodbeat but Accident and Emergency instead) and a different order, too. I liked his dealing with some dullard in the crowd bellowing 'play Wolf Song', (why?!) he replied 'we've prepared a show for you, and that's what we're going to do.' But really nicely. He wasn't playing too many acoustic numbers, which I think is better live.
The song Battle is really like a scream; it's almost cheesy, but falls just on the right side of good taste, as you can tell he really means it. Vulture sounded ace even without green lasers, and Hard Times has the catchiest violin part I think I've ever heard. Tristan is continually delightful, as was The Libertine. He did rocky versions of The Magic Position and Accident and Emergency, and whilst I missed the footstomping a little, I love him so much for just mixing things up, but in a good way. Thank fuck he told Universal to fuck off when they suggested Mark Ronson produce his next album.
My friend took some really great pictures, but she's not sent them yet, when she does, I will post a few.
Now I just need to hang out by my letterbox for the album... I genuinely can't wait. I am certain it will be my album of the year.

Live: Patrick Wolf at Heaven

Ahh, Heaven. Memories of vomit, trannies and dancing dating back nearly ten years now. But I'd never seen a band there. I thought it might be a good venue for it though, and I was quite right.
I was so excited about seeing Patrick Wolf. I love, love, love Patrick Wolf so much; he's just totally original, so incredibly talented, and seems like such a genuinely nice person. I have seen Wolfy live a few times, (KOKO, the Astoria, a pub garden) and I can honestly say I have never seen him so CAMP as tonight! Leather, braces, shorts, arse-slapping, thrusting; it was all there. He came on stage with bizarre wings/ giant shoulders, making him look about fifteen-foot tall, and he's pretty tall anyway. He was also wearing some not-misguided leather trousers which showed pretty much EVERYTHING, which was a nice treat for the girls and the gays alike. I love the fact he puts on such a show; he has such great energy, mad style, and is a true artist. Morrissey said recently some people 'just are art' and whilst that sounds utterly pretentious, that applies brilliantly to Mr. Wolf.
The show started really strong; the songs from the new album sound absolutely amazing; and he also did Tristan, which is obviously a huge crowd pleaser, and I enjoyed his chickeny outfit. I think the show lost focus a bit about halfway through; there were just too many new ones; which I fully expected, but I haven't heard the new album yet and I think the crowd was a little restless. I felt he was a teensy bit self-indulgent, but that's also a little unfair because I know I will easily fall in love with all these songs, and if I went to see him live again in three months I'd probably feel quite different.
Patrick has two modes of song; screechy, crunchy technoey yodelling pop songs, and heartfelt, pretty piano-ballady ones. I think he kept on the right side of the line, but he could have done with throwing in Don't Say No or A Boy Like Me halfway through and I would have been set for the night. He did do Bluebells, and Accident and Emergency which is obviously brilliant but I felt like he was coasting a bit during that one. He had taken his top off by this point though, so can't complain.
The show definitely picked up again two thirds in. I can't WAIT to hear the new album. Hard Times sounded so fucking good, the new songs sounded really lush and epic and theatrical and overblown and just fantastic, really. I just wish I could have sung along.
After the encore he came back and did a very 80s/Gary Newman style song (Vulture?) and he did Magic Position which I thought he might not do, but was very glad to hear. That song cannot fail to make me smile, it's the happiest song ever. It's just the best, poppiest love song and should have been a massive hit. My boyfriend says it's too twee, but it isn't! He finished with Bloodbeat, which was well-needed and just the perfect rave tune.
Patrick Wolf is amazing live; an true artist, and his voice has never sounded better than tonight. He put on a great show and I love seeing him throwing himself around the stage, he really does belong up there, and he felt perfectly matched with Heaven.
If you don't know Patrick Wolf; I'd seriously recommend buying Lycanthropy or Wind in the Wires. If you want it more poppy, then most accessibly, The Magic Position. Then put on your glitter and go see him live. A life without Patrick Wolf is a life left wanting. Truth!

Review: Patrick Wolf Live at Shepherds Bush Empire

Oh yes. The last time I was in Shepherds Bush empire it was to see my OTHER gorgeous jug-eared songwriting-genius Conor Oberst. But tonight it was our very own Patrick Wolf, doing a homecoming/ Christmas gig after a year which saw him splashed over just about everything and probably physically exhausted. We arrived very early (about 6.40) and already the queue was enormous. We were quite surprised, we thought the Bright Eyes turn-out would have been better (I don't know why, I always think Patrick Wolf is quite cult, but I guess he's not anymore).
As is par for the course for the gigs we go to, the queue consisted mainly of 16 year old girls so we felt very old. Still, it's not enough to make me start liking something shit so I'll grin and bear it.
We queued for YONKS and eventually got in, standing, about three rows back from the front. We were quite lucky at first because we seemed to have 25 girl midgets standing in front of us. The atmosphere appeared to be one of serenity, with them administering glittery dandruff on each other and blowing bubbles. It was like Spongebob and Patrick's wet dream. I though we were in for a quiet, relaxing night. But not so.
For the first half hour Patrick performed an acoustic set, which was lovely. He looked AMAZING (see our photo!) and had a fabulous blackbird in his hair like a hat. I also like to wear a bird in my hair at Christmas, so I'm clearly on the ball.
I was a bit annoyed at first because a lot of people were joking and talking through the first song which was pretty annoying, but they actually stopped after that. Some of the songs I didn't know, but I love hearing new stuff from him live and hearing him play the piano. He also played Wolf Song and The Marriage and Bishi came on looking very cool.
It was in between this mellow set and his main set that the trouble started, with the crowd becoming really busy and lots of people pushing forwards. I really didn't think people would be that rowdy at Wolfy, it was a lot mellower at Bright Eyes. Unfortunately I suffer from claustrophobia in crowds, and it was getting a bit TOO crowded for me (we were very central). I literally couldn't move my arms or legs and certainly couldn't dance. The moronic girls behind singing fucking Disney songs didn't help (yeah bah humbug, I'm old, just pipe down).
Anyway, Patrick came back on and did Overture. This was the end of my time at the front, as the guy behind me's double whammy of virtually sticking his dick in my back whilst tunelessly bellowing in my ear was enough for me. I came to hear Patrick sing, not this spotty twonk (it's hard to believe people like this could be Patrick Wolf fans). But if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's if someone is annoying you at a gig, move. They are the only thing you'll remember otherwise. Not everyone is an inconsiderate prick.
I left my boyfriend behind and I worked my way backwards a bit, to the bar on the right hand side, which actually wasn't that far back. Here I treated myself to a double vodka and lemonade, breaking my usual no drink rule (I have a weak bladder!) I was great by the bar, I could still see a lot and I could dance. The best part was Patrick threw himself into the crowd and ended up right next to me! He seemed to have lost his shoes. I was reminded of the 'all crowd surfers will be removed sign' but I don't think it applied to Patrick as he is half-elf and can do what the fuck he likes.
Setlist highlights: Bluebells, Get Lost, The Lighthouse, Tristan, the Libertine. Also the two new songs Vulture and Hard Times sounded absolutely amazing. I can't wait to hear the studio versions.
Another great moment was when Patrick crawled up the speakers on the opposite side to me and was singing Bloodbeat and dropped in a bit of 'Bleeding Love' by Leona and 'Gimme More' by Britney. Patrick is such a diva! He also sported a very Who-ville style quiff when he came back on.
Before the encore I spotted my boyfriend again and went back into the thick of it (but not quite so near the front- whoever thought I'd be pushed out of a Patrick Wolf moshpit?) Patrick seemed somewhat tiddly when he returned and was dressed as a giant Santa Claus/ snowball/ bauble. God bless him. He did a flawless version of Accident and Emergency and then a fantastic Boy Like Me (two dogs, two cats, a big kitchen and a welcome mat!). It was great because we were closer but there was still room to dance, and a really good atmosphere, unlike earlier when people were being knobs.
The finale of The Magic Position was brilliant, I loved the snow! The Magic Position is still the happiest song ever. The best lyrics. Patrick definitely seemed half-cut at the end, ramblingly introducing his band members and discussing the merits of the chicken shops of Shepherds Bush before going off to a couple of lines from 'Rocking Around the Christmas tree'. I would have loved one more song, but that's only because I'm greedy. He didn't play the piano so much and I love some of the piano-led ones like The Stars. But all in all, fabulous.
Any grumbles about the gig were to do with the crowd, not the Wolf. He is truly unique and very special, with a fantastic voice, incredibly versatile and puts on a very different, yet exciting show every time I see him. We are lucky to have him. It was a glittery, sparkling start to Christmas.

Patrick Wolf- Secret Birthday Gig at The Abbey

I had an unexpected delight last night. Came home from work feeling tired and the highlight of my evening was going to be a trip to Morrisons (woo! bring it) Instead got a text from my (amazing) friend J-of-the-V who told me that Patrick Wolf was doing a secret gig for his 24th birthday in The Abbey, a pub in Kentish Town. You just had to pay £2 on the door. We only live up the road from there so we got changed super quick and dashed down there. Whenever you hear me complaining about London, just remind me that the music in London is second to none, and I should be grateful to live here, because it's true. I couldn't exactly pop out to Patrick's birthday party in Northampton town, could I?
It was a really nice pub actually, and quite busy with assorted freaks and kids. Everyone looked very dressed up except me, who hadn't had time to put my make up on! Met up with my friend and his lovely boyfriend (a big Courtney fan too! Always good) and another friend of theirs. We also ended up bumping into a VERY old friend of mine, whom via pictorial evidence Patrick Wolf's messageboard a couple of months ago I discovered she was friends with him! So it was all very strange and cool.
The gig took place in the beer garden of the pub which had been decked out really nicely with fairy lights and and tealights. It had a real enchanted garden feel too it, with loads of seating and flowers and a really warm friendly atmosphere. We got a really good spot right at the front (I'm so jammy lately with gigs!) Patrick was supported by his friend Bishi who we had seen support him at The Astoria also. She is gorgeous with a really lovely singing voice and one of her songs in particular was really excellent, so I think I'll check out her album.
Patrick's set was a real treat, very intimate and good fun, he was chatting with the audience and fluffing the words and laughing and he just seemed very happy and relaxed. People were talking to him and he was replying with good grace. He has the most gorgeous smile and it was really wonderful to see him in such a beautiful setting. He opened with Get Lost, and played (from what I can remember in no particular order) Augustine, The Stars, Pigeon Song, The Stars, Wolf Song, The Magic Position and Magpie with Bishi, which works really well live I think.
At one point he was asking what songs people wanted playing and my boyfriend said 'Why don't you play that Prince song you played on the Charlotte Church show?' Which was When Doves Cry. And he started singing it and doing a rather sexy little dance in our direction (I think it was aimed more at my boyfriend than me- sob!) and said he'd wanted to dress up as a dove on the show but he thought it was a bit controversial and that it was hard making Charlotte Church sing 'in a sexual manner'! How exciting.
I think Patrick was hanging around after chatting to people but I wouldn't have known what to say to him and we were STARVING so we buggered off. Spur of the moment things really are the best, and it was amazing to see one of my favourite artists for £2 as well as to catch up with my old buddies. June has been an amazingly jammy month for music. I've absolutely loved it. Happy birthday Patrick, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Patrick Wolf at The Astoria

Wow The Astoria is amazing! I've never been there before which seems impossible. I love all the tables and chairs and there's a great view from everywhere. They'd better not knock it down. We got a really prime spot sitting in the middle where we could see really well (but couldn't take a decent picture, dammit!)
As usual the crowd seemed VERY young, either that or I'm fucking old. There were a couple of old folk in there later though (going 'oooh isn't he gorgeous?' hahaha)
The support was a bit strange, some man/woman in hotpants called 'No bra'. This was pure torture, most probably to make Patrick look even better (which isn't necessary). Next was Patrick's friend Bishi who was more interesting with a good voice and a big yellow dress playing the sitar. I was quite happy to sit through the support as we had a nice table and a good view (I cant stand at the front ALL the time!)
Patrick finally came on with a bang, in a spangly gold and black ensemble. He'd also done a Howl and dyed his hair BLACK! No more ginger. He'd also had quite a severe Hitler hairdo but it still looked good. He looked cool as fuck.
People may be mistaken into thinking Patrick is style over substance, but those people are dimlos. He is such a talented performer, an imaginative showman and an incredible voice. He looks so cool when he plays the piano, like a nutty professor, I love it! His musicians are really talented as well, and they seem like a tight-knit bunch (and I even like the female backing vocals!)
The comparison with Bright Eyes was inevitable having seen them so recently; Conor came on with his hair in his eyes, Patrick came out waggling his arse around dressed in skintight gold trousers. I know what I'D rather see! Patrick really bounces off the audience, shows he cares for his audience, and really treats the audience. Both his old and new songs are equally good, which also helps. He mixes folk, pop, techno, classic and doesn't pigeonhole himself at all, and it really works. He pushes himself creatively, chucks himself around the stage and writes great melodies, songs to dance and fall in love to.
Patrick opened with Get Lost and went on to play a whole ream of my favourite songs off the new album. Bluebells was amazing and The Magic Position was unbelievably good, so joyful. Of the oldies, it was really a treat to hear The Libertine as well as Bloodbeat and Tristan (I still wanna hear Don't Say No though!)
He also played a new song called Blackbird which sounded really, really good: how often do you go see a band and really LOVE the new stuff? Was a little disturbed when he started singing 'Sexyback' by Justin Timberlake at the end, but then he did put his hand down his pants, which was enjoyable. He also got his chest out which again, I can't see Conor doing. Moz does though: rargh!
He went off halfway through and changed from his bumble bee outfit into some street urchin look with panda eyes, which wasn't quite as sexy. Bishi (I THINK she's called Bishi) came on and did Magpie which I quite enjoyed as her voice suited it. Patrick also did The Stars which is just beautiful.
For the encore he came on in blue clogs, red ankle socks and gold leggings. He also came on with what appeared to be an orange Oompa-Loompa-esque Vivienne Westwood who shouted through Accident and Emergency which was very surreal. It WASN'T Vivienne Westwood. Maybe I should know who it was. It just seemed like someone's drunk mum or something though, so fuck knows. He finished with a disco cover 'I Feel Like I'm in Love' which was extremely camp but good fun so we owed him that much after all he'd given us.
He gave us loads. You can't fault him live. I want to be his friend and wear clashing glittery clothes and be his fag hag and be at one with nature.
I want to be friends with him and Derren Brown and Ricky Gervais and Mitchell and Webb. One day! All this will be mine. See ya, Patrick. You rock.