Well as ever, Robyn managed to put on a splendid show. It was solo apart from percussion from Maurice. The hall was full and very appreciative. It was good to hear old songs such 'man who invented himself', which Robyn played on the piano. He actually played 3/4 songs whilst playing the piano, something I've never seen him do before. It was great to hear 'Element of Light' [ed: Airscape?] live. The material went down very well, most people had obviously gotten hold of 'Spooked' in advance, something that your correspondent hadn't managed, though I did manage to buy it at the gig. Robyn was in fine fettle and on great 'Banter' form. He wasn't overly political though he mentioned that America was 'Full of Americans trying to escape' (or words to the effect). The show started with 'Happiness is a warm gun', which he dedicated to John Lennon on his birthday. It really was a show of
greatest hits and new songs. 'I got the Hots' went down well as did newer songs like 'Television' and 'If you know time'. All in all, a great time was had by all.


"We Are all Prostitutes"

Last Night.

Half of the songs on the setlist were left unplayed, with others surfacing instead. Worth going to more than one gig.

Piano.

Wonderful rendition of "The Man Who Invented Himself". Startlingly, achingly beautiful version of "Queen Elvis". Also "Somewhere Apart".

And great fun with Morris and Robyn on different beats.

`If you knew Time as well as I do,' said the Hatter, `you wouldn't talk about wasting IT. It's HIM.'

`I don't know what you mean,' said Alice.

`Of course you don't!' the Hatter said, tossing his head contemptuously. `I dare say you never even spoke to Time!'

`Perhaps not,' Alice cautiously replied: `but I know I have to beat time when I learn music.'

`Ah! that accounts for it,' said the Hatter. `He won't stand beating.

Guitar.

No plectra. Creeped-out American Girl. Television. Ole Tarantula. Plus a range of old favourites, solidly picked.

Drums.

Morris standing. Beautiful harmonies. Airscape at the end.

Overall, damn near perfect.

x Jim


Saturday's show was unbelievable - if I'd been any closer to the stage I would have been sat on the end of Robyn's rather great but utterly worn-out shoes. One of the best shows I've seen and a first in terms of himself on the piano and Morris being upstanding... there was a real warmth onstage (Robyn hugged Morris when he came on bearing a glass of wine and napkin, butler-stylee) and the stuff they played was almost as unbelievable as the way they played it...
-Matt


Online review by Incendiary Mag
I’ve never been to the Purcell rooms before, and I must say I found the bar quite amenable, if somewhat reminiscent of a foyer/lounge area of a ferry terminal, only with literary and sensitive types wandering around. Still, it filled up quite nicely, and a bell rang, warning you that the Hitch would be on shortly. I thought that was quite a nice touch. Anyway, we found our way to the seats, and settled down to watch an acoustic set by the great Robyn Hitchcock.

Starting off with the Fabs' “Happiness is a Warm Gun”, Hitchcock soon settled down to playing a set consisting of favourites culled from his career. It was that kind of night, cosy, convivial, chatty. The audience members were all fans or family, and everyone seemed happy to hum their way through numbers such as “Only the Stones Remain”, and “1974”; (well I had to tell you what he played, didn’t I?). There was also the inevitable surreal aside from Uncle Robyn twixt songs, (those who haven’t heard these really must purchase “Storefront Hitchcock” just to get an appreciation of the baroque verbal meanderings that he presents at gigs); and a welcome appearance from Morris Windsor, who added beautiful harmonies and a percussive impetus.

A piano was in evidence, and used for superb renditions of “Queen Elvis” and “The Man Who Invented Himself”. Windsor’s contribution on “Element of Light” [ed: Airscape], and “A Globe of Frogs” turned these two tracks into shimmering dreamscapes, conjouring up, as if by magic, images of picnics on summer lawns, (or stuff like that; really, I can’t be too precise). By this stage of the evening, from my viewpoint high in the stalls, I could detect heads nestling into partners’ shoulders. As I said, it was that kind of night. Other highlights were “She Doesn’t Exist”, so much better than the somewhat maudlin album version, and “I’ve Got the Hots”, which was given full opportunity to wield its sinister, serpentine charm.

An encore was demanded and, with “My Wife & My Dead Wife”, [ed: Wha?? it was played earlier] was rapturously received. Everyone went home happy, with that great warm feeling you’d get as a kid after you’d been to the pantomime. I have to say I experienced one of those “London moments” as our party stepped out onto the Embankment, with the Thames and Big Ben in full view, and our heads full of Hitchcock songs. Magical.