- Date
- December 11, 1996
- Venue
-
Storefront
New York, New York (Manhattan)
- Billed As
- Robyn Hitchcock
- Gig Type
- Concert
- Guests
- Deni Bonet & Tim Keegan
Filming for what would be released as 'Storefront Hitchcock' directed by Jonathan Demme.
Late show, 3 PM
Setlist was reportedly very similar to the setlist from the morning show on the 10th, with only one to three minor variations. Setlist as noted below is approximate based on the below review.
Watching the filming was definitely a worthwhile experience. The crowd was fun and into the proceedings... I got there at 1 PM but shooting didn't start 'till 3. Demme's film crew was very professional and pleasant to deal with. Unfortunately, although I was seated at the aisle of the 3rd row on the right, I sat behind this guy with an enormous head (sorry if you're reading this, Mr. Honeydew!) and
constantly had to shift right or left to be able to see.
That notwithstanding, Robyn put on a fine show. His voice seemed a bit worn at the start, but he picked up momentum along the way. I don't have the set list (sure someone else will oblige) but it seemed an awful lot like the early set at Maxwell's on Friday night. Highlights: fabulous version of Glass Hotel by candle-light; appropriately bouncy and in-time version of Alright Yeah; he had to play two of my favorites, Beautiful Queen and This is How it Feels twice because of camera requirements. Two new songs at the end added to the enjoyment.
Lowlights: Robyn couldn't manage a proper whistle for Devil's Radio; knocked into the mic stand when attempting the traditional swirling motion over Deni's head after DeChirico Street; the early show
reportedly sported *four* new songs and I missed it!!!
Best line went something like "if it weren't for the ribcage it would be spleens a go-go". Also a hilarious monologue about rock'n'roll, as a substitute for his in-concert profane version.
I wanted an autograph but was not sufficiently aggressive. After two or three minutes of tolerating fans he peeled off to sing Happy Birthday for Rick Gershon. I saw him headed to his trailer, no jacket in the 40 degree NY rain, so I just shouted to him "Brilliant Show", which elicited a polite "thank you" before he disappeared into the trailer. I later thought of lots of questions I should have tried to ask (this always seems to happen to me).
Word that I heard indicated that this will be released as a feature-length film, tentatively entitled Storefront Hitchcock. A soundtrack recording will be released separately and will include at least some of the new tunes.
Well, I certainly got a heavy-duty baptism with the Beacon, Maxwell's and the Demme experiences all close together. Having the film and the soundtrack will be a good way to document the sound of the tour and I'm looking forward to it.
Vibrating,
--Jeff