Back in the UK for a long weekend, on 4th April Lissie appeared at London’s Lafayette – one of three gigs she played that weekend, with Manchester and Stroud also getting a show.
Support was from Later Youth – Jo Dudderidge’s current project. Combining great keyboard and vocals with a full band, they brought a modern feel to a seventies sound. The set consisted of previously released songs, a soon-to-be released track, and a John Lennon cover which featured a guest appearance from Johnny Payne. It was an enjoyable set, and if you get a chance to see them they are worth checking out.
Taking to the stage about thirty minutes later – to applause and a little acknowledgement of the last few years – Lissie started her set with Bully, seamlessly following it up with Sleepwalking and a heavier-than-the-record version of Shameless. With encouragement to the audience to join in with the chorus halfway through, it was as if she’d never been away.
Through her standard relaxed on-stage talk, Lissie informed the excited crowd that “it just feels great to play music”, and for those who hadn’t seen her play live before, she told the story of writing Oh Mississippi – the next number. Further chat included her not knowing what to do with her new fringe, her inability to drink tequila, and band introductions – all of which add to the enjoyment of a Lissie gig.
The rest of the set included the ever-great (and more energetic live) Further Away (Romance Police) – making the most of Eric’s return; a more keyboard-heavy but nonetheless enjoyable They All Want You; and a new song, Carving Canyons – which, hopefully (following Lissie’s request) has not found its way onto the internet yet.
Ending the set with In Sleep and the encore with Little Lovin’ once again showcased why Eric was such a well-loved part of the band for so long – it was as if he’d never been away.
I can’t imagine any Lissie fan would have been disappointed with the gig, and if you only know her from those records that get radio play, there would have been plenty for you, too. As usual, the gig was value for money and left you wanting more, and hoping that nothing will cause her to go three years between gigs again.
Further photos can be found here
Lissie’s Set List
Bully
Sleepwalking
Shameless
Oh Mississippi
Dreams
When I’m Alone
Best Days
Don’t You Give Up On Me
Everywhere I Go
Shroud
Hero
Further Away (Romance Police)
They All Want You
Carving Canyons
In Sleep
Encore
Ojai
Little Lovin’
Later Youth’s Set List
Arcane Love
Nuclear Love
Enabler
On the Missing
Make it Right
The Lurker
The Ballad of John & Yoko
Hotel Venezuela
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