18 December, 2001, Berbati's Pan, Portland, OR

review by Sean

I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. When I first heard Mark Lanegan was playing four west coast shows following his tour of Europe, I knew what I had to do.
Since I've never heard of Mark touring anywhere in or around Cincinnati, I had to go out west to see him. I planned on seeing him in Portland and Seattle, on December 18th and 19th, respectively. Fortunately, I have friends in both Portland and Seattle who would let me crash at their places. The day of the Portland show, I walked downtown from my friend's apartment, by myself. I hit a bar. After a few beers, armed with a disposable camera, I set out for Berbati's by way of cab. This being my first Mark Lanegan concert, I didn't know what to expect.
When I get to Berbati's, it is around 9:00pm. I think my ticket said that show time was 9:00pm or 10:00pm, but I'm not sure which. I was anticipating at least one opening band. There was a good sized crowd there for a small venue. Gazing around, I soon realized that Berbati's was also a restaraunt! The bar was on the right-hand side of the stage, and dinner tables on the left side. There were a couple people still eating when I first got there. I was thrilled to be seeing Mark Lanegan, for the first time, in such a cozy venue (I don't want to say "small"). I got a seat at a tall bar table, seperate from the bar, and attempted to get a little buzz on before the show. So I slammed a few shots and drank a few more beers.
The opening act was Brett Nettson. I had never heard of him. He wasn't bad. He did an acoustic set, playing his guitar. I noticed a drum set towards the back of the stage, but it sat there, unused, through Nettson's set. Then, I can remember thinking that an all acoustic set with Mark and Mike would be cool. But in the long run, this didn't happen. Though, by the end of the night, I was far from disappointed.
Finally, Mark and his band come out. Mark, stone-faced and without a peep. It took them what seemed like ten seconds for them to start rolling. They started out with "Pendulum". By this time, I had a choice spot. I was right next to the stage, a little bit to Mark's left. Having never seen him in person before, I understood immediately that Mark Lanegan is a very intense person. His demeanor is so serious. Totally in control. Everyone could tell that he was really into it full-forced.
They played about ten songs in a row in what seemed liked a half an hour. Mark whispering a "thank you" after every two or three songs. He wailed through Borracho, No Easy Action, and Mockingbirds. He sang an exceptional On Jesus Program. I attempted to photograph the set list (there were a few taped to the stage) with my disposable camera, but the picture got cut off (I think there were three or four more songs on the list). Other songs I remember him playing were One Way Street, I'll Take Care of You, Don't Forget Me, and a powerful Field Song. The encore climaxed with an earthy, rocked out rendition of Gospel Plow. I can remember being pleasantly surprised that he would do a Trees number that night.
His whole band was tight throughout the night. Flawless. I took several pictures with my disposable camera during the show. Mark, nor anyone else in the band, ever got angry or complained about me taking pictures once. I was a little worried they would, and I would be known as "that asshole with the camera" But no one complained. It was "all good". After the show, I wanted to "lay an ambush" on Mark for a picture and/or an autograph. I went outside Berbati's and around to the back. Back there I didn't see any buses or vans, or even a back door! So, I gave up and went back to my friend's apartment.
I've been a big fan of Mark's since the first time I heard his music ('89 or '90). This show, being my first Mark Lanegan show, was inspiring to say the least! He is a very powerful entity on stage. It was a real treat seeing him live. One could consider Mark Lanegan to be the best-kept secret in rock n' roll today. ==Sean McDermott