5 December, 2003, Azkenia, Vitoria, Spain

review by Alfonso

I'm a big fan of both the Trees and Mark as a solo artist and, well, I'm not a writer at all but, since no one's done a review of Mark Lanegan Band's show in Vitoria I may as well give it a try... (I apologize for my possible mistakes)

We drove 50 minutes from Bilbao and It wasn't as cold in Vitoria as I thought it coulda been. Mark inaugurated this venue a couple of years ago and that show was one of the best I've seen in my life. He's the best living voice.

Opening band was Enemy, a three-piece rock'n'roll band led by Troy Van Leeuwen on vocals/guitar. They had some problems with the bass and played for 1/2 hour. I have to say I wasn't much into it, but they sure rocked!

Around 10.30 pm Mark Lanegan Band hit the stage. They opened with Pendulum (always great), then came Borracho, and so on. I can't remember all the songs they played but I heard One Way Street, Don't Forget Me (one of my favorites...), Pill Hill Serenade, Death Don't Have No Mercy, On Jesus Program (amazing!), I'll Take Care Of You, No Easy Action, Because Of This/Hotel, ...

The new numbers sounded great, especially Metamphetamine Blues, and Sleep With Me.

For the encore they did acoustic versions of Mockinbirds and The River Rise.

They ended with Fix, with a great guitar coda.

Mark seemed to enjoy the show and he asked the audience: "Are you having a good time...?"

Sure we did! I just hope I don't have to wait another 2 years for the next show (and this was my 4th one!)

Kind Regards Alfonso