2 December, 2004- Astoria, London, UK

review by Lara

The final gig of the band's European tour, the last opportunity to see Mark Lanegan in action for a while, Nick Oliveri featuring as special guest, and all this at the best music venue in London. As if that wasn't enough, another little treat was in store for us...

We got to the Astoria at about 5:30pm but as a queue had yet to get going, and as it was pretty damn cold, we headed for a bar in nearby Denmark Street to kill some time. When we got back to the still rather feeble queue, we spotted a very familiar face across the road - or rather a very familiar beard. Nick Oliveri had just left the Astoria on his own and was heading down Sutton Row talking into his mobile. Without so much as a second thought (and completely out of character for two supposed adults, for chrissakes) we followed him, hoping he was heading for a pub or restaurant where the rest of the band might be. Two other fans spotted him not long after we had and eventually stopped him halfway down Greek Street, getting him to pose with them for photos. We carried on following Oliveri across Old Compton Street and down Moor Street until he jaywalked across Shaftsbury Avenue - Dan managed to get across in time but I got caught in the merciless rush-hour traffic. So there I was, standing on an island in the middle of the road, watching as Dan exchanged a few words and shook hands with Oliveri outside Pizza Hut, where the guy eventually went in for a bite to eat. We headed back to the Astoria on cloud nine - what a great start to the evening!

And after that anecdotal tour of London, let's get down to the music.

The warm-up band, The Black Velvets, were pretty damn good, with a loud, rocky sound that got feet tapping and heads bobbing. Next up was special guest, Nick Oliveri, who came on stage for his acoustic set - never knew one man and an acoustic guitar could fill the Astoria like he did. He looked great standing there, topless under the one spotlight, and absolutely blew us away with his performance. He played tracks from A Drug Problem that Never Existed (unfortunately Lanegan didn't come on stage to accompany Oliveri on Four Corners as I believe he did at one or two other gigs but hey, you can't have everything) and others we weren't familiar with (but will be!). He also threw in a couple of QOTSA songs off Songs for the Deaf, namely Gonna Leave You and Another Love Song. Was a real treat to see him perform.

When Oliveri's set came to an end, we prepared ourselves for the customary lengthy wait before Lanegan and the band came on, but this time they appeared on stage (Oliveri included) within what seemed like no time at all. They launched into a brilliantly rocky Sideways in Reverse, reminding us that no matter how great the evening had been thus far, this was what we'd all been waiting for. Lanegan's voice was on top form as usual, and he mumbled "thank you" at the end of quite a few of the songs. The band were nice and tight - I was particularly impressed by the guitarist's and the drummer's performance this time round. Here's a quick run-through of the wonderfully rocky set-list in order of play:

Sideways in Reverse
Hit the City - Lanegan sang his part in a lower key than on the album.
Wedding Dress - Shelley's voice in the chorus was excellent.
One Way Street - A brilliant bourbon soaked rendition.
When Your Number Isn't Up - Exceptionally atmospheric and very, very sad.
No Easy Action
Miracle - This track flowed on from the previous, replicating the album; brilliant.
Little Willie John
Can't Come Down
Resurrection Song - Words can't quite express how mind-blowingly brilliantly the band belted this one out.
Come to Me
Death Valley Driving Blues
I'll Take Care of You - The opening guitar riff was excellent; Lanegan's voice was clear, beautiful and very bluesy.
Skeletal History - An absolute masterpiece; a fucking work of art. Oliveri 's bass was pure and distinctive.
Methamphetamine Blues - Decadent, debauched and downright dirty, with Shelley's "I'll do it Daddy" heightening the sexual charge; perfect.
*****************************
Blues for D
Strange Religion - Shelley sang this one on her own and did a fine job. Some idiot tried unsuccessfully to climb on stage and got railroaded by security.
Autopilot - My favourite of the QOTSA songs sung by Lanegan (with the exception of Hanging Tree) so this was a real treat.
Ivy - A real surprise to hear this Screaming Trees oldie.
Gospel Plow - Great rendition of another great ST song.
Fix - Lanegan's contribution over, he waved goodbye to the crowd and ambled off the stage while the band carried on playing, heads down, a bunch of fine musicians losing themselves in their music.

What a damn pleasure it's been to see Mark and his band perform here in London twice in the space of 3 months, the first time in the more intimate venue of the Islington Academy and the second at the bigger Astoria. On both occasions he and his band have blown us away and we hope it won't be too long until the next time! Thanks for the music and the words, Mark.

Lara (& Dan)
London