I first happened upon Roxy Music in about 2002. I became a huge fan shortly thereafter. Roxy last toured the US in 2001, and I'd passed up on seeing Bryan Ferry twice already so it was high time to see the legend, in the flesh (+ blood). Ferry is 70 years old and, after seeing what a year this has been in way of music casualties, as a bona fide I needed to see him. I'm relieved to say that it truly was worth the wait.
His band was absolutely stellar and obviously very well-rehearsed. His setlist was a list of Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry fan-favorites and greatest hits. The tour was in support of his fifteenth solo album, 2014's Avonmore, and the title track started the night off. His biggest solo hits (in the US) "Slave To Love" and "Don't Stop The Dance" followed. A ton of early Roxy Music classics were also successfully tackled; "Editions Of You", "Ladytron", "Beauty Queen", "Virginia Plain" and lengthy versions of "If There Is Something" and "In Every Dream a Heartache" as well.
Ferry's voice was in fine form and he hit every note perfectly. He was as suave as one could hope he would be. Women of ALL ages were out-and-out screaming for the man in-between songs. One should only hope to be in his condition at age 70.
The Roxy Music classics "More Than This", "Avalon" and "Love Is The Drug" were all greeted with something resembling standing ovations. Perfect readings of "Oh Yeah (On The Radio)", "Let's Stick Together" and a cover of the John Lennon (tribute) "Jealous Guy" and an emotional performance of the instrumental "Tara" from the Avalon album all made the night even more special than a Roxy/Ferry fan could have even hoped for.
Photos by: Bill Wikstrom
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