Crowded House in Glasgow

Hi folks.

I'm Peter and I'm a Crowded House fan.  There, I said it and I am neither ashamed nor embarrassed by it.  Actually, I'm proud to say it - especially after their recent concert in Glasgow.

This was my second time getting to see them live - the first being about 2½ years ago in Hall 4 of the SECC.  This time, it was the Clyde Auditorium (aka "The Armadillo") which is part of the SECC complex.  The support act was Conan Mockasin who, at the time, I thought were a different enough to be interesting and to merit a second listen.  Upon finding some of their music online, to be honest, I'm still to be convinced.

After a wee break to re-set the stage, on came Crowded House.  Opening with "In My Command", their set contained a large number of classic songs as well as a number of songs from their upcoming album "Intriguer" (all of which are excellent) which comes out in the UK on 14 June.  The band themselves were making fun of the fact that they were doing the tour before the album came out.  It was a very relaxed night with Neil Finn holding conversations with members of the audience - something that he couldn't really do the last time they played Glasgow simply because bands can't hear what people are shouting at them too well.  In The Armadillo, however, the band members were able to hear requests being shouted during quiet moments between songs.

Another thing to be mentioned is the wide age range that was present at the concert.  There were children as young as 7 or 8 with their parents all the way up to people in their 50s and everyone - EVERYONE! - was having a great time.

I've always been one to shout out for the odd song or 2 at gigs in the hope that maybe, just maybe, the band will hear my request and play it.  On this night, in this venue, it was quiet enough and I was loud and clear enough to be heard.  At one point, Neil Finn was sat at his piano after playing "Archer's Arrow" from the new album (excellent song!) when things went nice and quiet.  I shouted out for an old Split Enz song called "Message To My Girl" but there was no response.  Someone a few rows behind me shouted for it too - still nothing.  A few moments later, I thought "sod it" and as loud and as clear as I could I yelled "MESSAGE TO MY GIRL".  Finn's reaction was "oh, alright then" and he went straight into it.  Yep, Neil Finn of Crowded House played one of my all-time favourite songs.  I still smile just thinking of that moment.

Normally, concerts have one or 2 moments that live with you for a long time.  This one had many.  Too many for me to write about here.  Suffice to say, I thought then - and still think now - that it was the best concert I have ever been to.  Considering that I've been to one or 3 concerts, that's a pretty lofty statement but I really do feel that it was that good.  Actually, no.  It was better than that!

Set List

In My Command

I Feel Possessed

Saturday Sun

World Where You Live

Four Seasons In One Day

Silent House

Amsterdam

When You Come

Either Side Of The World

Isolation

Sacred Cow - a snippet before Neil decided it was a rather depressing song!

Sister Madly - a quick blast of the chorus

Better Be Home Soon

10 Past Forever - made up on the spot and pretty good too!

Archer's Arrows

Message To My Girl - my shout!

Pour Le Monde

Pineapple Head

Weather With You

Don't Stop Now

Distant Sun

It's Only Natural

Encore

Fall At Your Feet

Don't Dream It's Over

Speak soon

The Cardman :-)