Bryan Ferry tour? Naah!

When the ticket agent’s forthcoming gigs list included a short March 2007 English tour by the estimable Bryan Ferry, I was sorely tempted. For about five minutes.

After all, hadn’t I just got back into the wonderful Ferry/Roxy Music catalogue, after ignoring it for 20 summers? Platinum Collection 3CD set was my constant in-car companion in August. And the provincial venues – Sage Gateshead, Harrogate Centre and the like – are tempting, smallish gigs…

But wait a minute. The London venue’s the dreadful Albert Hall. And think of the probable setlist – it has to be a heritage nostalgia set, unless Bryan has some new recordings up his sleeve. So it’s likely to be a well-scrubbed Boomer poprock audience. The kind of ageing adolescents who attend Elton and Rod gigs. And clap to the beat, sway their fat hips, nod their grey/bald heads, singing along to the choruses. I’d rather mix with bag ladies.

And Bryan Ferry - solo - isn’t a patch on Roxy Music. Never was. The magic’s in the mix of disparate talents.

I’d jump at the chance to see a Roxy Music gig supporting a new release, but Bryan solo, singing oldies (which were oldies when he first recorded them)? No thanks: I’ll save the £50 and savour the inspirational back catalogue instead.



Gerry Smith