One down, two to go!

The first big event of what I have tagged 'Sydney New Order Week' has been and gone, leaving two before they depart the world's greatest city (although the band themselves are entitled to be less than impressed with the sodden weather we've embarrassingly offered in the past few days). It's just over 24 hours since the lads (which seems strange when you're used to thinking of "three lads and a lass"- by the way, happy birthday for Sunday, Gillian) hi-jacked the Hordern Pavilion. I came, we saw, they conquered. Don't let anyone tell you it was anything less than a superb night. I understand that if someone has seen dozens of NO concerts, then they might have felt a little under-whelmed, however as a New Order live virgin, this was indeed the Perfect Kiss. I had been waiting fifteen years for this and I wasn't disappointed, although I must confess to initial concerns when they opened with a somewhat off-key Crystal, which otherwise ranks as one of the band's finest tracks- a triumphant comeback anthem if ever there was one. It seemed to me that the boys weren't quite happy with the mix and/or their levels from the word go. I believe that they probably still haven't mastered the Get Ready material in a live sense just yet, as 60mph & Close Range also sounded a little 'muddy' in audio parlance. That's not to say that those particular songs lacked sufficient energy, but a few knobs need to be tweaked and I certainly don't mean to criticise the engineers and crew either. On the other hand, Temptation was the jewel in last night's crown. Barney professed it to be his favourite (my second all-time fave) and he did that justice with a sleeves-rolled-up delivery. Other notable tunes included True Faith (although I'm so biased there that I'd still enjoy that if the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was doing it... actually, can we get that on the new tribute album in time?), Isolation, Atmosphere, Regret, Your Silent Face, Bizarre Love Triangle, Ceremony, Angel Dust, 1963, Thieves Like Us...oops, those last three were in the Ford while waiting to escape that monstrosity of a car-park, so it only counts as part of my personal set-list. All up, it was a night I'll cherish forever. Just seeing them in the flesh was freaky enough, when you've spent years adrift in admiration from the other side of the world. Yep, Barney's sporadic little dances were fucking funny (although I was well prepared for such a display after recently purchasing the Reading Festival '98 DVD) and it was wonderful to see him interact so well with the audience in deference to those early eighties shows I've seen on video when it seemed like he almost didn't want to be there. Hooky was Hooky, swinging low, sweet chariot, powering the New Order machine with his unique groove, while I admire the business-like manner in which Mr Morris goes about his work. There's no bullshit there at the back, is there? And pardon my ignorance of his name, but the chap who is filling in for Gillian was excellent, both behind the keyboards and on guitar. Tomorrow, I'll get much closer hopefully, with a couple of signatures at their in-store appearance and then on Saturday, it's off to the Big Day Out. Further reports can be expected, so don't move a muscle dear punters! By the way, I'd like to thank all the people who so kindly replied to my debut correspondance the other day with a positive and welcoming vibe. It was hugely appreciated and you're all invited over next Christmas for a roast at my place! DR p.s I also enjoyed Arthur Baker's DJ set, especially the Confusion mix and Star Guitar by The Chemical Brothers (a wicked track), who'll surely draw me back to the Hodern Pavilion in early March.

Here's my belated WELCOME TO THE SITE, DAVE....

Yes, I too thought the start - Crystal was a bit off-key...and probably it's not easy to replicate all those studio gadgetry sounds on stage live.... I find older songs sounds really stunning live,...like the next song, Transmission...and Ceremony, LWTUA, Temptation,etc...

I thought that the short guitar solo at the intro of True Faith was really cool....

See you at the signing at Newtown.

You lucky guys, get me a signature!

Yeah David I enjoyed it too, as far as Crystal goes, I was so pumped up I just rocked to that track like nothing else, I swear to God the adreneline glands opened and I was just Hyper on Crystal, in fact I may have scared some people next to me.

Can't wait to hear you guys experience the signing, please give me lots of info (and a signature)! ;):)

while I admire the business-like manner in which Mr Morris goes about his work. There's no bullshit there at the back, is there?

Agree. This man is the unsung hero of the group. I watched him closely and admired the way he went about his business.

I think Gillian was sorely missed though. Her keyboards would have made all the difference in TF and TBTHOG. In saying that though, Phil was still pretty good.