Wayne Hussey Goes Back To Basics.

Review & photography by Kathryn Courtney O'Neill

I don't own any "Sisters Of Mercy" albums and I don't own any "Mission" albums either but I am very much aware of their success and Wayne Hussey's prominent presence. My own memories include hearing their songs on the radio and watching TV shows such as "Top Of The Pops". Of course publications such as 'Record Mirror', 'Melody Maker' and 'NME' would see major features along with all those photos of Wayne with long hair and his trademark dark glasses, the latter still very much apparent.

Tonight I didn't really know what to expect, let alone know if Wayne Hussey's performance would impress me. After all he was flying solo, no band behind him and it was back to basics in a small venue packed to the rafters with many followers in support.

Having made his way to the front of the stage through the crowd Wayne Hussey confidently takes his seat picks up his guitar and begins a two hour trek of live music. In addition there is also a piano keyboard. It is all rather intimate and dare I say cosy for the gothic rock king. This isn't a step backwards but a step forwards that showcases just how talented this man is, sweeping away all that big sound and production.

The show opens with "Beyond The Pale", very impressive indeed and already he has captured his audience and they are singing along to the chorus. This is followed by "Serpents Kiss" where Wayne announces to the crowd 'was that crap?' obviously not pleased with his own performance, but it sounded good to me. Wayne then banters with the crowd about how far some of them have travelled and the previous night's gig at Bradford-On-Avon. Throughout the show he chats with the audience, sharing a few laughs and jokes aside and happy to play requests which the audience are pleased to throw at him and Wayne is happy to play. A true professional.
 

By the fifth song he has moved over to the keyboard and boy can he play! Wayne produces some excellent performances, from gloomy to uplifting. Ballads to covers including David Bowie's "Ashes To Ashes". Big piano and Hussey's wide vocal range make this unique in itself. "Personal Jesus" - yes the Depeche Mode song sung with only guitar. You could still hear that guitar riff and Johnny Cash hint. The Cure's "A Night Like This" was rather melancholic and met with loud applause. There was a haunting rendition of John Lennon's "Love", superb piano too and a slow version of U2's "With or With Out You" complete with deep voice.
 

Of course he showcases songs from his solo album "Bare" and "The Mission" back catalogue too, all in a new light. "Evangeline", "Butterfly On A Wheel", "Deliverance" and "Like A Hurricane" are among some of the highlights for me, backed with very powerful and soulful performances. 

Wayne Hussey is a true professional artiste and musician who has gone back to basics and continues to capture his audience with the greatest of ease. Funny, amiable and down to earth with a great ability to interact with the crowd. This relaxed off the cuff performance that was subject to change at short notice and his ability to sweep straight into another song that on a couple occasions he was apologetic for getting the words wrong, only go to prove that he doesn't take anything for granted. But it was all part of an ongoing rehearsal that really wasn't because this was an exceptionally superb show and went way beyond my expectations. Very impressive indeed and one of the best nights I have been to in ages.

To those starting out on the live music circuit, watch, listen and learn, you can't go far wrong with the teachings of Wayne Hussey. This is how to entertain the ticket buying public and get them going back for more.