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Concert Review & Live Video Band: The Mission Since Wayne Hussey and Craig Adams left the Sisters of Mercy in 1986, The Mission have had a massive loyal following of fans that have followed the band all over the world. At the peak of their success in 1989, the Mission headlined the main stage at The Reading Festival and sold out shows at Wembley Arena. Despite many line-up changes, Wayne has kept the band going and kept up with the production of many fine albums. These four shows spell the end of The Mission. After over 22 years they have decided to call it a day and go out in a big way with these four shows. Fans have come from all over the world to see these shows, most buying tickets for all four nights, expecting to see the band for maybe the last time. 
1st Night - The First Chapter In keeping with most of their other shows, Wayne has handpicked the support acts for these shows, making sure they suit the musical taste of the fans. Tonight kicks of with the Dead Guitars. They have been the main tour support on all of the farewell dates on this tour. A great guitar based band, which warms the audience up very well. Next up, with a definite tongue in cheek, are the Sisters of Murphy. They're a tribute / parody of Wayne’s old band the Sisters of Mercy. Yes, they do sound like them and the crowd react in a enthusiastic way to some of the more familiar numbers: 'Walk Away', 'First and Last and Always' and 'Temple of Love'. 'Marian' was played much to the delight of the audience as it has, I feel, some resemblance to 'Wasteland'. Tonight is dedicated to the album, 'The First Chapter'. 9:15 pm the lights go down, the familiar intro 'Dambusters' starts and the band appear. The noise around this old music hall is deafening. 'Tomorrow Never Knows' kicks off proceedings, a Beatles cover, which like many other covers The Mission over the years has made their own. The lighting rig and back drop even resembles the one used in the early shows, shown in the concert video 'Crusade'. The band are on great form after having to rehearse over 65 songs for these series of gigs. Joined by original guitarist Simon Hinkler (Slink) for part of the show, the band play for nearly two hours with 'Tower of Strength' bringing the 1st night to a close.
Set-list
2nd Night - God’s Own Medicine David R Black, the tour support from last 'God is a Bullet' tour, opens tonight’s show. The 3 piece play a great half hour set, much to the delight of the fans who managed to get here early. Claytown Troupe have recently re-formed after a very long time away from the music scene. Despite this, they put in an awesome performance. Their guitar and keyboard based rock was just perfect for a night like this. 'Prayer' and 'Hey Lord', from their album 'Through the Veil', got a very warm reception from the crowd. Ending their set with 'Alabama', the band left the stage with the audience wanting more.
Claytown Troupe - 'Prayer' video 'God's Own Medicine' is probably one of The Mission's finest albums, and I think tonight was the night that the fans were most looking forward to. The intro music was the classical piece by Holst, 'Jupiter' - which as it nears its peak the band come on and launch into 'Wasteland'. The crowd are all dancing, and even throwing paper confetti like they used at some of the first Mission shows. Even the fans up in the balconies are up on their feet, singing and dancing along. The atmosphere tonight is amazing and the anticipation is great. The band did not disappoint with little played classics such a 'Dance on Glass', 'Island in a Stream' and 'Let Sleeping Dogs Die'. The greatest moment of the evening had to be during 'Deliverance' when, as I looked around, everybody in the hall was standing up with their arms in the air and singing "Give me Deliverance." Wayne had a massive grin on his face and seemed very happy with his nights work.
Set-list
3rd Night - Children Dragons are 1st on tonight. The six members walk on stage wearing all black, they pick up their instruments and produce just an amazing sound. There's a dark twin guitar lead sound with a heavy thundering bass and the lead singer puts so much into his performance. Songs such as 'Trust' and 'Remembrance' sound awesome. This is the first time I have seen them and they stir an excitement in me that I have not felt in a very long time; they are something very special.
Dragons - 'Trust' video Balaam and the Angel receive a very warm welcome. They, like many of the other bands that supported The Mission on many of their early gigs, have many fans there sporting their t-shirts. Many of the original Mission fans, who are called the “Eskimos” and have followed the band since the start, are here tonight. Many of them can be seen stripped to their waists in the middle of the hall in a circle, dancing, singing and building towers of people during the shows. Their camaraderie has been built up over many years. During the shows at times it can seem somewhat rough in their circle, however, they are very careful to look after everybody in their group and everyone around them. The intro to 'Beyond the Pale' starts and the whole of the dance floor erupts with a mass of bodies raising their arms in the air in celebration and singing the words right back at the band. Just when you think the atmosphere cannot get any better, it does. 'Heat', 'Hymn for America' and an amazing version of 'Kingdom Come' are the highlights of the night. After yet another 2 hour amazing show, the fans file out into the welcome and cool London air. Just wondering if The Mission can top this show.
Set-list
4th Night - Carved in Sand Miles Hunt and Erica Nockells from The Wonderstuff were tonight’s support; they proved to be very popular as the venue seemed to fill up much earlier than on the previous nights. They played for about half an hour and played a mixture of Wonderstuff classic tracks, such as ‘Golden Green', 'Mission Drive' and 'Here Comes Everyone', and a couple of tracks from their new solo CD, 'Not an Exit'. Miles recalled his days touring with the Mission and his friendship with Wayne; he even insisted that 'Mission Drive' was written about the tarmac in front of Wayne’s house. Miles Hunt + Erica Nockells - 'Mission Drive' video What can I say? Tonight’s show was just amazing. It had everything a Mission fan could ask for... atmosphere, performance and bags of emotion. The 1st part of the set was mainly made up with tracks from the featured album, 'Carved in Sand' - which included full band performances and a couple of solo acoustic tracks. 'Hungry as the Hunter' and 'Deliverance' ended the set, which produced a massive reaction from the crowd. Miles Hunt and Erica Nockells were invited on stage for a couple of numbers: 'Like a Child Again' and the every popular Kinks b-side 'Mr Pleasant' - which was dedicated to long time fan, Graham. The last hour or so is all a bit of a blur, as it went by so quickly. A set full of tracks that had been played over the last three nights were performed. The atmosphere in the building was so electric; the fans were there to celebrate 22 years of The Mission and they did just that. Singing along to every word of every song, building human towers and, by the looks of the smiles on everyone’s faces, a great time was had by all. After stunning versions of 'Shelter From the Storm' and 'Tower of Strength', the band said goodbye and left the stage. AFTERSHOW Approximately 250 loyal fans bought season tickets for these shows and were promised something special at an after show party. The band returned to the stage for just 2 final exclusive tracks, 'Serpents Kiss' and 'Wasteland'. The band then climbed down off the stage to say their personal goodbyes to the fans that have stuck by them for so long. What an amazing four days, a fitting way to say goodbye to one of the UK's best live bands!
Set-list + Aftershow Party (250 VIP's only)
Serpents Kiss* Links: |
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Review & Video by: Dave Chinery UK Correspondent Website: Gig Reviews Site Website: Personal MySpace |
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Copyright © 2008 by Stacy Sardelli / Babble and Beat. All rights reserved.