I was slightly wary of the gig as I had read a review of the Glasgow date and it seemed to feature a lot of words and perhaps not enough music. I was also wary about the venue which was already on two strikes. It duly earned its third strike by keeping me queueing in the rain long past the advertised opening time. The Assembly at Leamington is now off the list.
However once the gig started all concerns were forgotten. The format was largely a reading of an excerpt from her book "Just Kids" alternating with a song. Unlike Roy Harper's spoken interludes where the recitation is often forced, Patti had an attractive reading style and the words were just quiet moments between the songs. The gig just flowed along. The band comprised of Patti, Tony Shanahan on guitar and keyboards and Lenny Kaye on guitar. Lenny was appearing for the first time on the UK tour on the last night of the tour and I think it made for a much more musically-focused gig. He was excellent and the three of them oozed acoustic class. Lenny plays a subtle but compelling guitar and the two guys did backing vocals as well.
One of the impressive things about Patti Smith is the way she was able to switch moods and deliver on the emotional content of each song. At the end it was rabble rousing with "People have the Power" followed by "Rock and Roll Nigger" and then a storming encore of "Gloria".
Earlier she had beautifully performed "Dancing Barefoot" and "Perfect Day" with their more complex feelings. "Pissing in the River" also stood out. This was not on the setlist but she had a quick chat to the guys and they just did the business.
The set opened with "Grateful" and "Mother Rose" and also included "My Blakean Year", "Free Money" , "Beneath the Southern Cross" and a stiriing version of "Because the Night".
The audience was great; attentive, enthusiastic and genuinely moved.
I hope Patti plays at a proper venue next time and I will definitely be there.
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