_Paul
Rowan's 50th Birthday Party
@ the Black Box, Belfast, 26/11/11
(review & pics copyright Joe Donnelly 2011)
We were still on a high after attending 'Adam Ants' triumph in Dublin last night, and even though I'd barely slept in the hours between and I felt knackered I was really looking forward to going to this party, so there was noway I was going to miss it.
I've seen Paul playing in his various post punk bands aswell as his legendary live tribute to Marc Bolan many times over the years ,so I knew just how good a performer the guy is. But I wasn't prepared for the show he delivered here tonight , it was exceptional.
The Black Box was packed , he obviously has a lot of friends and acquaintances. While passing the stage I noticed a line of brass instruments set up and ready to go which added to my confusion and I asked Youngsy did he know what was planned , he didn't and neither did anyone else I spoke to . I was expecting a TRex show but that was now looking a lot less likely as 'Doghouse' minus Buck took to the stage and started into the funky intro of 'Cracked Actor' by David Bowie 1980 floorshow style.
Then from the back of the room he made his way to the stage through the crowd in full 'Alladin Sane' era Bowie drag, he really looked and sounded the part.
The attention to detail made it even more special considering it was his birthday party and he basically could've done whatever he wanted on a less extravagant scale. There was obviously a lot of time and effort put into this show .
I wasn't expecting this it was fantastic,I was blown away.
I love 'David Bowie' , I love 'Mott The Hoople' and I was loving every minute of this.
Bowie / Mott Setlist
Cracked Actor
Knock on wood
Watch that man
Panic in Detroit
Ziggy Stardust
All the young dudes
The Golden age of Rock'n'Roll
( I've probably missed out a few tunes in this list)
It was time now for Paul's current post punk combo 'Stop Stop Start Again' to play a short two song set. Apart from a few technical issues not of their making SSSA are sounding pretty tight these days ,their original tune the XXX rated 'Serge Gainsbourg' is a very catchy wee number.
SSSA Setlist
Shot by both sides
Serge Gainsbourg
As expected on he came as 'Marc Bolan' to strut his stuff , he can do the TRex show in his sleep so there was no doubting it was always going to be fantastic . What came as another surprise was the inclusion of a brace of AC/DC tunes along with the piper , this boy doesn't do things by halves lol.
The surprise David Bowie / Mott set was sublime , Paul is a born entertainer and this show belongs on a big stage.
There was no better place to be on a wet saturday night in Belfast ,this was the only show in town.
Happy Birthday Paul from Punkyjoe & $$, cheers.
Bolan - AC/DC Setlist
New York City
Get it on
20th Century Boy
Hot Love
Its a long way to the top if you wanna Rock'n'Roll
(I've defintely fogotten some tunes in this list)
Joe Donnelly Belfast 27.11.11.