Peter Murphy at the Bluebird Theater

by Sheila Broderick

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Peter Murphy opened with “ All Night Long” then went right into his signature moves. The man still has it; his voice as seductive as it was 20 years ago. Murphy played quite a few songs from his new release “Ninth,” “I Spit Roses,” and “Seesaw Sway,” to name a few, and crowd ate it up. Murphy’s lyric content and songwriting still proves to be imaginative and poetic, his sound is as unique as when he first began.

The night was a mix from past to present, although I don’t recall hearing anything from his last couple albums. He did play “A Strange kind of Love” and “Deep Ocean Vast Sea” as well as “Silent Hedges” from the early Bauhaus days. The evening came to a close with “Uneven & Brittle,” and a four-song encore, which included Murphy playing his acoustic guitar and sporting a stylish hat (the one on his new album perhaps). Beginning with “Marlene Dietrich’s Favorite Poem,” the rest of the band joined in creating a perfect beginning to the end of the evening, which came to rest with “Ziggy Stardust”.

What a night; Peter Murphy put on a stellar show, even with the lack of front lighting. It seems the only spotlight member of any of the evening performers were the drummers. I don’t know whether the venue was having issues or what, but if it wasn’t Peter Murphy on stage I would have left.

Prior to Peter Murphy performing there were two openers. The Hussle Club and She Wants Revenge.

From NYC, “Hussle Club” was fun and energetic. They have some real potential to go far in the music world. Prince Terrence, the front man, has that deep powerful voice supported by a tight and talented band. Electronic Dark wave mixed with punk, “Children of the Underground” is a favorite, and reminiscent of the 80s Goth rock period. This group rocks not only musically, but visually as well.

Next up, “She wants Revenge” warming up the crowd for Peter Murphy. They opened with “Written In Blood”.  The bands’ overall performance was somber. They played material from their new album “Valleyheart.” That track, and what is deemed to be the best from the album “Tear you Apart” sticks in your mind.

http://www.petermurphy.info/

http://www.myspace.com/HUSSLECLUB

http://www.shewantsrevenge.com/

Tags: peter murphy, bluebird theater denver, bauhaus

Category: Planet Buzz, Exclusives