Bryan Ferry at The National Concert Hall, Dublin on June 18th 2014 by Shaun Neary-12-banner

Bryan Ferry at the National Concert Hall, Wednesday 18th June 2014

1945 – The year that gave us an end to World War Two and gave birth to a series of people that would shape music immeasurably. Artists like Debbie Harry, Bette Midler, Eric Clapton and Neil Young to name a few. One such giant of music comes to play Dublin tonight. Bryan Ferry made a double date with the National Concert Hall and GoldenPlec had a third row seat for the occasion.

Ferry has been touring a lot of late with delighted fans enjoying his appearances at Coachella. The NCH is his last stop before he plays Glastonbury. This particular gig was always going to be a special one, with the backing of the full RTE Concert Orchestra alongside his tighter than tight band. Ferry appeared on stage at 8pm sharp as promised, to huge applause and indeed some awestruck fans in attendance.

The opening song was unfortunately a bit muffled, Ferry’s microphone appeared to be suffering from stage fright – after all it would be caressed and sung to all evening by the debonair Ferry. All concerns aside this was to be the only glitch of the evening.

Ferry promised to play hits from Roxy Music combined with his solo back catalogue. The depth of sound created by the RTE Concert Orchestra along with a listening crowd made for a unique experience. Everybody was miming along in their seats but all the focus was on Ferry in his silk multi-patterned blazer, white shirt and open bow tie.

Charismatic and oozing sex appeal he didn’t pause and went straight into Slave to Love, tapping his fist on his hip in time and guiding his large onstage posse with subtle gestures or indeed wry smiles. Quickly moving to one of the quirkiest and earliest Roxy hits, Ladytron was our first glimpse at the suave saxophonist who would join Ferry on multiple occasions. Ladytron was also a chance for RTE’s orchestra to shine and they did so with soaring strings and gentle percussion.

What can only be described as a smorgasboard of genres and era defining moments – If There is Something, Take a Chance With Me, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes all came in quick succession. Each song accompanied by a different soloist from his band. You get the impression he relishes showing off the talent he has gathered onstage, giving each person a shot in the limelight.

Pausing to soak up the atmosphere which at this stage was comparable to children being told a fairy story for the first time; Ferry announced he would play his rendition of the Irish folk song Carrickfergus – casting the audience in a spell of gentle Ferry wizardry.

Avalon and More Than This were particular highlights – a slower pace creating a gentle atmosphere. The rawness of the lyrics were exposed and it was possible to imagine him alone writing years ago, not realising the impact these songs would have.

At this point the crowd were aching to dance – little breakaway rebels kept encouraging each other to stand. But in true Irish reserved rule-breaking the majority of us waited for permission which was swiftly granted by the flamboyant backing singers. Love is the Drug turned the NCH into a dance venue. Dancing when not permitted is always better.

A familiar piano opening for Jealous Guy signaled he had reached the end of an incredible twenty song set. Trademark hand in pocket, he sang eyes closed making this song his own yet again. The standing ovation began before he had a chance to play the final note,  and he was gone in a flash of a shy smile. Talk of “he still has it” echoes all around. “He never lost it” is more accurate.

Bryan Ferry Photo Gallery

Photos: Shaun Neary