It’s been nearly thirty years since I first saw Chris Isaak and its great to see the same band are still going strong and especially the enigmatic Kenny Dale Johnson on the drums. We are the most un rock n roll time of a 7 o’clock start but this doesn’t stop them delivering a faultless set.
Although it’s a support slot, the eighty minutes covers tracks from throughout Isaak’s back catalogue and all the hits are there too. For those uninitiated Isaak came to prominence in 89 with the haunting ‘Wicked Game’ and that video with Helena Christensen writhing around the surf. It’s also has its own significance for me at that time too.
As always Isaak is a witty showman with plenty of banter with the band and the audience. Resplendent in the first of two great suits Isaak delivers a powerful performance showcasing his massive range across his own songs and selected covers. His voice takes in Elvis and Orbison but it’s certainly his own.
For a large arena the sound is excellent, at the moment! (see Hall & Oates review). Highlights for me are probably ‘Two Hearts’ and ‘San Francisco Days’ but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable show and our appetite is fully whetted for the billed main event.
An excellent support slot worthy of a headliner. PS did I mention the great suits.
Till the next time, keep on funky rockin y’all