Heartland

Marcus Shaw of the Rocking Vicar wrote:The more you think about it, the dafter the whole pantomime becomes. Pre-rock, the purpose of an encore was to rewarded a particularly exemplary performance by an orchestra or artist, by refusing to allow them to leave the building until they had graced and auditorium with one more tune. This probably culminated in a standing ovation and a shower of roses. But it was the exception. It existed to denote a rare pleasure and satisfaction felt by the audience. Quite when rock tours started to include a compulsory encore in every night’s set isn’t really clear, nor why. Perhaps it was an attempt to convince the punters they had attended a uniquely excellent show and to buy albums as a memento. Or at least to demonstrate value for money – sort of a 10% extra free with every band watched? Either way, it caught on like wildfire and has been adopted by almost every live rock or pop group since.

I can just about fathom the appeal to a band’s fans. A gig is their opportunity to demonstrate their undying appreciation for the act’s talent and charisma. Bellowing and cheering throughout the set is all very well, but to summon their idols back to the spotlights for further performance feels like the apex of approval.

Except, they’re not. The band is returning come what may. It’s on the set list, it’s built into the timings and it’s probably even in the contract. The entire crowd could sit on their hands in absolute silence for the awkward hiatus and those boys will still pile back, ciggies aloft, white towels around their shoulders.

As an unwavering supporter of Manic Street Preachers, I’ve enjoyed them in concert on many occasions and I have seen them do encores. But happily, the band adhere to the original spirit of the concept, only reappearing on the odd occasion when the gig has really levitated and something stupendous has transpired (or more stupendous than usual – as I say, I’m something of an admirer).

So what exactly does the encore offer the band performing this charade, religiously, night after night? Other than a hollow feeling of pretence and repetition, that is? I can only assume that management have convinced the performers the adoring hordes will ditch them like a needy lover if they don’t follow their set with four minutes of darkness followed by the two big hits - deserved or not.

And, to be fair, they may have a point. But how pathetic is that?

markfiend wrote:I suppose the break before the encore does give the band a chance to top up on the nose-candy...

sultan2075 wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEmuv71bNMM

Pista wrote:Do you really think a band would come back on stage if their set was rewarded by total silence? How embarrassing would that be?

Dan wrote:I remember a m*****n gig where when it came to the encore Hussey said words to the effect of "We could go off now and you could shout for an encore, but f**k that, let's just carry on and we can fit in an extra song" and then going straight into the next song.

Being645 wrote:

markfiend wrote:I suppose the break before the encore does give the band a chance to top up on the nose-candy...

... or have a cig, rather ... ...

Nikolas Vitus Lagartija wrote:

Dan wrote:I remember a m*****n gig where when it came to the encore Hussey said words to the effect of "We could go off now and you could shout for an encore, but f**k that, let's just carry on and we can fit in an extra song" and then going straight into the next song.

This happened at the Sisters gig at the Nottingham Union Rowing Club in '83 too (the tour when Ed Kuepper's laughing Clowns were the support). The venue was so unsuited to live music that the band had to make their way through the crowd to get to and from the stage, hence the early encore.

James Blast wrote:"fourth album" game over

James Blast wrote:"fourth album" game over

James Blast wrote:Got the first 3, all 25th Anniv. editions, and every tune's a cracker.

James Blast wrote:Personal stand-out track is Broke My Neck (Long Version).

James Blast wrote:everyone on earth needs to hear this tune.

Andie wrote:

James Blast wrote:Got the first 3, all 25th Anniv. editions, and every tune's a cracker.

Yeah...almost...still some of Porcupine is skipped over

James Blast wrote:

Andie wrote:

James Blast wrote:Got the first 3, all 25th Anniv. editions, and every tune's a cracker.

Yeah...almost...still some of Porcupine is skipped over

Aye I guess, the title track is a real drag and Higher Hell is workmanlike at best, cracks appear?