Concerts: Ian Hunter & The Rant Band at Town Hall, Birmingham, UK 10/20/2012 - Sea of Tranquility - The Web Destination for Progressive Music!

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Concerts:

Ian Hunter & The Rant Band at Town Hall, Birmingham, UK 10/20/2012

Posted on Wednesday, October 24 2012 @ 05:24:56 CDT by Dean Pedley

It was way back in November 1973 that Mott The Hoople, supported by Queen on their first UK trek, blew the roof off the old Birmingham Town Hall on what was a memorable tour for all concerned. Almost four decades on and septuagenarian Ian Hunter is back at the refurbished venue for a show that spanned the length of his career from the golden age of Mott to recently released album When I'm President.

Decked out his trademark shades Hunter leads the five piece Rant Band with the minimum of fuss. When I'm President offers further proof that he is on something of a roll with its insightful, bittersweet and often humorous take on dust bowl America, the Wild West and contemporary living and the set kicks off with the up-tempo honky-tonk bar room blues of "Comfortable (Flyin' Scotsman)". Taking his seat at the piano is the cue for "All The Way From Memphis" and the crowd are soon out of their seats and rocking in the aisles, something of a rarity for the Town Hall where such a show of enthusiasm is usually reserved for the encores.

Hunter rarely engages with the audience between songs, preferring to let the music do the talking and let his characteristically sardonic lyrics speak for themselves. "Once Bitten Twice Shy" and "Roll Away The Stone" convey the raucous terrace style atmosphere and are sharply contrast by the melancholy cover of John Lennon's "Isolation" and "Ta Shunko Witco (Crazy Horse)", a Native American lament. Obligatory Mott anthems "Saturday Gigs" and "All The Young Dudes" are saved for the encore and ensure a rousing finale. Ian Hunter may never get to be President but he is undoubtedly a National Treasure and it is about time he was duly recognised as such – the campaign starts here.

Set List:-
Comfortable (Flyin' Scotsman)
Once Bitten Twice Shy
Fatally Flawed
Wash Us Away
Just The Way You Look Tonight
23A, Swan Hill
Irene Wilde (first part)
All The Way From Memphis
All American Alien Boy
Black Tears
Just Another Night
Isolation
When I'm President
Flowers
Roll Away the Stone
Michael Picasso
Sweet Jane

Encore:
Ta Shunka Witco (Crazy Horse)
The Moon Upstairs
Saturday Gigs
Life
All the Young Dudes
Goodnight Irene

Review By Dean Pedley
Pic by Rich Ward at Classic Rock Photography