21st/22nd October Boston

October 25th, 2008 by Billyb | Posted in Road Blog |

Two consecutive nights at the Somerville Theatre in Boston presents me with the problem of how to sound fresh on the second night. The simple answer is to play different songs but then the challenge is to find a way of refreshing the set list without changing the narrative of the gig, which at the moment is focused heavily on the forthcoming election and the prospect of an Obama victory.

As ever, the set list is shaped by external events. On our way to the first show in State College, I got a call from BBC 6 Music informing me of the death of Levi Stubbs. As a result, I have to include Levi Stubbs Tears in the set every night and give it a prominent place to allow me to pay my respects to the great man. On the second night, while showering in my room in Ithaca, I hear George Bush call for the leaders of the G8 to get together to preserve ‘democratic capitalism’. I could hardly believe my ears – surely this was an oxymoron, like ‘self-regulation’? This nugget gave me a whole new angle from which to approach NPWA, so that has to go into the set too.

My dilemma is if I take out too many songs from the set on the second night, will it lose its political potency? Fine for those who like to hear the love songs, but disappointing for those who come for the firebrand politics.

Backstage at the Somerville, I’m playing in a newly restrung acoustic guitar. Long-time Bragg ultra Stephen Walker sits on the sofa, so I ask him what he wants to hear – ‘Love songs’ he says. His wish list is helpful, even if his no 1 choice – Strange Things Happen – is well beyond my current range. In the end, I change a third of the songs in the set, bringing in mostly love songs, but still managing to hit my bullet points in the show.

Naturally, I play ‘Old Clash Fan Fight Song’ on both nights. As anyone who has heard me introduce the song will know, it was written and first performed here at the Somerville in March 2006. As always, the line ‘George Bush will soon be gone’ elicits a huge cheer but reminds me that in just a few days, this song will have to be retired from the set.

  1. 10 Responses to “21st/22nd October Boston”

  2. By Samantha on Oct 25, 2008

    As ever, you played an excellent show on Tuesday. Thank you.

  3. By Andrea on Oct 26, 2008

    “As always, the line ‘George Bush will soon be gone’ elicits a huge cheer but reminds me that in just a few days, this song will have to be retired from the set.”

    I’m sure that saying “George Bush is already gone” (or something to that effect) will elicit the same response. We’ve been waiting for eight years for this day to come.

  4. By Joe Stinnett on Oct 26, 2008

    Hi Billy: Looking forward to seeing you in Charlottesville Wednesday night. I vote for political songs if you’re still up for suggestions. Charlottesville’s a pretty liberal place, you will receive a warm welcome.

    Joe Stinnett

  5. By Marty on Oct 26, 2008

    I imagine the Woody line, “Maybe we’ll have all the fascists outta the way by then, Maybe so…” will bring another surge of emotion…

  6. By Susan on Oct 27, 2008

    I hate that it took the death of Mr. Stubbs to get that song in the set list. (I am out in California, and the last few times you have played you have never played Levi Stubbs Tears) He will be missed.

    I do think you might be the only one still paying any attention to Pres. Bush. He is a lamer than usual duck. I’m a bit worried about some states come election day, but Obama can be assured of California’s mighty 55 electoral votes. We do what we can.

  7. By Ryan on Oct 27, 2008

    Please come play in the Detroit area.

  8. By Lindy on Oct 27, 2008

    Seems to me someone’s pretty adept at adapting lyrics to suit the times and occasion. Then again it might be right to clear out the song and its incredulous anger with the fetid administration. Hmmm … WWJSD: What would Joe Strummer do?

  9. By Susan on Oct 30, 2008

    Thanks for the great show in Charlottesville last night (10/29). It was a nice mix of old and new songs. And, as ususal, the banter was on point and entertaining! I moved to Charlottesville from DC two years ago and figured I was going to have to travel to a show. Thanks for coming to town and we hope that you will come back to c’ville.

  10. By Ann Humphreys on Nov 1, 2008

    You were magnificent today at the Obama rally in Chapel Hill NC! I keep feeling like a damn fool for completely failing to express, when I shook your hand after the show, how singularly inspiring your presence was and how grateful we all were that you took the trouble to come out and play…I realize it’s absurd to dwell on such a thing, but I’m amazed my own human frailty and awkwardness, too shy and tangled up to focus on what it all meant and how deeply you moved me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have such a beautiful voice, bright clear gaze, great chops, sharp mind, and warm spirit–we feel it all and are duly nourished! Thank you!

  11. By Holden Richards on Nov 3, 2008

    Billy, Your presence in Chapel Hill on Saturday meant alot to us. I got to speak with you before the show and explain how hard the students at the University are working on Obama’s behalf. I also managed a couple nice film images of you there.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/holdenrichards/2997313652/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/holdenrichards/2994399523/

    peace and a better world after tuesday,
    Holden

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