JAD FAIR & TEENAGE FANCLUB
ARAB STRAP
London Barbican 22nd April 2002

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this show, I have to express amazement at the amount of 'casual' Teenage Fanclub fans who had no idea of what it was all about. Unfortunately my adibing memories are of stupid heckles - amazing how one or two people think they have the right to ruin it for everyone - and a bunch of people behind us who thought the Fanclub had permanently employed a "new American singer" and expressed utter amazement when they were told that it was a special one-off show to promote the new Jad Fair and TFC collaborative album. Not only was the information clear on the ticket and on the posters all over the venue, it was also heavily previewed in the press. Just to make matters worse, there was a four page programme to accompany the show on everyone's seat!
As far as the music is concerned, Arab Strap were a welcome support act, although this low-key acoustic set wouldn't have won them a lot of fans jusging by the subdued reaction. The line-up tonight is just Aidan and Malcolm, assisted by a violinist (Jenny) and cellist (Stacey) at least one of whom is also in the Reindeer Section. Aidan refers to them as "a couple of wee crackers" so he's clearly in his usual form. Their set is mainly new material, although I don't know how if will see the light of day as Arab Strap as both Aidan and Maclcolm are working on solo albums. A couple of classics from 'Philophobia' save the day and remind me why this lot are one of the best bands in the UK when they're on form.

Even though 'Words of Wisdom of Hope' is one of my favourite records of the year, I wasn't really sure what to expect from this show, and in particular I was worried about how Jad would react in front of the largest audience he'd ever played to in the UK.
It's clear that the Fanclub are on top form from the outset, and Jad also rises to the occasion, not intimidated at all by this large seated venue. He looks totally different from the last time I saw him (must have been '96 at Highbury Garage) - the curly black hair and specs have gone and he looks a bit greyer though much healthier nowadays. It's clear that he's enjoying himself, cherishing his own wordplay on songs like 'Smile' and 'Power of Your Tenderness', looking on with admiration or jumping in the air when the Fanclub step it up a gear. In response to the nastiest heckle ("Is this a joke?") he doesn't say a word, but walks to the edge of the stage and puffs out his chest! It's left to Norman to deal with the heckler in a more verbal way which seems to do the trick!
The best bits are the rockier tunes like 'Crush on You' and the excellent single 'Near to You', which are also the closest to Teenage Fanclub's own material. I have to say that a couple of their own tunes slotted in as an encore would have made everyone's night, but then I also admire them for sticking to their guns and showcasing the entire 'Words of Wisdom and Hope' album. Overall, this was a really special show, and against a lot of expectations it was a huge success. I reckon those taking part in the standing ovation outnumbered the hecklers by five hundred to one. We liked it more than soda crackers.

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