Neil Hannon Celebrated ::
-UPDATES
East Coast dates with BF - check it out through June www.thedivinecomedy.com
Some wonderful dates for the Ireland area and more.....
picture to right courtesy of www.thedivinecomedy.com
-As A Whole
An escape into beautiful love songs and life-changing words, The Divine Comedy stands with wonderful credit. Forming his band in the early 1990's, Niel Hannon captured the wonderful esscence of the brighter sides of our world and put them into words backed by astounding, gorgious music. Their latest album, "Regeneration," is the 8th lesson in Hannon's quest to brighten our world. From the beautiful key strokes of 'Lost Property,' to the poppy rythms of 'Bad Ambassador,' "Regeneration" fascinates and excites the planet with hopes of a world tour. It is recommeneded that one purchases The Divine Comedy's "Regeneration" to complete one's life and to bring dreams of love and adventure.
- Samuel Gibson, Anubis Productions -
-REVIEWS etc. The anticiption is a plus. Wondering if one should take a moment to breath or just hold on patiently. So, of course waiting and focusing on the bright purple curtains, suddenly Neil takes the stage quietly and quickly. Standing before us once again the feeling of a wonderful show ahead filled our spirits. The show was a fantstic one but rather than continue with details from the show, which you can read on the fan reports page, we are going to take a moment to explain something. We don't actually have a number but after talking to many people who where there to see Ben Folds, it is now clear there are many Neil Hannon fans. The capability Neil has to express his thoughts and keep the interest of the audience is overwhelming. The wit and humor and ability to brush off ignorance and fullfil those with wisdom by talent is a true success and Neil teaches that lesson perfectly. His voice fills the arena with absolute skill and the reaction is awing. "This one I wrote in Boise, Idaho. It was writen very fast..." commented Neil Hannon as he started the first note of his newest performed song "Idaho". Sung with eloquence, a very humble Neil stood before the audience and opened up to each and every one of us. Sharing feelings seems easy for Neil, at least to portray through his song writting. Neil expressed his homesick craze for his adored family and shared his lonleyness. The song is fantastic and I admire his talent for putting words onto paper and into song so gracefully.
House Of Blues, Anaheim - 3.30.02
The setlist:
-Lucy -Bad Ambassador -Becoming More Like Alfie
-Mastermind -Songs of Love w/Ben Folds
-Regeneration -Idaho -A Perfect Lovesong -Tonight We Fly
Continued by Samuel Gibson.....
El Rey, Los Angeles - 3.27.02
The setlist:
-Regeneration -Bad Ambassador -Becoming More Like Alfie
-Your Daddy's Car -A Woman of the World -A Perfect Lovesong
-Idaho -National Express -Lucy
Some songs mentioned through the interview were "Daddy's Car" and "Idaho" which were performed to perfection. The audience, who were very much Ben Folds fans, responded well to Neils, humor and wit. I strongly think there are many new Divine fans out there as of late. It is refreshing to actually experience a true talent that can stand before you and just sing to you, with you, for you, infront of you and not put on airs. Through The Divine Comedy's music there is a freedom of discovery of them, of ones self, of the music and a new era of taste and talent. The Divine Comedy has been around for a while "I've got six, a lot to collect..." expressed Neil so modestly through the show, and luckily we are able to hear the select few from each album when going to The Divine Comedy's concerts.
There is definitely an impression in my mind and soul and I don't want this to ever go away. I rediscover the meaning of what it is like to really admire someone or to want to accomplish something so bad that it sticks in your head until you scream with excitment. That's what I'm left with after every show, every time the CD's play.
When talking with Neil, I'm not sure he excepts this kind of stature given to him but i do feel comfortable saying that I know he loves it and more importantly, appreciates it and realizes that a reaction is what's important...that means you made an impression and yes, Neil you have. Thank you.
- Laura DeFelice
Largo, Los Angeles
2.19.02
1)In Pursuit of Happiness 2)Becoming More Like Alfie 3)Perfect Lovesong
4)The Summerhouse 5)Love What You Do 6)Mastermind
7)Billy Bird 8)If... 9)Eye of the Needle
10)The Case Continues 11)Bad Ambassador 12)National Express
13)Ten Seconds to Midnight 14)The Drinking Song 15)Songs of Love
16)Sunrise
So, there I was browsing through the Divine Comedy1s website and my jaw dropped. In the tour section, it had said that they were to come to America.
We at Plug Media booked our reservation for a late showing at Café Largo in Los Angeles for February 19th.
As the Divine Comedy took the stage, reality had not yet struck into our minds. I don1t think it did until 3The Summerhouse2 was performed before the audience. I then became conscious and teary-eyed. This is a band I thought we would never see live, yet it was happening right before us. I couldn1t move, nor could I breathe. Neil1s voice is incredible live as is the performance of many instruments from Rob and Ivor. They made a 3-man band sound as if there was a 20 piece orchestra upon a 10 by 10 stage.
One big surprise of the audience was the length of Neil1s hair. Nobody seemed to take a liking to it, yet they are forgetting that that is Neil Hannon, I think one of the greatest people to influence the world with such fantastic and beautiful musical talent.
After the glorious show, meeting the Divine Comedy was more than a treat, it was a dream fulfilled. An accomplishment if you will. Make sure you catch him at his upcoming shows. There are no excuses to be abscent.
-FAN REPORTS...
3.30.02
"Neil Hannon is very talented & very cool to watch. Opening acts are not too exciting but I enjoyed Neil's perfomance just as much as I enjoyed Ben Folds, it was a pleasant surprise. I'm used to Ben Folds with a big band. I enjoyed the comedy such as when Neil Hannon said "key change" during a song and I enjoyed the humor." -Randy Gorman, Musician (Broadway Production)
3.30.02
"Neil's show was amazing. He's witty, talented and would love to see him with a full band. Heard him three times; both El Rey shows and House of Blues and am now a Divine Comedy fan. I plan to definietly purchase his CD's. I am Very impressed." -Chris Shay
2.25.02
"...my first encounter with our charming Irishman several years
ago here in LA. It was his first appearance ever in this City. Up to that
point I was totally void of all knowledge of the man and his genius. Untill
that night where I had been drug, screaming, ( OK I just grumbled a bit), to
see a unique performer that a good friend of mine assured me was right up my
ally of interest. He insisted I go with him to the show. I went unwillingly,
but I went. Upon entry into the world of this dark and twistedly delightful
poet of paraphrase and wit, I was trapped by his wicked charismatic spell!
True! In mere moments of exposure to the Live Neil Hannon experience, I
literally had an epiphany! And have been hopelessly hooked ever since. I
shall never seek a cure for this drug that addicts me so. I am so utterly
grateful for that night!"- Cheers, Quinn -
2.21.02
"Indeed it was an Awesome Evening! This time Neil was a solo act. The space
so tiny and the stage so close and Intimate, it can only be described as in
your face reality! Delivering a voice true and a personality to match! Every
song emoted with warm sincerity. Neil was humble as he fumbled over lyrics,
whenever he'd attempt to do a bit of ad-libbed commentary. I wanted to que
him with the last line, but I let it go and gave Neil the benefit of the
doubt. It was worth witnessing him try and regain his footing which was a
far greater treat! Apologetic to the point of silliness, he charmed the small
gathering of awestruck Gobs, hence all mistakes were gratefully forgiven!
Loads of Love, Quinn"
