I’ve loved Television for a good few years now their album Marquee Moon is one of those rare albums that never seems to age, it’s still relevant after all these years.
So seeing the band perform it live was a chance that was too good to let slip by me especially after I missed seeing them at Primavera.
Admittedly the night turned into a bit of a disaster, missing the start of Television’s after assuming there would be an opening act, missing about a quarter of the band’s set however, I do get to see a sizeable portion of the gig, including a few personal favourites, including ‘Guiding Light’.
Word was from a number of fronts that Television live was proving to be a massive let down these days, however instrumentally they have been on top form, but Tom Verlaine’s singing was not a strong point.
During ‘Guiding Light’ I was very impressed; a note for note rendition the band perform like a tight, well-rehearsed unit and so they should, they’ve been performing together for quite a while now.
The highlight of the gig is hearing ‘Marquee Moon’, it’s one of those things you never think you’ll get to see, yet somehow it happens, the track is heavily improvised; it’s obvious it’s been honed over the years the band has toured together.
Again Verlaine’s vocals hold up well, given initial expectations, although anyone that knows the song knows the vocals are not why this track is remembered.
Even although the band play well, the gig is a little too quiet and there is a severe lack of stage presence; don’t get me wrong, they’re all exceptional musicians yet he whole performance just feels a little stale.
There is no doubt that seeing Marquee Moon is a real milestone, but I doubt many here will be rushing to see Television perform again.
Words: Phil Allen
