Peter Murphy
House Of Blues
Orlando, FL
July 06, 2008

I had originally planned on seeing Peter Murphy at the legendary Tampa Theatre but, alas, it conflicted with my already-made plans to attend the True Colours Tour. Therefore, armed with a solid introduction to all things Murphy (and very specific threats of bodily harm should I fail to procure some quality pics) by our resident DJ and Peter Hook friend Sean, I made the trek to Orlando to catch the Gothfather spin his magic at the House Of Blues.  My report after the jump:

HOB’s location in the middle of Downtown Disney (the “strip mall” section of The Mouse’s Floridian complex) made for an interesting contrast to the avid Murphy fans walking around in their goth gear. Further adding to the confusion were questions as to whether the kids wearing the Nightmare Before Christmas shirt were here for the show or just on vacation. I suppose that’s why they have concert tickets (well, that and to keep the accountants employed).

After an intense opening set by Ali Eskandarian, Peter Murphy took the stage with a full ten minute version of “Burning From The Inside.” I’ll admit to expecting a somber and slow-tempo-ed affair but was knocked flat by Murphy’s vigor and insistence on keeping the pulse (and bpm) high. There was no dirges or mournful ballads going on in House of Blues this night, with the band tearing through a concise set (limited by local curfew rules). Murphy wryly introduced the encore by saying “They tell us we have ten minutes left to play, so we’re going to fit in as much as we can” before launching into “She’s In Parties.”

Murphy himself was charismatic and engaging. He defined being English as “Apologizing for existing and always saying thank you.” He bummed a cigarette and light from a guy on the front row. When he took questions from the audience, one man jumped at the chance to ask if any new material was being recorded - the answer: yes, but no release date has been set yet. To celebrate a birthday in the crew, Murphy himself brought out a cake with candles. It was less a concert hall than a living room where your cool friends from school decided to bring their instruments over for the night.

Most touching was a family who came to the show together, arriving early so they could be at the front of the stage. During the question and answer sessions, the young daughter asked if she could give Murphy a hug. With perhaps the shade of a blush, Murphy promised her he would but wanted to wait until later in the show, “when you start getting tired standing there.” True to his word, near the end of his set, he brought the whole family on stage for hugs and let them sing along. I don’t know if you can put Murphy’s magic in a bottle, but you can put it in a heart and one lucky family got to walk away with some of it.

You can help yourself to some free tracks at Peter Murphy’s MySpace page. Also, set lists are being posted (a bit slow but sure) at his official website. Couple upcoming shows for later this year:

Nov 1 2008 8:00P Lisbon, Colliseu Lisbon
Nov 2 2008 8:00P Oporto Coliseum, Oporto

MP3: Peter Murphy - Strange Kind Of Love
MP3: Peter Murphy - I’ll Fall With Your Knife

- Keath (MySpace)