Back Beat Seattle | Show Review & Photos: Bauhaus w/ Soriah @ the Paramount

Bauhaus w/ Soriah @ the Paramount – 5/19/22
Show Review & Photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn

Bauhaus‘ Peter Murphy – photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn

British goth pioneers Bauhaus stopped in Seattle on their first tour together in 16 years. The show featured all four original members: Peter Murphy (vocals), Daniel Ash (guitar), David J (bass), and Kevin Haskins (drums).

The rapid-fire set included 12 Bauhaus classics and 4 covers. Unexpectedly, they excluded “Drink the Sweet Wine,” which was recorded during the pandemic using the surrealist “exquisite corpse” approach. Bauhaus sounded strong, and the energy in the room was palpable.

Murphy’s dramatic flair punctuated the set. He wore a feathered cape, brandished a scepter, mimicked crucifixion with a mic stand, and showered the stage with gifted rose petals.

The band wore dark glam stylings—Ash with spiked hair and a sequined tailcoat, and the Haskins brothers in fitted black and sunglasses. Adding to the mood were severe lighting and plenty of fog.

The audience had the feel of a gothic family reunion, with a mix of original-era aficionados and a younger crowd. Fans in black crowded the aisles to film, dance, and sing along.

Portland artist Soriah (Enrique Ugalde) provided an eerie start to the evening. He blended Tuvan throat-singing with deep drumming, electronics, and a skull-laden stone whistle. A longtime Bauhaus fan, Ugalde said the performance was the greatest honor of his life.

Bauhaus recently took an unplanned pause in their tour due to non-COVID illness . They play several dates in Europe this summer, and then return to North America in September.

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Note: BBS also reviewed Peter Murphy and David J’s 2019 show at the Moore Theatre, with Mark Gemini Thwaite (guitar) and Marc Slutsky (drums).