Rocker Machine Gun Kelly made his grand entrance into Climate Change Arena on a helicopter hanging from the rafters. His “Mainstream Sellout Tour” performed in Seattle midway through the 52-city run. MGK’s high energy backing band was exceptional, with standout Sophie Lloyd on guitar. Avril Lavigne and WILLOW opened.
Machine Gun Kelly – photos by Kirk Stauffer
Tori Amos w/ Companion @ the Paramount – 6/5
Photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Tori Amos – photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Tori Amos is one of our favorite artists to feature on Back Beat Seattle, so we’re thrilled she returned to Seattle for a headlining show at the Paramount Theatre. Amos just completed the Ocean to Ocean Tour in mid-June, but not before making a stop to make all Amos fans happy here in Seattle, where she brought duo Companion with her as openers. And fans: this graphic novel she has coming out called looks fantastic, while her newest album, Ocean to Ocean, has gotten mighty excellent reviews. Thank you, Amos, for all of your unique trailblazing.
Tori Amos – photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Companion – all photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
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).
Bauhaus – photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Soriah – all photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Bauhaus Set List & Marquee – photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Lee Rogers @ the Neptune – 5/27/22
Photos by Rachel Crick
Lee Rogers – photo by Rachel Crick
Lee Rogers wrapped up a string of dates opening for Foy Vance, including a show at Seattle’s Neptune Theatre on May 27th. The singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland worked on his latest album, Gameblood, with fellow Northern Irishman Gareth Dunlop as producer, plus he’s got two soundtracks under his belt. Rogers recently revealed “My dad was a second generation settled Gypsy. . . With black hair, swarthy-skinned, and green eyes (like me). He had gold hoop earrings and old Indian-inked tattoos. He was as hard as the road he walked on but had the softest heart for us and my mother, who he loved unconditionally. He had a fighting spirit, and that’s what I believe ‘Gameblood’ means. That’s where this album’s name comes from.” That’s awesome. You can check out the album and Rogers’ gorgeous swarthy voice in several formats here .
Lee Rogers – photos by Rachel Crick
Beach House w/ Ami Dang @ the Paramount Theatre 4/3/22
Show Review & photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Beach House‘s Victoria Legrand – photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Baltimore dream-pop duo Beach House returned to Seattle for the first time since the pandemic. Last time they played the Moore Theatre , and before that the Sub Pop 30th Anniversary Party at Alki Beach.
Beach House includes vocalist/keyboardist Victoria Legrand and guitarist/vocalist Alex Scully. Drummer/bassist James Baron joined them. The set included several older favorites, plus songs from their February 2022 album, Once Twice Melody.
Seattle is home to the group’s label , so Beach House has a significant local following. Even at a 3000-capacity venue, the show sold out well in advance. According to venue staff, fans had lined up hours before showtime to secure a spot on the general-admission floor.
Even the band seemed surprised by the enthusiastic reception. Legrand reflected, “All this warmth that’s emanating from you … It’s glorious.” The audience later roared for an encore, and Legrand exclaimed, “Holy fuck!”
Opening was Ami Dang, a sitarist–electronic experiment act also from Baltimore.
Beach House plans European and North American tours later this year.
Beach House – all photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Ami Dang – all photos by Lisa Hagen Glynn
Beach House/Paramount Signage – photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn