The Power of Presence: The Jesus & Mary Chain, Live @ The Tivoli, Aug 2024.
It was one of those shows. One where you’re standing outside the venue, watching the animated queue of mature goths and penny lane coats smoking & you can tell you’re going to walk out changed.
The Jesus and Mary Chain was as to be expected - moving, gigantic, a sonic spectacle. The pulsing trajectory of the drumming was continuous but never relentless. Jim Reids’ vocals were as dreamy as the day they were recorded in 85. There’s a feeling in the air you can’t quite grab with your hands but you feel it in your heart. It’s nostalgia in its purest form, but it’s also hope and future? I haven’t felt like this since I saw Patti Smith.
In the eyes of a photographer, it was a nightmare to shoot - but in the eyes of a fan, it was perfectly dark, perfectly serene. The dullness of the stage contrasted unbelievably with the magic that was being conjured up on it. The Jesus and Mary Chain live IS: open-chested freedom personified. They managed to strip away my guard, and I allowed myself to be extremely present. The power of their presence (potent, alluring) sunk into me like warm and gentle sunlight, enveloped in their divine harmonies and gently falling into their hypnosis. The few moments of lucidity I had, were crushing ones where I remembered this moment would not last forever. My mind was only cast to these moments when people were falling down the stairs beside me. The stairs were out for blood last night.
Perched on the back steps folded in a crevice, I was able to take in the entire landscape. The diversity in age, gender, and style - The Highest Mohawks I’ve seen in years, followed by fluffy gigantic headpieces and old dudes in board shorts, I always find myself imagining who these people are and what they do when they’re listening to the same music I do. I wonder who will come after us, when we are all gone, and listen to these songs - what can I say to convey the magnitude in which I felt joy and aching melancholy watching on as their music filled the room so opulently!? What more can we do or say to preserve these moments of enchantment, other than hold them close during your lifetime and grapple with the notation that time doesn’t lose all memory? I’m being pelted with the mortality belt this morning :)
Continuing to release albums that ‘still have it’ - This tour proves that TJAMC are icons of their craft. Opening with tracks from their 2024 release ‘Glasgow Eyes’ with brilliant reception is a testament to their everlasting discography. So much passion and genuine coolness radiates from this group. Their ability to create these timeless tracks that transcend era and go beyond bygone MTV days - is a true talent. The gloriousness of guitar music is eternal !! and they have left an eternal mark on my heart.
Amongst their newest tracks, we were spoilt with an encore of ‘Just Like Honey’, ‘Reverence’ and ‘Taste of Cindy’. 40 years never sounded so good.
I’m beyond grateful to review and photograph Legacy Act after Legacy Act. Adding The Jesus and Mary Chain to my list is an honor and I thank SBM & Chris for having me.
