Sean Lennon live at The Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

With support from Paul Steel

6th November 2006

It's the morning after and I can't stop thinking about last night's concert at the Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry. It was only a few months ago that I found out that Sean Lennon would be playing a handful of dates in the UK and to my surprise - and delight - one of those would be in my hometown on Coventry!

Sean's new album, 'Friendly Fire' has hardly been off my CD player since it's release a few weeks ago, so I was really looking forward to hearing the songs live. As an added bonus, the CD comes with a DVD featuring a film written and produced by Sean. Each song on the album has its own movie, but the story is continued throughout the DVD. It is a very personal album, written from experiences, which are reflected in the film.

After a short wait, we were allowed into the theatre at about 8pm and everyone took their seats. I was only 3 rows from the front and had a fantastic view! Due to reasons, which will be explained later, the first of several 'mini' performances took place, in the form of Yuka Honda on guitar. This first part of the show was quite bizarre as she did one song on her own and then, who should wander on from the wings and head for the drums, but Sean Lennon! Looking very smart in a brown waistcoat and trousers, light green check shirt, topped off with a brown rimmed hat (complete with feather!) that cast a slight shadow over his face. They were also joined by the band's bassist for this particular song. But then, we were informed that there was going to be another 20-minute break! So, we again left our seats and headed back out into the foyer.

Eventually the show began again and support came from Paul Steel. Looking a little like Tom Chaplin from Keane, he performed mostly original material and switched between a keyboard (which apparently is 4 better than Ed Harcourt's!) and guitar. I really enjoyed his set of mostly lively, happy sounding songs - Although the titles that stick out in my mind were, 'In A Coma' and 'Honkin' On My Crack Pipe'!

Following a few changes of equipment and additions to the stage set, the main act returned to the stage! - This time with the complete band. They kicked off with the title track of Sean's current album, 'Friendly Fire'. Yuka Honda, who is also the musical director, was now on keyboards and helped to re-create the full album sound so accurately. From this first song, I was buzzing with excitement, watching Sean Lennon play those songs right in front of me! They soon apologised about the time mix-up. Apparently they weren't told that the show was due to start at 7:30pm and Sean thanked everyone for sticking around and that it was the first time he had played in a 'lilac theatre'!

It was interesting to hear the live versions, as they would add more instruments, have a fuller sound, or totally re-work it! This was most notable in, 'Headlights'. It had a different beat and backing, which really suited the song. In fact, like the man behind me who shouted out "we love this version!" I think I preferred it too. Sean seemed really pleased about this and said they'd consider playing it again later after shouts for, "more!" and "we want to hear it again!" Other highlights of the night included, 'Dead Meat', the single from the album, 'Falling Out Of Love' (In which Sean rocked out with a fantastic guitar solo!) and my personal favourite,, 'Wait For Me'.

References and comparisons are always going to be made about his famous Dad, but Sean is definitely a talented singer/songwriter/musician and all round nice guy in his own right! (Please excuse the pun!). When he performed, 'Tomorrow' it was just his gentle vocals and an acoustic guitar. It's such a beautiful song, with an intricate and quite jazzy chord sequence and to hear it stripped down was another high point of the show.

Hazy photo of Sean and his band taken on my camera phone!

Sadly, it was over all too soon - Finishing with, 'Mystery Juice' from Sean's first album, 'Into The Sun'. I could have watched them play all night! They were so tight as a band, everyone playing their part perfectly. Sean seems such a polite and gentle person and you could tell that he was perhaps a bit nervous, but this wasn't apparent when he played! And although there wasn't a big turnout, the audience present was big on love and enthusiasm for him and the rest of the band.

As we left, I decided to take a walk around on the off-chance that I might see the band! It was really foggy, so I didn't want to hang around for long. When I found the stage door, there were about ten people already waiting, so I decided hang back for 5 minutes or so. I really didn't expect to see Sean or the band, but not long after I arrived, Sean came outside! I waited while people chatted to him and asked him to sign several items. I heard him mention the name 'Warwick' and that it's spelt differently to how it's pronounced. Quite a lot of performers from America have mentioned this, which I thought was quite funny! Also, everyone gets confused because it's called the Warwick Arts Centre, but it's in Coventry. Even acts from the UK have said this!

I hadn't bought my CD or camera as you're not meant to take photos at the arts centre, but they really didn't seem to mind tonight as there were flashes here there and everywhere! I took a couple on my camera phone, but they weren't brilliant. If there was a time I wanted my camera, it was now! Anyway, I got the tickets out of my bag (I suddenly realised I'd got a Beatle bag with me and I was worried what Sean would think of it!) and waited for my turn to say hello. I know I'm not the tallest person in the world, but I felt really short standing next to him! I held out my tickets nervously, but I tried my best to stay cool and calm - Which I think I did! He happily signed it for me and I told him how much I enjoyed the gig. Sean seemed pleased and agreed that they'd enjoyed it too. I also said that I'd been enjoying his tour updates on his website. When I said I visited his site, he asked me what my handle was on the message board. After I told him it was funny to hear him say it back…. Hanmade!

So that's it! I hopefully didn't embarrass myself and I left soon after as there were others there and they seemed keen to chat to him. It really, really made my night though! One the highlights of my year!