Ian Brown, resurrected

So yesterday afternoon, I’m having a conversation about how, somewhat to my horror, Oasis is basically just a nostalgia act at this point. A few hours later, against my better judgment, I’m watching Ian Brown – the guy who Liam Gallagher borrowed his stage demeanor from – playing at the Mod Club. Now that’s a nostalgia act.

And, for that matter, a train wreck. This was one of the most schizophrenic shows I’ve ever seen.

Brown comes out. Starts playing a new song. Stops halway through because he doesn’t like the sound. Gets over it. Plays a couple of new songs. Sounds like crap. Proceeds to three straight Stone Roses songs, which sound terrific. Crowd is lapping it up – arms in the air, sing-alongs, the whole bit. It’s all starting to be a pleasant surprise, until our man completely loses it over the sound – which is fine as far as us common folk can tell, but is apparently driving him mad.

So we go through at least 20 minutes - probably more – of screwing around. He stops and starts. He leaves the stage. He threatens to wrap things up. Finally, a pair of roadies do what they can, and we’re back on track – if going through the motions while gesturing incessantly about the sound qualifies as on track.

Just as things are warming up again, Brown decides his differences with the sound are irreconcilable and says his good nights, encouraging ticket-holders to try to get some of their money back. Ticket-holders are pissed. But unexpectedly, he responds to the few lingering cheers, re-emerges, and storms his way through an encore set (including I Wanna Be Adored). Leaves. Returns to play another couple of songs – new ones, but surprisingly agreeable – and leaves for good with a modicum of faith restored.

I can’t say I’m entirely sorry I went; at least it wasn’t boring. But if you came in wondering why the Stone Roses never made it big on this side of the Atlantic, I’m pretty sure Ian would have cleared that up for you.