Review by Ivor Whitten for MPM
It was a packed Limelight 2 for a very special sold-out show. Tonight, Belfast was going to see Chris Shiflett, Guitarist for the Foo Fighters, was branching out on his own tour and the Limelight 2 is a perfect location for a truly intimate show.
As everyone moved to get the best view, the three-piece support act strode up onto the stage. Willy Cobb and his two compatriots got ready and with a wonderfully deep Southern drawl he lent into the microphone saying “How y’all Belfast?” to whoops and roars. Described as Americana Blues it left a question mark on what he sounded like.
From the first song “Country Punkin” the crowd had their answer, and they liked it very much. A raw southern sound, as if Bourbon itself had learned about the blues, it had a stripped back powerful thumping rhythm as if The White Stripes had instead come from deepest Georgia or Tennessee.
On the tempo went with “Sincerely FU”, Burning Head”, and “Daddy on Drugs”. Each one saw the crowd moving in time and singing along with the chorus. “Boy Toy” “Chapters” and “Cigarette Smell” finished off the set. By the end of the set, you could guarantee Willy had many more fans. A tightly delivered, animated and fun southern alt rock that had more than energised the crowd in attendance.
Then came the ‘piéce de résistance’ of tonight’s show. Yes, it was time for Chris Shifflet who joked around with some members of the crowd while waiting for the set up to finish. And on he went with his two bandmates, bassist Fox Fegan and drummer Robert Jolly to the refrains of “For a Few Dollars More”.
“Hello Belfast” Chris crooned and straight into “Dead and Gone”, “Liar’s Word”, and “Sticks and Stones”. The absolutely packed crowd were in awe as Chris was able to show off his absolute mastery of the guitar.
The style is a more difficult one to pin down, and rightly so. It’s a mix of americana, rock, blues, bit of punk, and a bit of country. When you say it all together it really should not work, but Chris, Fox and Robert seamlessly blend it all perfectly into a heady mix of bluesy musicality. Each song is sung with pure passion that just pulls you along on an experience.
On the set went with “Carrie Midnight” before taking a moment to chat to the audience saying “This next one is not a favourite of my wife” before launching into “Room 102”.
Then a quick guitar change and while trying to get the strap on it did an “Ace Frehley” noting the moment, Chris in passing said “its not his strap. But I wish it was.”
Then they delivered “Goodnight Little Rock”, “Black Top White Lines”, and on into “Damage Control”.
In between sets as well, Chris told the crowd of his admiration for a certain Belfast band, the Stiff Little Fingers and even did a quick refrain of Alternative Ulster. Much to the absolute delight of everyone there. The set continued with “Blow Out The Candles”, and then Chris picked out a girl in the audience saying “I hear it is your birthday, so this next one is dedicated to you” before they played such a passionate rendition of “Weigh You Down”. During the song Chris’s virtuosity with the electric guitar came into sharp focus when he delivered an incredible ethereal solo.
The banter back and forth and the easy-going story telling of Chris showed how at home he was on stage with a small gig (it was sold out with just over 400 in attendance) as he is with a massive stadium. This was a chance for people to see Chris in action on his own terms and he was not disappointing at all. The whole place was just ecstatic, high on the Americana blend on show tonight. The whole band was tight well oiled and utterly professional. All while they made it look so easy and relaxed.
Chris then encouraged everyone to sing along with “Long, Long year”, and the crowd did not have to be told twice – the roof was definitely shaking by the end.
There was some banter from Chris about walking back to the hotel from rehearsals and astounded at how many pubs there were, possibly “around 8,000” when he asked the audience which one would they recommend the quick answer came “All of them”. Chirs showed how relaxed he was, friendly, open and fun yet he absolutely showed his maters touch when it came to his guitar.
It was then revealed that the bassist, Fox Fegan, had his roots from here as his parents were originally from Belfast. Soon there were loud chants of “Fox, Fox, Fox” all the while Fox was beaming like an electric heater.
Then came the dedication from Chris to all the parents out there with “Welcome to Your First Heartache”, leading on into “Memories” and “Overboard” before telling everyone about the merch which also teased if you signed up to the mailing list you would get a bonus of nudes from Robert.
Then rounding things off was “I’m Still Drunk”, “Cowboy Song”, and a cover of the Rolling Stones “Dead Flowers” ably assisted by Molly and Orla form Belfast’s own Dea Matrona. The set finished off with “West Coast Town”.
Everyone who attended experienced something very unique in the Limelight 2. Chris Shiflett, and his support Willy Cobb, delivered an incredible americana style that held everyone’s full attention and provided pure musical joy to everyone there.
Chris Shiflett’s touring schedule continues on into May and you can find out more at www.chrisshiflettmusic.com The show he has put together has to be experienced live. Get your tickets now.
Photography by Darren McVeigh for MPM
