What better place than the Union Chapel, an ex-church, for a Marc Almond concert? With a cherubic blond haircut and a priest-like frock, Marc's devilish side emerges only from his songs, a real feast for the fans.
This is a one-off concert, even the press is not very welcome; after all, Marc doesn't need any publicity, the new album is not out until next year so what is left is an hour and three quarters of rarely performed songs. Almond greets us explaining that this evening is NOT going to be a 'Tainted Love' hits night,but something a little different.
Accompanied by the faithful Neil X (ex of Sigue Sigue Sputnik) on guitar and joined for a few songs by Martin Watkins on the piano, Marc performs a few tracks from the forthcoming album, quite a few rare covers ranging from Aznavour's 'What Makes A Man A Man' to Lou Reed's 'Caroline Says I' from the Marc And The Mambas 'Untitled' album. Also a gorgeous 'Vision' by Peter Hammill, a true spine tingler.
The concert is filmed, apparently for a future web cast, so Marc is a little nervous at the beginning. But the ice soon melts (although the Union Chapel is so chilled it could be used as cold store!) and Marc giggles and throws himself on the piano during an hilarious version of 'Jacky' sang in fast forward mode.
Almond starts and ends 'When I Was A Young Man' in a cappella style, away from the microphone, but unfortunately the effect is a bit lost in the church, especially upstairs. Nevertheless, the uproar of the audience that greets the end is phenomenal. Brel's 'Devil (Okay)' is really a must in this environment and Marc Almond obliges, hitting a cymbal and screaming "OKAY!!" Something the faithful Christians would have never imagined a few decades ago!
The last encore is something truly special and as the song goes "I wanted to do that for ages" a 'Saint Judy' performed from the church's pulpit, complete with huge candles. Marc sings it with passion and melodrama, almost collapsing on the balustrade. It seem appropriate that in the new song 'I Created Me' he sings "I'll live forever on CD and vinyl". And who could doubt it?
IMAGES: ANGELA LUBRANO
