Robyn Hitchcock

Friday 21st October. Aldershot West End Centre. Robyn Hitchcock. Night three of a three night run of gigs and it’s off to the rock n roll mecca that is the West End Centre in Aldershot.

I am somewhat of a Hitchcock novice and it’s the first time seeing him after being recommended by my companions tonight ‘The Twin Towers’ (The Burgess Brothers who are big fans). We are also joined by Antony Head and Big Al.

Nashville based Hitchcock is a bit of a British institution with his quirky idiosyncratic and witty songs written throughout his long career. I’m not quite sure what to expect tonight, stand up show or concert and in the end it turns out to be a bit of both.

It’s a solo show and with just an acoustic guitar and polka dot shirt for company, Hitchcock rattles through his back catalogue. I am familiar with about half of the material and for me some worked and some didn’t with it sometimes veering off into a caricature of himself almost trying too hard to be quirky. In between songs the stories and random observations worked about fifty percent of the time and I am sure that this is blasphemous to his legion of fans as I suspect that is one of the reasons they come to the shows but it was not really for me.

He is joined occasionally on stage by Emma Swift and it is in these moments that the songs really shine with Swift providing accompaniment and harmonies that give depth to the material with the songs being played straight.

All in all an interesting night and I’m glad I’ve seen him but I will probably stick to the recorded output rather than live.

Keep on rockin y’all.

English singer/songwriter Robyn Hitchcock is so multi-talented; to be more exact he is a guitarist, pianist, and also plays the harmonica and bass guitar. As part of The Soft Boys, he started he was able to branch off and start his own solo career, a career that has included a very solid cult following of fans.

Since he has a history going back to the 70s, the variable types of fans that came to his live show range in so many age groups. Armed with his guitar, he strolls onto the stage, which is met with a solid applause. He just seems like the epitome of cool. As he begins to play his first song, you can see him fall completely into the song. Every emotion comes through and touches you through to the core. Between each song he engages the audience with a thank you first, will tell a little anecdote or background on the next song. His lyrics are so touching because they are so raw and real. He also includes a bit of comedy in his songs. Overall, Robyn Hitchcock’s show includes so many elements, that it can appeal to a broad group of people of all ages.

The show was great, as always. We've seen Robyn about a dozen times and every time the show is different yet amazing. He is such a magical songwriter and performer. And Eddie's Attic is so intimate--really the best place to see a show in Atlanta. The only downside of the show was there was no real lighting of the stage. Robyn performed in the dark, with only faint blue lighting in the background. We could not see his face at all. That was somewhat disappointing. We saw him there twice last winter and they used normal stage lighting. Maybe he just didn't want lights shining on him this time. Otherwise the show was just as great as always.

My wife has listened to Robyn Hitchcock for quite a while. We saw him with the Psychedelic Furs concert a few years ago. When he had a gig in Milwaukee we figured we would go.

He did a really good job being now a one man band. His voice is still right there. He can play an acoustic guitar as well as anyone. It would be nice to have the Egyptians with him still, but he does alright by himself. Great location, fun place to be and relaxing evening.

This was one of the most incredible shows I have seen in years! He played all acoustic and all of the songs were groovy! He played alot of his old stuff and a few of his new songs, too! The ghost of Kent Stage even made a couple of appearances! He mentioned ghost (s) in at least four song, too!!! Plus, he stuck around and I got to meet and talk with him for a few minutes... A wonderful evening!!

John Floro

Robyn never fails to bring beauty, humor, and exceptional performance skills to his shows. He is a true legend and precious soul. His music touches me in such a way that I am moved. I hope he returns to Albuquerque many times over. I will never tire of seeing him, hearing his stories, and reveling in the glow and glory of his music.

My best gig of the year so far! It was a privelage to witness Robyn playing a solo acoustic show in a small, intimate venue. On top of the quality songwriting and virtuoso fingerpicking, Robyn gave lots of engaging and humourous banter between songs. 10/10

Another first-class evening of consummate musicianship, haute couture, and whimsical repartee, although honestly sometimes I think Robyn cares more about those damned rodents than he does about us--his loyal, PAYING audients.

First time seeing Robyn Hitchcock in Vancouver in almost 15 years,as always a great show , great song selection , and the 23rd time having seen him live .Always a pleasure