|
Translation
Peter Hammill at the théâtre de Rezé
Electric poet and a gentleman
In the world of rock, Peter Hammill is a legend. Not one that is fuelled by
noise and fury but rather one who has been cited as an influence by the
likes of Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Joy Division, the Sex Pistols and many
others. The older ones haven't forgotten Van der Graaf Generator, that
mythical 70's group in which he was the charismatic leader.
Almost unbelievable, but true: invited by the l'ARC, Peter Hammill performed
last week at the théâtre d Rezé in front of 300 fans. The English gentleman
was very well received. With a piano-synth that literally spoke underneath his fingers
and an acoustic guitar, which he calmly changed a broken string during a
pathetic encore
It is difficult to explain how much class and elegance this lanky, grey
haired person has. Wearing a white shirt, marine blue pants and running
shoes, every movement, every note, every crack in his voice speaks justice
and sensitivity. To accept the magic spell of his unique voice, that is soft
as skin and rough as scratched metal, is to embark on an emotional voyage,
full of nocturnal confessions shaken up by the occasional unpredictable
storm.
At Rezé, Peter Hammill did many old songs, that were emotional. Even if we
don't understand English, we know that there, in a modest circle of light,
the electric poet is worth his weight in seriousness and hopeless
melancholy. "Truly, it has been a pleasure to play for you" said the artist
in French to the acclaiming public. A compliment, assuredly sincere, to a
public who deserved this miraculous evening.
Jean Théfaine |
