- Black Francies and the Monkey Gone to Heaven Photo: Andy Soloman
These pages have been a little quiet over the past couple of weeks as I have shifted my attention to other directions, namely visiting New York and getting to see those great icons of their age: the Pixies performing the seminal Doolittle and various “B sides”. Cracking stuff.
So, before normal service is resumed, and as a little bit of light refreshment mixed in with a dollop of nostalgia, I pay homage to the Pixies. Yes, their Doolittle tour is a cash cow but why the hell shouldn’t they be allowed to reap something more from a career that was stunted if not highly influential? In New York they performed four gigs on consecutive nights, and then as demand for tickets was so good they tacked on another 1am show on Thanksgiving eve.
And what was the result? Black Francis actually smiled and Kim Deal, looking every inch everyone’s favourite Mum, kept us entertained with a little refrained banter through the set. The last time I saw Black Francis perform was at a solo gig he did at a small, smokey and extremely crowded London venue back in 1991 or 1992. Back then I was a working photographer on assignment. The only place for me to perch was on the side of the stage. He took exception to his moment in the spotlight being invaded, stopped mid song, uttered some expletives and then told the crowd he wouldn’t continue until I was off the stage. I had no choice but to get subsumed in the mosh pit, cameras swinging. Back then he had attitude, but I reckon now he has also found a dose of gratitude.
- Pixies at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City Photo: Andy Soloman
- Black Francis & Joey Santiago Photo: Andy Soloman
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