Photo: Sofi Eln
As flashing images stream from the stage, the impatient and somewhat anxious cries penetrating the mild buzz in London’s Koko tonight is much expected given recent reports of Mark E Smith’s broken hip, as the crowd await his arrival with The Fall on stage. But not even mobility restrictions could obstruct the front man’s ability to entertain the crowd as he roves about singing from a wheelchair, stopping occasionally to fiddle with equipment or manoeuvre around the other band members stood on stage. Like a demented conductor he directs with a presence that wanes little through out the performance despite times when he is obscured from the audience, having taken position behind the amps or even off stage (as in their encore later). And, when he does stand up he is met with cheers of encouragement.
With a third of their set consisting of tracks from the band’s 27th studio record(!), last year’s Imperial Wax Solvent, the age or era of The Fall’s songs played tonight has no relevance to the crowd's constant and gratified reactions. Even the recognisably older crowd members and those more ardent Fall fans (noticeable by their great efforts to shout the lyrics in synchrony) seem content with each song. However, it does get particularly rowdy for I’ve Been Duped, sung by Mark’s wife, Eleni Poulou and then when the singer returns for following song and older number, Carry Bag Man.
During the encore Mark’s vocals can be heard for White Lightning and the mighty and lengthy Blindness though he does not appear to return to the stage. As the show winds down and the crowd file out of the venue a small few can be heard uttering the words, “Was he there at the end?” Who knows? - It doesn't matter when all those present seemed committed to enjoy their night regardless.
The Fall @ KOKO:
