Sunday 02/03/08 Eels @ The Brighton Dome

So you go into the 2000 plus capacity Brighton Dome, take your seat, stay there for three hours and leave with the sense that you’ve just seen an intimate gig. It shouldn’t make sense, but when someone of the status of Mark Oliver Everett is just yards away from you, playing an electric guitar on his own, with one single light zooming in down from above him, it’s a special, special moment. Some would have called the gig a “one-in-a-lifetime” event, indeed a rock-star playing his greatest hits in laid back, up-close scenes can be a little overwhelming, a rare coming. 

Sadly though, while extracts of E’s autobiography were being read out in between songs there were constant heckles of “play some music!” from drunken audience members who spent the whole night acting like dickheads rather than listening to the genius from L.A. But the fact is those heckles were unjust and spoiled many peoples' nights somewhat. This concert wasn’t just a concert, it wasn’t just a performance, it was a tribute to the last decade or so of Everett’s life. He did things his way; no supporting act, instead the documentary he embarked on with the BBC about his Father was played an hour before he came onstage. He read fan letters, praising gig reviews and proved that these attempted-comedians of hecklers would never be as funny as the man on stage.

While the hecklers were satisfied (when E was playing music), there were two men on fine form. Everett was joined with Jeffrey Lyster, aka, ‘The Chet’ who proved a particular success with the audience. The two swapped from drums to piano flawlessly in ‘Flyswatter’ the set highlight, and showed variety between pedals and instruments throughout. Showcasing the best of the material predominantly from latest album ‘Blinking Lights and Other Revelations’ and the understated masterpiece ‘Daisies Of The Galaxy’, every song received a gigantic reception. The majority of the audience were more than satisfied, a few standing in ovation once they realised the second of E’s encores would be his last – others were confused about whether it was time to stand or not. Standout moments from the many were a melancholic take on ‘Bus Stop Boxer’, a full-on energetic performance of ‘The Sound of Fear’ and particular crowd-pleaser and overall fan-favourite, ‘I Like Birds’.

In between songs, E put on a witty, fake, arrogant persona and  praised himself every now and again, even though some of his words were entirely true. Most of the audience were fully aware of his flawless input into modern day music which has got him to headline a venue of such magnitude as the Brighton Dome. Tonight was truly a night to remember.