John Foxx & Louis Gordon Subterranean Omnidelic Exotour Sunday 26 April 1998

Review By Sue Brown

I have just returned from the Shepherd's Bush Empire after the last night of the John Foxx and Louis Gordon Subterranean Omnidelic Exotour and have to write it all down now whilst it is fresh in my mind. We were among the first to arrive. I spoke to some of the fans waiting on the steps, they had come from Ireland and Folkestone for the show. We had only travelled from just outside London. Some had arrived from Croydon on a coach. Very soon people began arriving, most were dressed in black and had a Gothic air about them, many were wearing Gary Numan tee-shirts, proving that plenty of Gary Numan fans also like John Foxx. there was a cheerful and good humoured air as we all waited for the doors to open which happened a few minutes after seven. We made our way down into the standing area downstairs. The Shepherd's Bush Empire is a small, but cosy, venue with a bar on either side of the auditorium area. We made our way straight to the front where we were literally hanging over the railing about three feet from the stage.

The first group on stage were Mesh, three boys from Bristol, two keyboard players and a lead singer. I was pleasantly surprised by their strong performance of a group of songs with some very powerful lyrics to them, personally I rated this band as the singing was delivered professionally and with feeling. One song which stood out for me I think was called 'Scared' which came across really well. These boys should have a future. Next up were 'Dig' with the ever-vibrant Ade Orange. Ade was a true performer, moving in and out of the clouds of smoke which filled the stage to good effect. He gave an intense performance, including manic leaps into the air, but sadly his voice was a little overpowered by the guitar, which although well played, could have done with being a little lighter at times.

Finally came the moment for which I personally had been waiting intensely. Firstly out came Mr. Gordon followed closely by 'The Man' himself. The two synthesizers were placed about 10 feet apart isolating each performer in his own small world. A large glitterball hung symmetrically to both the left and to the right of the duo, most of the lights were placed on a batten running between these balls, although some were also stage left and right on smaller stands. John played a few chords, composed his face and assumed the aspect of a martial arts expert about to slice his way through a pile of bricks. His fingers went to work and rolled out an aggressive 'in- your-face' performance of '20th Century' which got the audience screaming along with him. John smiled but moved little except for a few characteristic head movements whilst the ebullient Mr. Gordon threw himself in with gusto, alternating between 'Pogo Dancing' and peering over his instrument with a demonic look. The keyboards both dueled and duetted in sparkling fashion. Applause was vigorous and enthusiastic, which set things off to a good start.

Next came 'Burning Car' which had everyone singing along, followed by an electric version of 'Overpass'. At times both artists were picked out by a single white beam which only served to emphasise their individuality. 'This City' came next and then a truly moving version of 'Hiroshima Mon Amour'. All were enthusiastically received which seemed to please John greatly. The 'Quiet Men' were not particularly quiet as the duo performed this one with vigour. Next came one of the 'high spots' for me, 'An Ocean We Can Breathe'. At this point the auditorium was flooded with green and blue lights roaming over us like waves and as the song unfolded I felt that I was truly breathing an ocean. The power of the synthesizers rose to a climax and I actually felt the music physically vibrating through my chest, truly amazing.

'Through My Sleeping' and 'Through the Noise' came next and were delivered with both synthesizers soaring to new heights. 'Shifting City' was for me the most powerful song of the evening, once again the lights were used to excellent effect as red, blue and orange beams roamed over the audience and we were drawn into a song of compelling and relentless intensity. The 'orchestral strings' sound running below the harmonies was for me very moving indeed. By the last chord of this song I felt as if life itself had been drawn out of me. Applause was rapturous and the duo left the stage. But we were having none of that! So back they came and finished the evening with a ruthlessly intense version of 'Endlessly' which had us all singing and dancing like crazy people. As we spilled out into the cool London air we felt that we had witnessed an historic event. I for one will remember this night for many years to come.