When Patrick Wolf announced that there would be a special one off gig that would feature a full on string section, we were all expecting a full on no holds barred cage match submission only fight gig where everything goes, and that’s pretty much what happened. With a setlist spanning to several pages (3 on the sound desk guy’s setlist) we were expecting loads of guest appearances and old songs to pop up, afterall, it is a one off.
The venue, combined with the additional string backing really built a grandular sound for the entire set. It was also ace having the extra female vocals in the songs such as Oblivion, Thickets and The Bachelor. The Bachelor sported guest singer Florence Welch aka Florence and the Machine. Her voice really suited the song, especially near the end where she starts wailing.
Was hoping she’d appear in more songs but nope, just that one. Nearer the end we also have Alec Empire providing additional noises. Really worked well with songs such as Battle, which I believe was the song where folks started to stand up throughout the entire show. Sitting down was no longer an option. Patrick has about 4-5 changes of clothes and noted that he was keeping this a family show so no topless action i’m afraid.
Nearer the end, Patrick makes a few dedications and played some slowly songs including The Sun is Often Out.
I can’t recall the amount of encores this show had, but it certainly kept us clapping and wanting more, Patrick ended with Vulture in epic disco ball spinning style. Fans were cheering and singing along like crazy.
So yeah, really good choice of songs, and guests singing songs. If I were to choose to watch just one patrick wolf show, this would have been it! Hopefully we’ll see another show like this for the Conqueror. Good times.
