Richard Hawley with Ferraby Lionheart at 400 Bar on 12/6/07

By: Jon Behm

---

Ferraby Lionheart - Photo by Jon Behm

I can hardly blame anyone for not making it to the 400 Bar last Thursday night for Richard Hawley. It was one of those nights where the wind was so cold that walking down the street felt like you were getting gunned down by Mr. Freeze. Those who made the arctic journey though were rewarded by an evening of excellent music. 

Ferraby Lionheart and his band were the night’s only opener and played a number of songs from their recent debut, and in my opinion, one of 2007’s better releases, Catch the Brass Ring. They also did a few unreleased tracks that I was not as familiar with. 

Lionheart’s sound is a brand of folk/country balladry that is not altogether uncommon. Where he stands apart is in his cleverly crafted melodies, which are a bit melancholic, but are very catchy all the same. Complimented by piano and lap steel, the band was the perfect accompaniment to a quiet night in the 400’s cozy accommodation. I think that Lionheart sounded even better than the last time I saw him, and played a few of my favorites, such as “Vermont Avenue” and “Before We’re Dead.” I continue to worry about the lead singer’s health though, as he is looking even more skeleton-like than he did last summer. 

Jarvis Cocker’s friend and former Pulp collaborator, Richard Hawley, headlined the night in a slick charcoal suit and pompadour hair. Though Hawley isn’t that well known; he and his band have that sort of “legendary rocker” look. Just by taking the stage they had me thinking to myself “this band looks like a good band,” which is ridiculous, I know. The lead guitarist looked sort of “Bowie-esque” though, and Hawley himself could probably take his glasses off and convince a number of non-British citizens that he was Morrissey. 

Richard Hawley - photo by Jon Behm

Not knowing a great deal about the band, I expected an early-nineties Britpop sound of the Pulp or Suede variety. Hawley surprised me though by singing a number of songs that sounded more akin to the work of Frank Sinatra. It turns out that Hawley is a romantic with the velvety smooth voice of the crooners of old. There is also a rockabilly sound in evidence in his work, or maybe I just thought that after seeing Hawley’s beautiful Gretsch guitar (weird side-note, on the popular game Second Life, characters can buy a copy of said guitar for their own pretend use). 

Hawley’s wit was as sharp as the night was cold. He traded a few comments with the crowd, including one unfortunate soul who tried to curry the singer’s favor by shouting that he was a fan of Sheffield’s soccer team (Hawley’s home town) before being publicly humiliated by a sarcastic Hawley. Hawley didn’t seem to think it appropriate that the man claimed to be a fan of a team so far away from the man’s home. While his cruel demeanor was a little off-putting, I forgave Hawley when he sang such gems as “Tonight the Streets are Ours” and “Valentine.” His soft croon and ethereal guitar playing left the room speechless. 

I’ll bet that in everyday life, Richard Hawley is kind of an asshole (or arsehole as those cheeky Brits say). However, he is more smartass than cruel, and I would pay to see him again any day.

Postscript: Since publishing this article I was informed by a fan that Richard Hawley is most definitely not an "arsehole" but a very kind man who chatted the fans after the show and even bought some a round of drinks.  I am actually very pleased to hear that my initial intuition about the man's personality was dead wrong.

---

Location Info: 400 Bar
Artist Info: Ferraby Lionheart, Richard Hawley

Share this story:

Article comments powered by Disqus