Boney M

Boney M? Are they still going? Didn’t one of them die?

Yes, yes, and yes. In fact, they’re down to just one of the original line-up, Maizie Williams. This tour is billed as their “Farewell Tour”, but we’ve all heard that one before, haven’t we? Bobby Farrell, the original dancer, died in 2010. Whilst he often lip-synched the lyrics in their videos, the male vocals weren’t actually provided by him – their producer, Frank Farian, sang the studio versions – but he did sing in their live shows. Also, Maizie Williams didn’t sing on the original tracks –  Liz Mitchell was the main voice – she was also their for “decoration”, like Farrell. But she sings now, so that’s OK.

First, obviously, dinner. In the current straitened climate faced by many hospitality venues, their continued existence depends on our continued support…if you ignore them, they’ll go away. One place we definitely don’t want to go away is Wellingon’s last bastion of fine dining, Loggie B’s, and, as we haven’t been there in a while, we decided to push the boat out. We started out early to ensure we weren’t rushed, and had time for a cocktail before dinner as well. I had oysters (from Waiheke, not Bluff unfortunately) and duck breast, followed by chocolate fondant; and Nicola had the gnocchi and beef cheek, followed by the panna cotta. Classic dishes, but done so well, they can’t be beat.

We trotted along Cuba Street on what turned out to be a much milder evening than the last few nights, and reached St James Theatre. Upstairs and upstairs again, to the nosebleed seats in the grand circle, as this gig was sold out on all levels. First up we had support act Mark Williams. Is this the same Mark Williams who now fronts Dragon? It’s hard to tell, as he sang covers of disco hits rather than any of his own material, with a heavy emphasis on Hot Chocolate (You Sexy Thing, It Started With  A Kiss, So You Win Again, Every 1’s A Winner), and Mark Williams is a common name.

Then it was time for the main act, and they didn’t disappoint. They played all the classics, with a little bit of chat in between. You may have forgotten some of their songs, but they had some absolute belters, including a surprisingly heavy rock version of Belfast, and a promptu* version of We Will Rock You when the singers left for a costume change and the band members were introduced.

As the show reached its climax they played a banging version of Rasputin that got everyone on their feet, and followed it with By The Rivers Of Babylon to close out the set.

Did we want more? Of course we did! So on they came again, for just one more song, with a very heavy hint: Gotta Go Home. So we did.

 

* i.e. not impromptu

Baggy Trousers

Baggy Trousers are a Brisbane-based Madness tribute band. They’re touring New Zealand – and by “tour”, I mean they’re playing in the three main centres – so we decided to go along and see them. Whilst they’re Aussies, the singer is a Brit who has moved to Australia.

But first, dinner. As they’re playing Cuba Street’s San Fran bar, we decided to go for pizza at Santeria, formerly known as Heaven Pizza. Both had the Mexicana, and it was lovely. Then we trotted along the road to San Fran, and got a beer in whilst waiting for the support act…

…who were a revelation! They’re called The Underground, and they’re from Nelson. They’re also a cover band, but with a varied mix. The set started with In The City by The Jam, then continued with songs by The Clash, Buzzcocks, The Police, The Vapors, The Ruts, The Specials, more Jam and Clash. Honestly, you’d pay to see them on their own, and next time they’re in Wellington, we just might.

Then on to the main event. The arrival of the band was heralded by Return of Los Palmas 7 played through the PA. They covered all the classics,* but also mixed in some songs from more "recent" albums after the band reformed in the 90s. The hits were evenly dispersed throughout the show, mixed with some deep cuts, and they slowed it down on a couple of occasions, probably because the singer needed a rest from the high-energy performance he gives to the songs. He’s also clearly studied Suggs’ stage and video presence, as he had the gestures and dances down pat. Togged out in pinstriped suit, with porkpie hat and dark glasses, he looked the part. The supporting band were also very accomplished, although I could’ve wished for the piano to be slightly higher in the mix as it was drowned out a lot of the time.

They finished the main set with Our House, but then came back for an encore of Madness, then changed their headgear for a pith helmet and fezzes for Night Boat To Cairo.

 

 

* Driving In My Car didn’t get a look-in, possibly because of the complexity of the horns and bells. Also, Michael Caine didn’t make the mix.