© Lisa Tiffany Photography
Photos by Lisa Tiffany
wwww.facebook.com/LisaTiffanyPhotography
https://twitter.com/SoundShooterTWR
Live Gig Review by Mark Dean (Journalist/Writer/Contributor) Myglobalmind Webzine
Initially I was intrigued on first seeing this tour advertised. Scott Ian a Heavy metal Icon in a small venue, with no music just words..On researching I found however that the man has dipped his toe into many extra-curricular and non musical ventures over the years. This prove to be just another addition on a CV that also features professional poker player, and comic book writer.
The venue itself has a long and chequered gig history over the years, but I don’t recall any similar billings, certainly not in recent years anyway..The audience itself seemed to consist entirely of old school thrash metal fans, with many retro t.shirts clearly visible. With no formalities-intro etc Scott strode casually onto the stage pint of Guinness in hand and began his raconteur role..Throughout a variety of tales and stories Scott seemed to engage his audience,
making them laugh at times and generally take a keen interest. The subject matter of these revolved as expected through on the road experiences as a musician with Anthrax. Taking in experiences with alcohol, drugs and name checking many of the metal heroes of the audience were enhanced with a video backdrop and slide-show display which offered a visual as well as auditory experience.
Unfortunately about half way through the monologues I found my interest beginning to wane and wander. The subject matter of the stories had begun to follow a familiar pattern leading up to a throwaway punch line..I debated this issue with a fellow journalist who seemed to agree with my opinion..
The end of the set featured a question and answer session with fans, which didn’t really present any additional insights into the enigma of the man himself. Generally I feel that had Scott Ian shelved
perhaps half an hour of his set then I would be rating the performance higher. In conclusion kudos to the local promoter for delivering a different format and type of show to the metal and rock audience of N.Ireland..Scott has added another string to his bow, but with careful editing and perhaps more experience at the role the quality of delivery may have been even better.
ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian announced early last year a full spoken-word, Metal Hammer-sponsored U.K. tour.
“My first ‘Speaking Words’ tour and I get to do it in the U.K. and Ireland? Really? Wow, how fucking cool is that!” says Scott. “My one-off show in London went so well and now I get to speak words at you all over the place. Thank you for having a superior sense of humor.
“I’m calling it ‘Speaking Words’ because the pretension of saying I am doing a ‘spoken-word’ tour is too much to bear. This ain’t no poetry reading. This isn’t an evening of sensitive discourse. It’s an evening of ridiculous truth. It’s me talking (swearing) about this insane life I’ve led over the last 31 years, the people I’ve met and the shit that’s happened. And when I’m done swearing, you can ask me anything you want, the floor is yours.
“Cheers, my friends. See you in May and June.”
The full list of dates is as follows:
May 24 – Oxford O2 Academy
May 25 – Cardiff The Gate
May 26 – Gloucester Guildhall
May 27 – Plymouth White Rabbit
May 29 – Rugby The Vault
May 30 – York The Duchess
May 31 – Liverpool O2 Academy
Jun. 01 – Manchester Sound Control
Jun. 02 – Stoke Underground
Jun. 04 – Newcastle The Cluny
Jun. 05 – Glasgow The Arches
Jun. 06 – Belfast Limelight 2
Jun. 07 – Cork Cyprus Avenue
Jun. 08 – Dublin Button Factory
Jun. 10 – Bournemouth O2 Academy
Jun. 11 – London The Garage
Source: Blabbermouth.net
About Author
