ray
ok
it was a huge undertaking
it could have gone horribly wrong
but it didnt
i wont bore you or myself with all that
all i know is i walked onstage at the oh and things went mostly right
we had a 67 piece orchestra
we had special guests as follows
patti hood on harp, a longstanding friend of the church n world class harpist
jonathan zwartz on double bass , one of australias very best
sophie collings on cello whos featured on a few of our discs
tiare helberg and shelley harland on backing vox
and of course craig wilson on guitar, bass and vox…our utility man
the band played well
the arrangements were just right
the orch played with verve and elan
we nailed it
they nailed it
it was nailed
the audience were fantastic
i believe the sound was good too
it was a task to get it all right
best gig of my life i guess
whens the next one…..?
theres a 90 minute tv special in works
theres a 2 hour dvd in works
theres talk of taking the orch idea to different cities round the world
i hope so
it was some night!
Sooo wish I was there to witness the nailing. But yes yes to an orchestra show in the US or Europe.
at the risk of being very unoriginal and somewhat repetitive, it was brilliant steve. really fucking brilliant. congratulations to everyone.
You in your absolute element. The ringmaster reigning supreme. It was great too that you played such a diverse range – although I live for the day you play “Disappear” at a show.
holy crap! kennedy center in DC!!
love to get a dvd too
NYC or LA, or both. Or Boulder, CO with the Boulder Philharmonic! Would make us for missing Colorado the last couple of tours. Steven is right…would be great publicity for the band even if you managed only a couple of coast dates.
So glad to hear it was so nailed. What an accomplishment so soon after the grueling US tour.
Really, really looking forward to the DVD.
well done guys !..a very special occasion..
if you ever do it again..may I suggest a more fascinating light show..
and maybe a paisley costume change for the Band..as the orchestra did ..
all in all..worth the virgin airlines trip to see the EVENT !!!
Congrats to you guys! Next time you play in Philadelphia could you close with “Tantalized”? I’m really happy for you–you are the best band in the world and I love you!
Kathleen in Philly
Great effort Steve. It was well worth the trip.
Dear Steve and the Church, What a great achievement to be wowing audiences 30 years on.It was an amazing night , wouldn’t have missed it for anything and I think you are ”right on” for a ”charisma award”. Loved Disillusionist, and so many others. Hope the world tour comes good for you, but don’t exhaust yourself and continue to make
The Church music we love. Yours truly Judy Miller
Steve ,I was there in row x!!! With the wall of the opera house behind me. But being so far away wasn’t so far at all because my heart was so warmed to see my favourite band with all the magic and light of an orchestra behind them. It was like being in a very cosy womb such is the ambience of the opera house. The last time I had been at the concert hall was almost exactly a year ago lying naked on the stage being photographed by the artist Spencer Tunic. The universe has a way of always giving back to us in abundance. All the sparks were flying for me and Marty even played Spark! You looked so happy, in your absolute element and it was a treat to witness it all. What a great connection you must have with George Ellis, I keep my fingers crossed for many more collaborations with him and his fine players. Bravo to all the extraordinary maestros that created such a tantalising, enthralling and beautiful performance
and get them flowers for Seggy !!
Proud for you and the guys!!!
Thanks to all involved for a wonderful night! Our family had a leisurely week long drive down from Brissie, met up with some friends along the way and then flew home, which was a nice way to go about the great adventure. Saw quite a few Choich shirts at the airport the next day and spoke to a happy punter who was on our flight (Michael or MattyC?).
Highlights for me were Myrrh (dramatic arrangement), Grind (lush arrangement), Happy Hunting Ground (what other time are you going to hear that live!), Ripple, Disillusionist and the instrumental outro to Angel Street. However… Reptile was the one where everything seemed to come together for me. The thing I love about Church gigs is that when you guys click on a particular number you really start cooking – nothing beats it in live R&R if you ask me. Plenty of other moments that I’ll have to revisit in the fillum (the usual gags in the lyrics and I seem to remember Marty particularly shredding the bass at the end of the lost Aussie classic).
Time did fly, it was a long show. The venue was fantastic & our stall seats seemed perfect – about the same level as the band and close to the stage (and it was lovely to see your family contingent – tell your Mum she looked great!). Now for the three album show…
Hello Wayne
I do stand to be corrected but I think The Dave Miller Band did a short version of what is an original by Eire Apparent…supposedly with Hendrix assisting production. Eire Apparent version has more solo guitar and yes, Marty was on fire. Anyway, both versions are great!!!!
Yes
Steve Marty Tim and Peter,
do it tour it round the world, all your fans will come plus old ones new ones and all the ones inbetween. Lot of work and sacrifice though i guess?
Eagerly we await the dvd and tv
Who could not come
Glad you feel contented about it!
thank you always for your music and inspiration for us all
All the best for 2011 and beyond blessings Cath
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, a nice little homecoming gig for Marty
Make it happen lads! I’ll be in Sydney in a few weeks too, missed the boat there! x
It was a night at the opera to remember!!!A venue and a crowd worthy of the greatest psychedelic guitar band in the world bar none…A tremendous performance that’s still playing in my head! Thanks and hosannas to you all concerned.
Rehan
Congratualtions on the successful symphonic gig! Wish I could have been there and hope you do take it on tour with a stop in NYC. Can’t wait until the DVD comes out.
A truly wonderful Church experience and I’ve had many in your 30 years. Loved The Unguarded Moment, wanted to hear it again in the encores, but an epic performance of nearly 2 1/2 hours. Loved George’s energy and arrangements. Congrats and I’m so glad I witnessed it.
SK-
Congrats on what sounds like ,from all the bloggers on here, was a perfect set on a perfect night.
Now as a friend, take some time off to yourself and recharge those batteries. If anyone deserves a bit of RnR its you and the guys. Cannot wait for the DVD. I am so happy for all those who were able to make this show. The enthusiasm in their comments is contagious. Fantastic !!!!
Great Job as always Killer !!!!
Darrin K.
This would be the most anticipated DVD for me. I havn’t been able to see you guys live yet.. I live in the wrong city, in the wrong country (Canada). Doh!
I really like today’s photo. Great lighting.
I wish I could have been at this show! I love the idea of bringing it to the States…my vote is for Boston or Albany. Congratulations Steve.
I can’t wait for the DVD, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come to Scotland!
I haven’t seen you live since ’88 in London, the albums are great but we all know live is briliant and best. The UK needs a Church tour.
Congratulations!
Glad to hear all went well SK, no less than you guys deserve xx
well, the whole orchestra thing could be taken ’round the world, or…you lot can stay right there in the homeland, do the show all over again there, and get us all booked at a nice little group rate flight (like, cheap) and we’d all catch the performance in Sydney.
sweet!
- now, let’s see. i’d need to renew my passport, probably need a visitor’s visa – uhm, do they still spray that parasite stopping spray on the planes before landing? what the hell is in that stuff anyway?
DVD. yay!
what an honor
well done
congrats
Hi All, Couldn’t attach scan of the list but here goes:
METROPOLIS
SEALINE
LOST
ALMOST WITH YOU
ANCHORAGE
PANGAEA
UNGUARDED MOMENT
MYRRH
NEVER BEFORE
GRIND (AC TO EL)
INTERMISSION
HAPPY HUNTING GROUND (ORCHESTRA ONLY)
MR GUY FAWKES (60′S COVER)
RIPPLE
REPTILE
TWO PLACES AT ONCE
THE DISILLUSIONIST
SPARK
ANGEL STREET
MILKY WAY
SPACE SAVIOUR
ALREADY YESTERDAY (AC)
INVISIBLE/MARLENE
OPERETTA
TANTALIZED
Thanks for posting!
Thank you Kate, I think! “Myrrh”–how delightful! Maybe if I make it to heaven I’ll be able to hear the show there!!
Kathleen in Philly
how exciting! looking forward to the dvd.
Sounds like a wonderful show; I’ll watch for the DVD info so I can grab one up. I bought Grant Lee Phillips cd tonight that has his cover version of Under The Milky Way….it has Karin Jansson listed before you in the song credits….was wondering who that was and if she wrote the song.
Karin is Steve’ s first wife. The mother of his first twin angels: Electra and Miranda , and also collaborated with SK on UTMW. She is an incredible woman, great mother, and a natural beauty. Karin has been and I imagine, always will, remain a pillar of support and strength in Steve’s life. I mean no disrespect if I am sailing off course on this subject SK. I have always been proud of you and your life, family, and career. And as always, I wish you the very best health and happiness. Congrats on your epic concert.
AsALways,
Darrin K.
Actually, Broken Toys and heros Mary was Steve’s first wife. he was never married to Karin.
who the fuck is mary???????
My apology, Karin was your ‘girlfriend’, that is such a strange word to type knowing she is the mother of the first twin angels and has been such a huge part of all your daughters lives. I am human and make errors , but who the hell is Mary? And if such a creature did/ does exist…please do tell. If this is nonsense, than hell…run with it and create a blog dedicated to “Mary” and the striking beauty she was, so radiant to as have stolen your heart away in a secret ceremony and all the influences she had on your life. Like when you were writing “Starfish” , how you argued daily with the band and Arista to name the record : ‘Mary, my first fuckin wife’ and the epic closing song “Hotel Womb” was changed from ‘ Mary and this huge ass hotel bill’.
A Confused soul,
Darrin K.
I really thought I knew you, you’ve had us all twisting in the wind about your life this entire time.
read my bio dazza
its all in there
Sorry Steve, got the early wive’s confused.
Wow! How cool is this, not sure about taking it around the world, might get pricey, ELP tried it, didnt work out too good, be happy with the moment, still like the album performance, the recent US tour blew me away, will go to youtube to check out this historic event
the church and the george ellis orchestra – a symphony from heaven. It worked perfectly. An amazing experience. Anchorage, Reptile, 2 Places, Grind were highlights for me. I couldn’t sit still and had a sore jaw from smiling so much. Also loved your version of Mr. Guy Fawkes.
sk, loved the new shoes and pants – very rock star! The yoga poses showed off your youth and agility. The vibe was palpable and exciting. As usual, I didn’t want it to end.
In this cooler weather, as I said before, I’ve got the church to keep me waaaarmm.
Think I’ll go eat some chocolate and play some church.
Love
Lady Di
Still thinking about Sun nite. Oh what a nite! To finally c the orch on the oh stage, what a dream come true. In the future when I c a show there I will picture my fave band on that stage and how lucky I was to be there.
Wish my brother had been there, but he wouldn’t have seen a thing after an eye op. At least he can c it on tv, can’t wait for that and the dvd.
The band & orchestra sure did nail it, was worth all the planning, rehearsing etc.
Glad the band agreed on the set list, perfect. Most of my fave songs were included, was so pleased!!! Also, some I wasn’t too familiar with are moving into the fave list now, two in particular hope they’re on a cd I have or if not, will have to add another one to the collection.
U were on fire, don’t think I’ve heard u sing better, not a bad note.
The band were amazing and the orchestra added a special touch and blended in so well with the songs.
Hope u do tour the world, the world needs to c this AWESOME event, u have to c it to beleive it!!!
Well done to all involved, long may the magic of the ORCH continue to shine.
Peace & love
Therese
ps. Saw BB King last nite he’s still got it and when you’re in your 80′s sitting on stage playing the guitar u will still have it too.
Dont feel I can add anything especially since on the night I was home baking an apricot pudding… sounded fantasmagorical though
congrats Infinity (Y)
I’ll pur chase the dvd when its released.. nothing like the real thing though
this may seem alittle off base.. gut regarding the merch table ….i really need a church hat ..please…please consider having the church elves stir some up…
like an sk designed hat ….
Okay, now I’m thinking I really NEED that hat.
Paul Kelly reviews the show: http://www.voxmagazine.com.au/2011/04/the-church-opera-house-review/
I’ve seen other bands add orchs and didn’t like it. Less is more sometimes. Makes my sword glow blue
Congratulations, Mr. K. I can’t imagine what that show was like, so I’ll just think about getting my hands on the DVD for now. Traveling orchestra..
A hat would be too much to handle.
Damn! Wish I could’ve been there.
And a super duper review by Damian Sheiles: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Werney-Central/131981710188749#!/notes/the-church-band/a-great-opera-house-review-by-damian-sheiles/10150153731136156
(it’s on facebook, so you may need an account to read it.
well nailed
I was in the front row
when you did your mighty rock god poses
it was like they were just for me
well nailed!
take it on the road!!!!! and come to Montreal!!!!
Greetings Steve,Yep you nailed it. And yep i have seen the church around 300 times and this was the biggy.I have cried with emotion when strings have been included in previous gigs but i fairly poured it out this time.To see Steve stutting the stage bass free, was to see a man who once was so shy he stood as loveblind in the car headlights of an acerbic and ugly crowd.From the kitchen table at Mansfield street to the opera house in a few short lifetimes ago. Higlights were Sealine, Happy hunting ground, Grind, Anchorage, Spark, the disillutionist (this was the one, Mr Guy fawlkes and an absolute killer Tantalised. But it was all good. I am blessed to have been there. Thanks Steve. Biggsey x
It was an absolute honour to have been there to witness The Church performing this awe-inspiring concert. So, congratulations to you all as you deserve all the great accolades you are receiving.
Grant & Terri
PS Pleeeeeeease dont make it to long before you play in Melbourne again!!!
10 days after the fact and whoa! the comedown ……. man. Working in my garden yesterday. weeding the weeds and getting the spinach settled for late autumn thinking Grind as the rain clouds waited politely until I had finished before unloading their wonderful juices. The clouds were invited.
Bigs x
a lovely picture you paint bigs
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Steve,
Wish I could have gone back to that night at the Opera House on the day of 2 weeks ago!
It’s such a great show, fantastic night!
Thank you, Steve for everything you did for the concert.
I’m so glad to have been there and proud of being a longtime Church fan!
Love,
Mariko xxx