Set against the spectacular North East coastline, Tynemouth Priory with a history stretching back two millenniums, must be one of the most stunning settings for a concert anywhere in the world.
As part of the Mouth of the Tyne Festival, the Queen of Goth, Siouxsie of Siouxsie and the Banshees fame has been enticed back up North for her first show in the region for nigh on four decades. No wonder tickets were flying out at a record rate.
Commensurate with this spectacular backdrop, Siouxsie opened with a real surprise and a jaw-dropping moment for longstanding fans as she performed ‘Voices’, the B-side to ‘Hong Kong Garden’ for the first time ever, anywhere. Now that`s what you call a treat.
She swiftly followed up with a couple of Banshees classics, ‘Israel’ and ‘Arabian Knights’ from 1981`s ‘Ju Ju’ album before ‘Here Comes That Day’ from Siouxsie`s sole solo album ‘Mantaray’, added a slightly different twist to the show.
Siouxsie herself looked stunning in a sky blue trouser suit and shades which were dispensed with as the sun went down.
Over the course of the evening, the lion’s share of the songs came from those classic Siouxsie and the Banshee`s albums including those the classics ‘Christine’ and ‘Happy House’ along with her stunning cover of The Beatles, ‘Dear Prudence’ which whipped her fans into a frenzy.
An atmospheric, mysterious ‘Cities In Dust’ just seemed to fit the occasion perfectly looking around at the ruins of the Priory as the sun set behind the horizon. Absolutely stunning.
‘But Not Them’ from ‘Wild Things’ EP, by The Creatures, the band she formed with Banshees drummer Budgie, was a welcome surprise to the set along with the stirring set closer ‘Into A Swan’ from her solo record.
What better way to bring the show to a glorious end than a couple of bona fide Gothic bangers, ‘Spellbound’ and ‘Hong Kong Garden’ it simply does not get better than that.
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