Live: Portishead Rehearsal Show @ Mayan

ARTICLE BY CHARLOTTE MOSS
PHOTO BY JAMES CADDEN

APRIL 24 | LOS ANGELES—For fans of ’90s trip-hop group Portishead, who have been on hiatus since 1999 and have not released anything since 1998’s Roseland NYC Live, this exclusive rehearsal show at the Mayan was nothing short of a dream come true. Since about half of the audience had tickets via the Portishead fan club, there was genuine excitement in the atmosphere—it wasn’t just industry tonight.

Many wondered what they could expect from Beth Gibbons, Adrian Utley and Geoff Barrow. Fans debated over whether Portishead would mainly perform songs from Third, the band’s first album in 11 years. And the continual emphasis on tonight being a “rehearsal show” also made some question the format of the performance.

But then Beth and company arrived on stage, all wearing black, and the crowd exploded in deafening cheers and applause. As expected, Portishead opened with Third tracks, “Silence” and “Hunter.” But then the eerie notes and distinct record scratching of Dummy classic “Mysterons” filled the venue, and the already excited crowd almost drowned out the music with the sound of their screams.

Portishead continued to delight with several surprises. Although most expected a set list comprised mainly of new tracks, the band instead performed several of their hits, including Dummy singles “Glory Box” and “Sour Times” and Portishead singles “Cowboys” and “Over.” Third songs were welcomed as well—after all, it has been more than a decade since new material—and aptly named first single “Machine Gun” attacked the audience with its intense barrage of beats.

Another surprise? Beth seemed comfortable and at ease throughout the night (though she did turn her back to the audience during the instrumental parts). Known for her distaste of live performances and for being press-shy, Beth kept her dialogue to a bare minimum. And when she did speak, most of the audience could barely hear her soft-spoken voice over the din of the venue. However, toward the end of the set, she walked off the stage and shook hands with all of those in the front. It was a welcome display of appreciation and connection. Even better, a fan in front held a homemade sign that read “Will you play at my wedding?” to which Beth replied, “Of course I will play.”

Listening to the grave, nearly depressing lyrics of Portishead’s music, one might expect the band’s live show to be a rather dour experience. Surprisingly, tonight was anything but. From the genuinely enthralled fans to the extremely tight performance by the band, this so-called rehearsal was better than most professional performances. And if this is just practice, Portishead must be quite remarkable when readied.

Interestingly, Beth often shuts her eyes when singing yet manages to radiate the emotion of her music. “She told me she first started singing so that she could communicate better,” guitarist Utley recently said in a Los Angeles Times interview. “I think that’s why she doesn’t want to be interviewed by anybody. The voice and the words are her. Listen to that, and, if it speaks to you, I think that’s all you need to know.” No surprise, it truly does speak to you, especially in a live setting. More Coachella tickets have been released, so if you have been waiting a lifetime to see Portishead, spending a Saturday in Indio, Calif., will be well worth the heat.

Comments

[mychelle]

I would love to hear "Machine Gun" live! It's my favorite track off the new album......

And I'm excited to hear about Beth's comfort level on stage. I've always opted against seeing them so as not to be turned off by the live (lack of) performance.

Here's hoping for a real U.S. tour soon!

[paulag]

wow. i was moved with this article.
wow. wow. i can see how music just keeps us alive.

[Oscar]

I'm still shaking from how tight the performance was. Saturday Coachella people, you're in for a treat!

[Mel]

I was already excited for Saturday and this just got me even more pumped... Thanks!!!

[Duke]

I was there last night, and it was amazing! I couldn't see what that sign said in the front row so thanks for filling me in.

[Joe]

I had the privilege of checking out the show at the Mayan and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Amazing voice! Anyone seeing Portishead in Coachella will have a night to remember!

[CBC]

You just described what I can't explain about last night, THANK YOU!

I couldn't sleep last night, I couldn't work today... never a band has moved me so much in a live performance.

The only word I can use for last night is SURREAL...

[bryan sensei]

damn charlotte, one hell of a week of live music, wasn't it?

PORTISHEAD & THE VERVE? You're a Lucky (Wo)Man!