Temptations and Tumbles

By Rob Birdwell - just a music fan attending a concert with my son!

It was a beautiful night for a concert - two great shows from Squeeze and Boy George at the Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene, Oregon on a beautiful summer evening (8/14/2024). These are my personal notes and recollections from the evening which I enjoyed with my son, Frey.

Squeeze was in fine form as usual. I've loved them since I was 20 years old and try to see them whenever they're in the area. I've seen Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford perform as a duo a couple times and I’ve enjoyed those performances greatly for their stories and debuting of new songs. The band was tight and entertaining as ever, showcasing their diverse talents and supporting each song with boundless energy. 

Since Squeeze was the opener they charged right into their hits. There was some nice chatter from both Glenn and Chris, which was appreciated! And perhaps most memorable: hearing some new songs! I recall four: the first was early in the set. It caught my attention right away and I was thinking it was either a cut I'd somehow missed from an older album or a new one. After the applause, guitarist/vocalist Glenn Tilbrook said "that's a new one" - both Frey and I dug it and what a cool thing to experience with him! Then another new one a bit later - not enough superlatives to express how good it is, but it's got "Summer" in the chorus and I can't wait when it comes out on their next album. Or will it be albums? 

They performed a song written before they were signed - presumably when they were teenagers? It was deep, sophisticated, and well-crafted. I believe I read that some of the tunes they wrote from their pre-signing era are currently being newly recorded for a new album, which is exciting and will be a delight to hear! The fourth new song I recall was titled "Trixie" (I believe it was, not certain of the spelling) - a spectacular tune that really cut through and the background vocal arrangement gave it a unique quality that is consistent with Squeeze’s penchant for new sounds. Anyway, I could gush on and on. It was a joy to hear some of Squeeze’s new songs and the old ones too, some of which are performed live with exacting precision of the original recording and others, which are re-imagined in new ways, like Tempted, that draw us even deeper into the song. I've seen them introduce new songs over the years and it's such a gift when listening to their albums and recall the moment I heard it live for the first time. 

I'm proud to be a Squeeze fan - I think their songcraft is of the highest caliber. Chris Difford's lyrics are like Old Faithful, erupting consistently with themes spanning the full range of human experience - from temptation to titillating! Glenn Tilbrook's music and vocals are like dogs: to be loved and cherished because we are not worthy of their wonderfulness! ;)

Boy George - oh boy, what an entertainer, what a band! I know of course that he’s immensely talented, but honestly I had no idea what to expect from his live show. I came, after all, to see and hear my favorite band of all-time, Squeeze. But I've always loved Boy George's music on the radio and marveled at the production quality, so it was a welcome bonus to get to see him and his stellar band. As we awaited Boy George's entrance I was wondering how it was gonna go, with all of life's pressures, highs and lows. The first sign that we were about to witness something truly extraordinary came from a fellow concert-goer who came only to hear Boy George. He said we were in for a treat, and was it ever! Boy George’s stage lighting apparatus was the first sign that the stagecraft was going to be something special.

By the time Boy George and band took stage there was a palpable energy from the now nearly full amphitheater audience. Adorned with a snazzy tall hat and fashionable attire, Boy George looked and moved with the unshakeable confidence of a person who has seen and done it all. Other than revealing he’d recently taken a tumble and broke a finger, Boy George made no reference to any past troubles, fully embracing the current moment with his audience, looking healthy, happy, and sounding spectacular! The first third of the set sounded like a mix of industrial, meets metal, meets electronica, reminiscent of late 80s Public Image Ltd. Whatever it was, it was hypnotic and Boy George and the band won me over in a matter of seconds! The band is composed of versatile musicians who are capable of playing just about anything (and did) from metal, to pop, to funk, to bluegrass, and any mix of genres.

The middle third of Boy George's set presented some of his hits and personal favorites segueing seamlessly into a more mellow vibe. Boy George spoke a bit about his admiration of pianist/entertainer Liberace, taking pride in the fact that Liberace knew who he was. His two background singers were generously featured, showcasing their stellar vocal chops and complimenting Boy George's own exceptional vocal skills. Drums, guitar, bass, and synth players were the foundational backing, with alto sax lines featured throughout. There was even a touch of country on one bass-less tune with some fine guitar finger picking. I still have no clue who was playing the harmonica lines on Karma Chameleon but some things must remain a mystery! The re-imagining of "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" was moving - you'll have to see and hear that for yourself. There were three total costume changes for Boy George, sporting each one with style, my son Frey liking his final one in particular, which I agreed looked great. The final third of the set dialed the tempos and energy level up even more.

If anyone tired of Boy George's admittedly chatty banter, it wasn't me! I found his stories, quips, and warmth to be a welcome glimpse into him as a person and band leader. He made an impromptu setlist addition near the end (Mistake Number 3) and then I think that's all the time they had as it was curfew time.

Even though it ended all too soon the spells were cast and we managed to make our way safely home with the magic of both performances still swirling, reminding us that life's journey may be uncertain but with perseverance, and yes some luck along the way, anything is possible. ;)