A couple years ago, Glen Hansard remarked last night, he and Markéta Irglová (a.k.a. the Swell Season) had been thrilled to play to a packed 150-person club crowd at Pianos in downtown NYC. Now, countless word-of-mouth raves and one Oscar win later, they were back in New York for another sold-out show — this one in Midtown’s cavernous Radio City Music Hall. “This whole year has been unfathomable!” the Irish troubadour (pictured, right, with Irglová, at another recent performance) crowed from the stage. “This is surreal. And lovely.”
The members of Hansard’s other band, the Frames, were on hand at Radio City to add some heft to his and Irglová’s duets. Still, Hansard started the night by walking by himself past the mic to the edge of the stage, where he sang “Say It to Me Now,” unamplified and accompanied only by that familiar beat-up acoustic guitar. The people sitting in the top balcony probably couldn’t hear him, but everyone jumped to their feet anyway. And when Irglová and the full band joined him for the next number, “Lies,” somehow the performance didn’t feel any less direct or intimate than that solo moment. Hansard proceeded to sing us through the key Once tunes, tender ballads and searing cries both; the crowd nearly lost it, again, when he led into “Falling Slowly.” Irglová sang lead on a handful of songs, too, notably a crystal-clear “If You Want Me,” though not enough.
It was a delightfully over-stuffed night of singer-songwriter entertainment. In addition to all that, we got not one but two Van Morrison covers; a rollicking old Frames rocker (1995’s “Fitzcarraldo”); surprise collabs with openers Interference (“Gold”) and Irglová’s sister (a song from the original Wicker Man soundtrack); an evocative instrumental number from violinist Colm MacConlomaire; a few sweet new songs; and several more impromptu additions to the setlist, some solo, some with full band. (Hansard dedicated Once’s title track to “all the captains of The Deadliest Catch,” for reasons involving a shipwreck-heartbreak metaphor.) Every time the house lights went up, they took ‘em back down again for another encore. “This next song is our last, I guess, and we just had the f—in’ coolest night,” gushed Hansard before the Frames’ “Star Star” — which, of course, was followed by two more songs.
It became clear before long that Hansard and Irglová, but especially Hansard, just didn’t want the night to end. One of my concert-going companions thought he would have kept playing for another few hours if the venue hadn’t forced him off the stage around midnight — and who could blame him? It was a magical evening for all of us. So let’s hear it. Were any of you there last night? Or have you seen the Swell Season live at any point during their remarkable journey to the top?
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I saw Glen and Marketa open for Damien Rice in Boston two years ago and fell immediately in love. I’ve got tickets to their show up here in September and thanks to your review, I can’t wait!
I recently saw them in Milwaukee. They played for over two hours. The show exceeded my expectations. Glen had received an email from a local middle school choir relating how much they loved the song Falling Slowly and they include it in their program. He contacted the teacher and invited the students to sing back up on stage for the song! The kids spent the day practicing with them and what an experience. This 51 year old mom of two college boys can never get through this song without choking/tearing up and I found the addition of the kids quite moving. He invited the kids to stay while they did the Pixies cover which was hysterical.
The show last night was amazing. Hansard’s cover of Astral Weeks blew me away. I also really liked it when someone called out “New York loves you!” and his reply was “what a lovely thought.” They were clearly having such a good time and were so earnest – it was such a heartwarming evening.
I was there last night, but unfortunately had to leave early to catch a train home. I left after Marketa sang with her sister (and it sounds like I missed A LOT!) This was an absoulutely beautiful concert, and it was totally amazing to think any performers could make Radio City feel like an intimate club.
I just recently bought tickets to see the Swell Season when they come to Nashville. I was already very excited about the show, and after reading your review I am even more excited (if that is possible)! I can’t wait!
I saw them in Missoula, MT, and they were amazing.
I’m pumped about the Nashville show too, and it’s at the Ryman so you know it’ll be amazing!
Yes!! I was there too – it was a fabulous evening! And your companion was spot on – Glen practically had to be dragged offstage – and we’all would’ve stayed all night too! A perfect night – and I particularly liked Glen’s introductory advisory about his use of “bad” language that he was sure would come throughout the evening – he said that the Irish had their language beaten out of them by the British and so they take it as their duty to do what they can to destroy proper English. Go Irish!
I saw them in Atlanta last week, and they were absolutely amazing! The show was absolutely the best ever, and I just can’t imagine another one topping it! The venue was dead quiet when he came out to sing “Say it to me Now” and it was incredible!
Sounds like the NY show was amazing, but I certainly could have listened to them sing ALL NIGHT. Incredible!
I saw them in Austin, TX, about five or six months ago and it was the best live performance I have ever watched (and being from Austin, my husband and I hear lots and lots of live music). I never wanted to night to end and still whenever I think of that night have to smile. I am supremely jealous of anyone who will get to see them some time soon.
I saw them in Phoenix about a month ago. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. If they’re coming to your city, GO! You won’t regret it.
My husband and I traveled to see that show last night – and it was more than worth two days off from work, train fare, and a stay in a hotel. It was the most incredible concert I’ve ever been to – you could definitely feel that they didn’t want the show to end. I especially enjoyed Glen’s conversations with the audience, and the bit at the end during Into the Mystic when he worked in the Willy Wonka song “Pure Imagination”.
I was there last night too. It was a beautiful concert. I loved it all – the songs, stories, covers, singers, collaborations, venue. All good. Radio City Music Hall is a gorgeous theater. It was a pleasure and a privelege to be there, and the singers came off as feeling the same way. Glen said that he and Mar were walking past Radio City two years ago and she asked him what was the place. He jokingly said, “That’s where we’ll play.” He was right. I’m very happy for them. They are genuine and talented people.
I was so proud to be Irish last night and be in the audience at Radio City. Fantastic show that I never wanted to end. Glens passion and energy, not to mention his voice and amazing guitar playing, made for a great experience.
My husband and I saw them in Baltimore this past Saturday night, and Glen mentioned they were hungover from the previous night’s concert in Richmond, VA and the following celebration. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that feeling that they had to be dragged offstage. Don’t get me wrong, I love this pair immensely. But I kept hearing all this build up of how generous they are with their fans, and that they’ll play for hours, and Glen’s stories would be wonderful– Baltimore got kinda short-changed then, if all that is true. They all looked to be dragging themselves through the motions a bit. I thought Marketa sounded even more amazing in person, though– her voice is so pure and gorgeous. Our opening act was Joshua James, and he was phenomenal. We bought his CD immediately. I don’t know if he opened in NY as well, but he was so sweet and true with his deeply personal songs, it was very touching. The “SS” tour is worth it, but just hope they don’t drink the night before. =(