I can't take my mind off of you...

Went to see Damien Rice play a sold out show Tuesday night at The Centre For Performing Arts. It was my first time at the venue. We arrived inside just as Damien was finishing up his opening song Me, My Yoke and I. He then moved to the piano to play 9 Crimes. No Lisa Hannigan in the lineup as she and Damien have recently decided to part ways creatively, with Lisa now pursuing her own artistic endeavours. Vyvienne Long however did a fantastic job on cello, as did the rest of the backing band.

Damien's performance of I Remember was fantastic and breathtaking as the song built up into a climax of distorted vocals and fuzzed out guitar riffs.....along with some crazy lighting effects. It was interesting to watch Rice use all these guitar effects on his acoustic.

Delicate had many people in tears. Volcano, Rootless Tree, and Coconut Skins were great. Damien mentioned he was playing all these depressing songs but joked that he isn't depressed. Some audience requests occurred with a performance of The Professor being granted.....which then transitioned into La Fille Danse.

The venue acoustics were excellent with the music and vocals sounding crisp. At one point, someone shouted "Go Canucks!"...which Damien thought was "Go canoes!?"....then "Thought you said Go Nuts!"...then he showed a going nuts crazy motion.

Damien came out for the encore and played The Blower's Daughter. After the song, he unplugged his guitar, walked to the front of the stage and performed Cannonball without a mic. A great moment as most people remained silent, until some joined in on the last chorus. The show was capped off with Cheers Darlin' playing in the background and Damien sitting at the front of the stage with a cigarette in hand and drinking wine. He also had a waiter right onstage that would pour Damien refills during the song. Overall, a really fantastic and intense performance filled with a lot of emotion.

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Okay.....off to the airport for Coachella!!!