Vini, vidi, vici… more or less.
Christ! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a band with such a strong back catalogue.
Two hours flew by.
So happy, so loud, I was breathing in deep and arching my body, to belt the lyrics out.
As for Francis and friends, not a single word to the crowd.
Just a muscular presence – and a focused concentration.
“There’s your fucking hits!” – hundreds of them – back to back – two hours – Debaser encore – bang – and then out.
Just business? The smiles and joy on the faces of the band when they thanked the crowd at the end – suggested not.
And they’re not really hits are they? Have you ever heard Pixies on commercial radio? They are more like rockets and bangers. Sonic fireworks display.
A pretty civilised crowd at the Botanics – in a dreamy 30 degrees Madrilenian night.
Though Spanish lyrics and mention of Jose Jones created mini-riots.
They, the crowd, enjoy their weed – I was doing some heavy passive.
Always late to the party, I brainwashed myself with Pixies first four albums, between 94-06.
Passed up the chance to see them at Ally Pally in 05, thought they were too old.
Recent releases have less force gale 9 about them, but live Francis Black can find all those notes and most of the power when he wants – vocally, he is incredible. Physically, a giant.
‘I’ve never been so happy at a gig’ I thought – midway.
Pixies played Botanic Gardens, in Madrid, 28th July 2024