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Brendan Benson

Average rating:

4.1

20 of 21(95%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

Brendan Benson Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

Benson amazing in Camden!

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Opening act(s): Heartless Bastards. @

Posted 09/03/2010

by Anonymous

Location: UK

I am a recent Brendan Benson convert and I'm glad I now follow this guy. The gig was one I will remember for a long time. Opening with 'Folk Singer' and playing many of my personal favourites, he showed himself as a great performer. Highly recommended!

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Opening act(s): Heartless Bastards. @

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Review 2 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

Brendan was amasin'

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Posted 08/03/2010

by Anonymous

AMASIN' AMASIN' AMASIN' AMASIN' AMASIN' AMASIN' AMASIN'

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

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Review 3 for Brendan Benson

3 / 5

Brendan great venue terrible.

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Posted 08/03/2010

by BIgspazz

Location: London

My complaint about the venue Koko is that my booking confirmation had the time 19.30 on it. The doors at Koko were at 18.30 and Brendan was on stage at 20.15 we completely missed the support act and the begining of his set. Who the hell puts the headline act on at 20.15 on a friday night.

Brendan did a great set with a good mix of his old classics and new stuff with out over playing the new stuff.

I would normally recomend Brendan in concert to anyone but this time the p.a was very weak often drowned out by the chatter in the crowd and his keyboard player was sometimes painfully off.

Here's to a better show in a better venue real soon.

Regards
Andrew

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

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Review 4 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

Brendan Benson is cool

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: Tiny Spark! @

Posted 07/03/2010

by eurogibbon

Awesome gig, he played most of his best tunes. As good live as he is recorded.

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: Tiny Spark! @

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Review 5 for Brendan Benson

3 / 5

Poor Brendan - lousy sound again

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: The quieter moments when you could actually hear the music clearly. @

Opening act(s): The Homeless Bastards (I think) - good band (I think) but again you could not hear any of the vocals or introductions clearly - the way I could find out who they were was by asking a couple of the hangers on round the mixing desk. @

Posted 07/03/2010

by DisillusionedPunter

Location: London

Brendan Benson and his band were great - or at least what little I could hear was. As seems to be usual these days the bass drum was mixed loud and the sub-frequencies from that drum and the bass were also cranked up so that the room shook - trouble is, this sort of mix makes it impossible to hear vocals, harmonies, guitars - what do you call it .... ah yes, music! The guy doing the mixing was part of the band's crew so, if you decide to see them elsewhere, the sound will probably be no better.

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: The quieter moments when you could actually hear the music clearly. @

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Review 6 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

top gig

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: cover of tom pettys 'listen to her heart',fantastic. @

Opening act(s): Heartless Bastards @

Posted 06/03/2010

by MISTERBEE

Location: lowestoft suffolk

as a big fan of brendan benson both as a solo artist & his collaborations with jack white in the raconteurs i wasnt likely to be disappointed by this performance & indeed i was not. a rousing set lasting around one & a half hours included tracks from all his solo albums & a great cover of tom pettys 'listen to her heart'. a great gig in a superb little venue. if you have'nt seen brendan live yet, you must, you wont be disappointed.

KOKO @

- London @

- Fri 5 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: cover of tom pettys 'listen to her heart',fantastic. @

Opening act(s): Heartless Bastards @

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Review 7 for Brendan Benson

3 / 5

Brendan found in street

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: Meeting Brendan outside and having a chat with him. @

Setlist: Started with Folk Singer, I was too pissed to remember the rest @

Opening act(s): Some Blonde Bird @

Posted 05/03/2010

by Bobosnake

Location: Teesside

I appoached the O2 at Glasgow and although the room Brendan Benson was booked to play in, had only a capacity of 350, there were hundreds of people around. I saw a small frail looking guy staring up at the sign above the O2 which read in big letters 'Tonight - Mumford & Sons - SOLD OUT', underneath in smaller letters it read Brendan Benson (obviously not sold out) the guy outside was Brendan and he looked pissed off. I shook his hand and reassured him that it would be a great gig as the Scots are all up for it. He didnt dissapoint on stage and played most of his better known songs from his last three albums and a handful from his latest album, the crowd loved it but I couldn't help feel that he wasnt happy from seeing the sign outside earlier, and his heart wasnt quite in it tonight.

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: Meeting Brendan outside and having a chat with him. @

Setlist: Started with Folk Singer, I was too pissed to remember the rest @

Opening act(s): Some Blonde Bird @

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Review 8 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

Brendan Benson is an indie god!

Manchester Academy 2 @

- Manchester @

- Thu 4 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: It was fantastic from start to finish @

Opening act(s): Heartless bastards @

Posted 05/03/2010

by hargy79

Location: Liverpool

An amazing gig the man is pure talent... The albums are good last nights show was even better!!! From start to finish the guy just belted out the hits!!!

Manchester Academy 2 @

- Manchester @

- Thu 4 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: It was fantastic from start to finish @

Opening act(s): Heartless bastards @

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Review 9 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

Benson at his best

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Posted 04/03/2010

by Strummersville

Location: Edinburgh

Great venue for Benson...small and initimate, perfect for his sound.

His live performance gave a rough edge to a lot of his classic songs of which he played many. He is the man!

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

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Review 10 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

Benson Brilliance

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: All of it @

Opening act(s): Heartless Bastards - (well worth seeing) @

Posted 04/03/2010

by Unza

Location: Glasgow

Benson gig was a splendid grandeur from the king of hippie americana! He even looks like the murcurial McCourt to boot!

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: All of it @

Opening act(s): Heartless Bastards - (well worth seeing) @

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Review 11 for Brendan Benson

4 / 5

Brendan Benson shines!

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: Graham Nash cover by BB & change of sound engineer. @

Posted 04/03/2010

by beatsurfer

Location: Glasgow

A small audience saw the support band 'Heartless Bastards' and were treated to a set of interesting song ideas, maybe partly formed in some cases, but energetically performed by the sparky girl singer (she's good!) and her cohorts. Last song was a great finish for their set and an earlier song with pedal steel guitar was good. Their set was spoiled by a cloth-eared sound guy who had the bass & bass drum at sonic tsunami levels!!??? A few tweaks on the desk (and a change of operator) saw BB take the stage with a solid 3 piece band backing him up. Understated presentation perhaps - not helped by appalling stage lighting and a 'black-hole' effect stage concept - but the songs spoke volumes. The crowd, at around venue capacity by this time, received the power and passion of BB close up and were rewarded with an intimate gig focusing on the harmonic and melodic drive of much of this gifted singer-songwriter's output. Powerful drumming and bass and guitars to match let the tight set soar to a great climax with multiple encores. Strangely perhaps the most memorable song was a great Graham Nash cover - exquisite choice to complete a great power pop concert of real quality by BB.

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Favourite moment: Graham Nash cover by BB & change of sound engineer. @

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Review 12 for Brendan Benson

4 / 5

Great songs, sound a little muffled

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

Posted 04/03/2010

by RolyatT

Location: Glasgow

Top 1000 Contributor

Brendan Benson performance was honest and intimate in the ABC2. It is not a big venue so you felt very close (physically!) to the artist. Not much banter with the audience but that's not his style. All the songs were great - I didn't know that much of his earlier work but they worked well in this venue. The only thing that detracted was the acoustics. From near the back the sound was rather muffled, especially fro the quieter tunes. Not their fault but the sound guy should have probably picked this up. Otherwise a great little intimate gig. try and see him live if you can.

O2 ABC 2 @

- Glasgow @

- Wed 3 Mar 2010 @

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Review 13 for Brendan Benson

4 / 5

Brendan Benson was in good form!

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 21 Oct 2009 @

Posted 22/10/2009

by musicmaestro

Location: London

Though a fan for many years and have seen him with the Racontours, first time to catch Brendan with his own band. Very energetic, tight set with excellent harmonic backing vocals which are a trademark of Benson's work. Loud but well mixed, he is definitely one of the best power pop artists

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 21 Oct 2009 @

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Review 14 for Brendan Benson

1 / 5

Brendan benson was poor

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 21 Oct 2009 @

Posted 22/10/2009

by hollyx

Location: electric ballroom

Very poor show from mr benson. maybe the sound system was poor but most songs sounded the same which they dont on cd. felt like going through the motions.

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 21 Oct 2009 @

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Review 15 for Brendan Benson

4 / 5

Great gig, shame about the venue...

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 21 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Benson describing himself as "that raconteurs guy" @

Posted 22/10/2009

by KyleR

Brendan Benson has a new album out, and is promoting it? My response to this news was two words - "woo" and "hoo".

The gig itself, once it got going, was excellent. A passable if unexceptional support act leading to an hour and a quarter or so of Benson playing a selection of songs from the new album along with a load of favourites from his previous three albums.

The venue was an over-priced, badly organised (doors listed as opening at 7, but didn't do so until 7:45, with the support act starting at around 8:15 and Benson on stage sometime after 9) and somewhat smelly place. There again, it's Camden and thus to be expected.

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 21 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Benson describing himself as "that raconteurs guy" @

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Review 16 for Brendan Benson

4 / 5

Brendan rocks the Oran Mor!!

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Eyes on the horizon being played from new album @

Posted 20/10/2009

by Roonrock

Location: East Kilbride, Lanakshire

Both new and established fans of Brendan Benson would have been pleased with the songs played throughout his set. Almost all songs off new album "My old familiar friend" were played and sounded just as good, if not better being played live at the Oran Mor! .

Despite a great opening series of songs, it took the crowd (which looked sold out or close to it), a while to get into the spirit of things. It wasn't long before this was picked up on by Mr Benson himself who commented on how unGlasgow like the audience were! (or words to that effect). It was at least half-way through before the crowd seemed to be enjoying the gig and were more animated. On reflection, i wonder if the intimate feel to the venue possibly made the majority of the audiebce a bit self-conscious!

Older tracks were interspersed throughout the set, notably from the 2002 album Lapalco, whose stripped back, slightly rockier sound suited the smaller venue. A few tracks from follow-up Alternative to Love were also played, although opening track "Spit it out" was not included in this set unfortunately. Despite this the gig was very entertaining and sounded great from start to finish.

This misses getting a top 5 stars rating mainly due to the audience failing to create as good an atmosphere as Benson deserved. Also it would have been nice if he had sneaked in a couple of Raconteurs songs such as Steady as she goes.

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Eyes on the horizon being played from new album @

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Review 17 for Brendan Benson

4 / 5

Brendan Benson - what a gig!

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Loved "Crosseyed" and "Cold Hands" @

Opening act(s): Corey ? @

Posted 18/10/2009

by imogen219

Location: Glasgow

It was great - he didn't sing my favourite song, despite a few of us shouting it out, but I didn't hold it against him. He played old stuff and new stuff - in fact he probably played most of his stuff - an hour and a half of singing with hardly any chat - all about the music - it was fab.

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Loved "Crosseyed" and "Cold Hands" @

Opening act(s): Corey ? @

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Review 18 for Brendan Benson

3 / 5

Great songs. Drums too Loud

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: 'Good to me' was outstanding @

Opening act(s): Corey Chisel @

Posted 18/10/2009

by Anonymous

Location: Glasgow

I have been a fan for several years and was really looking forward to this gig.

We saw Brendan Benson last night in Oran Mor in Glasgow. The gig was in the basement - a small, low ceilinged venue. it is good for an acoustic set but too small for a raucous four piece. His best songs were with an acoustic guitar and quiet backing from the rest of the band. When all four were rocking it was deafening. This was a pity as his voice and lyrics are great. I have seen several quieter acts here and it is an outstanding venue for them. This would have been better at Garage or ABC.

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: 'Good to me' was outstanding @

Opening act(s): Corey Chisel @

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Review 19 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

More than a Raconteur

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Cold Hands, Warm Heart seemed to arrive just at the right moment, it teemed with energy and would have set flames in the coldest heart. @

Posted 18/10/2009

by Gailoh

Location: Ayrshire

We were lucky to arrive at the venue with minutes to spare before Brendan and band started their set.
The gig had a really warm atmosphere, with lots of very heartfelt comments and asides.
Brendan and bandmates made time zip past as they scorched from song to song. I was happy to hear nearly every track from My Old Familiar Friend, with a mix of songs from Brendan's other albums too.
He excels at building up momentum and tapping into the crowds feeling and energy.
His vocals live were astonishing, they had great range and quality and seemed capable of acrobatics.
The band created versions of his recorded work that sparked with life and energy, with incredible backing vocals evident throughout the entire set.
The kind of gig that lights a warm glow in you that lasts for hours,I felt honoured to be there.
It was endearing the way Brendan changed the lyrics of 'Eyes On The Horizon' to 'well I'm convinced that underneath that ginger hair'
The sheer volume of solo work he has amassed so far is a testament to his talents, I can't think of a contemporary songwriter more able to sum up how bitter and sweet life and love are.
However you find your way to his work, don't just see him as that guy from the Raconteurs, he's a true artist and astonishing frontman in his own right.

Oran Mor @

- Glasgow @

- Sat 17 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Cold Hands, Warm Heart seemed to arrive just at the right moment, it teemed with energy and would have set flames in the coldest heart. @

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Review 20 for Brendan Benson

5 / 5

Brendan bloody Benson

Nottingham Rescue Rooms @

- Nottingham @

- Wed 14 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Benson played "What I'm waiting for" as part of his encore when I thought he'd screwed me and left it out. @

Setlist: All the best tunes from his albums. @

Opening act(s): Corey Chisel. @

Posted 16/10/2009

by Anonymous

Location: Derbyshire

One of the best singer, songwriters around. Great set list and great sound. I'm used to seeing heavier bands so it was nice to see a catchy genius at work. Rescue Rooms is a good venue, get on the balcony if you can, it probides the best view.

Nottingham Rescue Rooms @

- Nottingham @

- Wed 14 Oct 2009 @

Favourite moment: Benson played "What I'm waiting for" as part of his encore when I thought he'd screwed me and left it out. @

Setlist: All the best tunes from his albums. @

Opening act(s): Corey Chisel. @

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