Mission UK fulfills mission USA
ROCK: The '80s goth vets show American fans they still have some freshness.
November 11, 1999
By GEORGE PAUL
Special to the Orange County Register
The Mission UK,
Gene Loves Jezebel,
Mike Peters
Where: Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana
When: Tuesday night
It seems ironic that an '80s retro tour package headlined by the Mission UK would be dubbed "Resurrection." After all, the British goth-rock band never really broke up, and released albums in Europe as recently as 1996. But with little American presence for much of this decade, the band was pretty much invisible here.
Thankfully, singer-guitarist Wayne Hussey, the only remaining core member, wasn't content to rest on his laurels during the group's long-awaited proper return to Orange County on Tuesday night. Having just put out a Mission UK retrospective (also called "Resurrection"), Hussey could have easily coasted by on all the old hits. Instead, he served up some obscure B-sides, fan requests, shrewd covers and a couple of strong cuts from the 1995 disc "Neverland."
The 15-song, 75-minute Galaxy Theatre set opened to an orchestral prelude, which set the menacing tone. Then, the foursome came out with all cylinders firing on "Beyond the Pale." Drummer Scott Garrett (borrowed from God Lives Underwater) kept a precise, assaulting beat, while Hussey's gritty vocal delivery was riveting.
With only a drum machine to serve as background, Hussey gave "Butterfly on a Wheel" a haunting reading that proved intense and endearing.
Now living in Orange County, Hussey said he was happy to be back home and see his family after a month on the road. It showed in his relaxed performance and banter with the moderate-sized crowd.
Hussey was alone with an acoustic guitar for the encore, explained that the band had played Vegas the previous night and proceeded with a low-key reading of Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love." It was a perfect fit for his low, wavering vocals. In fact, he almost bested Bono's version. Patti Smith's "Dancing Barefoot" was also compelling. Then the band reappeared and injected its own sinister undertow into Neil Young and Crazy Horse's "Like a Hurricane."
Picking up steam on the final encore, the band deftly delved into several genres at once (dub reggae, blues rock, punk) on the closing dual punch of "Wasteland" and "1969." Although the Mission UK has often been called shallow and bombastic, this well-rounded performance was strong.
Gene Loves Jezebel just released the enticing folk-rock-leaning disc "VII," its first in five years with most of the original lineup. Yet the band barely touched it. Instead, the set comprised several hits ("Jealous," "20 Kilohertz," "Desire") bogged down by a way-too-heavy rock thrust.
The Alarm's Mike Peters turned in his usual sturdy solo acoustic set that included pleading songs of unity and despair ("White Noise," "Rise"), ominous new tunes with a recorded rhythm track ("Festival of Light," "Kaleidoscope") and several anthemic Alarm favorites ("The Stand," "Spirit of '76").
From: Vertigoh73@
i must say that i totally agree with Shonn's assessment of the show. i thought it was amazing. not to sound deceiptful, but i didn't expect such a powerful and tight show considering the time lapse. but, to Wayne and the boys i tip my hat. i never thought i would ever get to see the Mish play live, and well i am more than happy to be proven wrong on that point.
to Wayne: i saw you walking around before the show with your daughter and she is adorable. you have every right to be the proudest of fathers. i hope to someday have that same experience. and just for the record, Like A Child is a beautiful song. regardless of what the masses think of the album, its damn beautiful. and fuck them if they don't get it. once again, thank you. hoping this isn't the Final Chapter....
Brett (one of the many loyal missionaries)
