Deep Ellum Live

Dallas, TX, USA
March 30, 2000

I saw Peter on my bday at Deep Ellum Live! How cool is that! His band was wonderful and Peter Distephano was so hot and talented! Peter's music was haunting and beautiful! And I must admit I was the craziest chck in the front row! I had to get over the shock of what he looked like cause I had only listened to Deep. And here he was with his auborn hair and those high cheek bones. He totally captivated the audience. I wonder what he would have done if I told him it was my bday! Did I mention it was my 21st bday! I will always remember this dreamlike experience. I really wish he would have played Indigo Eyes-the ultimate Peter Murphy song. I can't wait until he comes to Dallas again! It was a life altering experience. All my life has really been to serve others but now I realize that I have to live my life for me and have fun! My friend told me that he blew me a kiss at the end! I'm not sure if he did but the thought is amazing. I wish it never ended and I'm not sure why he didn't have an opening band. This concert made life worth living! His music is so powerful and filled with postive energy! And to hear it live is nothing short of a blessing. Thanks Peter for making my bday the best one ever! We will always love you in Dallas!
Elisa Castro (elisacastro@hotmail.com)
Plano, tx Usa - Monday, April 24, 2000 at 15:18:53 (EDT)

I saw Peter on my bday at Deep Ellum Live! How cool is that! His band was wonderful and Peter Distephano was so hot and talented! Peter's music was haunting and beautiful! And I must admit I was the craziest chck in the front row! I had to get over the shock of what he looked like cause I had only listened to Deep. And here he was with his auborn hair and those high cheek bones. He totally captivated the audience. I wonder what he would have done if I told it was my bday! Did I mention it was my 21st bday! I will always remember this dreamlike experience. I really wish he would have played Indigo Eyes-the ultimate Peter Murphy song. I can't wait until he comes to Dallas again! It was a life altering experience. All my life has really been to serve others but now I realize that I have to live my life for me and have fun! My friend told me that he blew me a kiss at the end! I'm not sure if he did but the thought is amazing. I wish it never ended and I'm not sure why he didn't have an opening band. This concert made life worth living! His music is so powerful and filled with postive energy! And to hear it live is nothing short of a blessing. Thanks Peter for making my bday the best one ever! We will always love you in Dallas!
Elisa Castro (elisacastro@hotmail.com)
Plano, tx Usa - Monday, April 24, 2000 at 15:18:00 (EDT)

I saw Peter on my bday at Deep Ellum Live! How cool is that! His band was wonderful and Peter Distephano was so hot and talented! Peter's music was haunting and beautiful! And I must admit I was the craziest chck in the front row! I had to get over the shock of what he looked like cause I had only listened to Deep. And here he was with his auborn hair and those high cheek bones. He totally captivated the audience. I wonder what he would have done if I told it was my bday! Did I mention it was my 21st bday! I will always remember this dreamlike experience. I really wish he would have played Indigo Eyes-the ultimate Peter Murphy song. I can't wait until he comes to Dallas again! It was a life altering experience. All my life has really been to serve others but now I realize that I have to live my life for me and have fun! My friend told me that he blew me a kiss at the end! I'm not sure if he did but the thought is amazing. I wish it never ended and I'm not sure why he didn't have an opening band. This concert made life worth living! His music is so powerful and filled with postive energy! And to hear it live is nothing short of a blessing. Thanks Peter for making my bday the best one ever! We will always love in Dallas!
Elisa Castro (elisacastro@hotmail.com)
Plano, tx Usa - Monday, April 24, 2000 at 15:17:13 (EDT)

This was the first time I had seen Peter live. He was absolutely amazing. He went on about 2 hours late, but it was worth it. My friends were starting to get antsy (expecting him to go on around 9 at the latest), but they all agreed that he was fantastic. One of my friends finally realized what I had been telling him, that Peter has one of the most sonorous and spellbinding voices ever. He played most of my favorite songs. I loved the updated Crystal Wrists and Cuts You Up with the guitar in place of the synth viola (violin?). Marlene was wonderful. I'm so glad he played it. The crowd interaction during the acoustic set was the best. He is so cute! I loved the voice he did, and "y'all are so sweet" with the Texas accent. Being there with my four closest friends, seeing my favorite singer, this was one of the best nights of my life. It would've been better if I hadn't had a massive asthma attack. But I wasn't gonna leave, even though I was about to pass out. I'm really glad I knew the set list, or I may have left without hearing Huuvola. That would've been a very touching moment for me and my friends if I had been able to breathe. I was a little upset that I didn't get to meet him, but I found out later that he didn't sign for anyone. It seems to me that all the former members of Bauhaus just hate Dallas (L&R didn't sign either). I'm also upset that my pictures didn't come out very well. I got one good picture of Kevin, but most of the ones of Peter are barely visible. But from all the pictures I've seen, they do no justice to how truly beautiful Peter is in person (at least on stage). I wish I could've followed the rest of the tour. It was so perfect.
Rachel (rachell37@earthlink.net)
Dallas, TX - Thursday, April 06, 2000 at 00:52:26 (EDT)

I have been a Peter Murphy fan for a long time. I saw the 'Deep'tour at Cain's ballroom with NIN. The set list for the Dallas show was very poor. Furthermore, the number of encores were ridiculous. My advice is that Bauhaus should reform and bury the hatchet, because Peter Murphy by himself is like a three legged dog trying to run a race. I also want to address the treatment of his fans in Dallas-as soon as the show was over like a baby he ran and jumped in his little van and drove away. For a venue like Deep Ellum Live, as a common courtesy, one should hang around and sign a few autographs(I site the Creatures who signed autographs and greeted most of the fans-WHAT CLASS!). His attitude I am sure was the reason for the poor turnout at the concert. The only bright spot in the show was the purple python Gucci pants he wore during the show. Don't get me wrong I really like Peter, he needs to be more congenial to his fan base-at least fake it!
disappointed
Tulsa, OK USA - Monday, April 03, 2000 at 12:07:30 (EDT)

I've been a fan of Bauhaus for a good 12 years now but for some reason I'd never delved into Murphy's solo work post-Bauhaus. When I heard that he was touring and with whom, I decided it was time to see what Murphy is about. I decided rather than getting the new best of comp I'd go ahead and get the entire back catalog and a ticket. "Deep" and "Cascade" are my favorite albums and I listened to them for several weeks before the show to familiarize myself with the songs ... The ticket said 8 pm and since there was no opening band (good!) I figured I better show up near that time just in case they actually started on time. They didn't, of course. 2 hours later ... 2 hours of standing and tolerating most of Delerium's "Karma" and various run of the mill drum 'n bass tracks through the pa ... they hit the stage just before 10 pm. Murphy was sporting a zip up black leather, um ... jacket/dress thing that I'm pretty sure he borrowed from one of the Hellraiser guys. He shed that about 2 or 3 songs in to reveal one of the grooviest psychedelic swirled velvet shirts I've ever seen. Very sharp. There were a few more shirt changes for the encores. He looks great, especially considering the 20 year gap between present and the Bauhaus-era pictures and video I've seen, older but not all that much different really. He's the Dick Clark of goth! And he's still 1 part Bowie, 1 part Iggy, 1 part Bela and 1 part Murphy ... I stood dead center about 20 feet from the stage. The sound, as usual for Deep Ellum Live, was very good. In fact, I'd say for this show it was perfect ... I could clearly hear everyone in the mix since the levels for everything were just right and there were only a couple of very minor bits of feedback. Murphy sounded as great as he looked. His voice was perfect from start to finish, the British accented deep baritone resonating through the music. He's quite melodramatic but fun to watch ... striking several poses, slowly flapping his arms like a bird, playing with a hand held stage light, spinning like a top, jumping up and down, interacting with the band members, etc. He definitely enjoys what he's doing very much. DiStefano is always a joy to watch. He was much like he was when I saw him with Porno for Pyros in 1996 (also at Deep Ellum Live) ... extremely mellow, smiling frequently with eyes shut or, on the harder songs, an energetic fireball. He exudes happiness, plays so fluidly and effortlessly with some very nice violin bow work on several songs. Eric is 100% business ... shirtless, eyes closed in deep concentration, very in to it. Kevin is also 100% business ... it was cool to finally see/hear him live. I love his acoustic & electronic setup. One hell of a rhythm section between Avery and Haskins. Doug 'rocked out' on keyboards rocking the stand back and forth. He had some really nice piano work on several songs (and you could actually hear it!). The combined experience of this band makes them almost *too* talented ... they provided completely glitch free version of the songs. And oh my were the songs goods, all given the extra live 'ooomph' they needed. There's no need to pinpoint any particular songs because they were all done so well. The 3 songs at the end of the main set were performed solo by Murphy on acoustic/electric guitar. These featured several minutes of playful, goofy and cocky in-between song bantering with the crowd, such as: "y'all looove meeee" (in faux-southern drawl), "I'm a STAAAAR!" in an uber-falsetto (Murphy suggesting that this was his *real* voice) and when a fan yelled out he should move to Dallas, he went into a short rant on the evils of American TV and how he would never let his children watch it, etc. Doug rejoined Murphy near the end of "Strange Kind of Love" to play the clarinet part via synth. The encores included seriously rockin' versions of "Roll Call" and "Cuts You Up" and a beautiful bass line led "Huuvola". Murphy introduced the band and thanked the crowd numerous times ... he might have seemed cocky or pretentious throughout the set, but he's also very appreciative. Altogether an hour and 45 minute set that gave me a whole new appreciation of the studio versions of the songs. The crowd (sold out?) was very respectful and responsive. I didn't hear a single person yell out a Bauhaus song title much to my surprise. The vibe was just right ... it seemed like everyone felt about the same as I did ... Merchandise: A couple of short and long sleeve T-shirts that were way overpriced, per usual for Deep Ellum Live as they always jack the price up, at $27 and up apiece. No thanks. Hopefully they will be available on the official site someday ... The bottom line: I've seen hundreds of shows over the past decade with only a handful of 'perfect' shows. This was one of them. It blew my expectations away and I thoroughly enjoyed myself ... well worth the $22 and every one of the 350 miles I drove to see it. I really hope Murphy retains this band for his next album and/or future tours. I'm going to see a lot more shows next time around. Thanks guys!
Mark Weddle (markw@southwind.net)
Wichita, KS - Sunday, April 02, 2000 at 22:53:23 (EDT)

Well, the show was fabulous, and with the exception of the long awaited Resurrection tour, it had been since the Deep tour in 90 that I had seen Peter. Eve and I managed our way to the front of the crowd first thing, and found ourselves in that sauna-like environment for well over an hour and a half before the band took the stage, but it was well worth it! Peter was very theatrical, and had quite a bit of dialouge with the audience, which made it fun and personal. My highlight of the show had to be towards the end when they did Surrendered and Roll Call, it sounded great! After the show, we were fortunate enough to speak with Kevin. He said we can look forward to hearing more from Messy probably by the end of the year. He was very nice, and it was a joy as always! Peter on the other hand did not emerge from the venue for a good half hour after Kevin was wisked away in a van ( with Eric as well) Unfortunately he said goodnight and thank you and headed straight to the van which had returned for him, so no such luck! Well, it was fun, and I'll be looking forward to the next show!
Mindy (minmac23@yahoo.com)
Dallas, TX USA - Sunday, April 02, 2000 at 21:58:39 (EDT)

I drove from Oklahoma City to Dallas to see the show last night, and had a blast. I was exhausted before the show even started, from standing in place until 10:00 (doors opened just before 8). When it started, I edged forward to take a picture. The club, Deep Ellum Live, has always allowed photography in the past, and Peter encourages his audience to take concert photos and send them to his web page, so I thought it was okay. Well, this massive pile of a security guard (strong resemblance to Tor--separated at birth?) acted like I'd pulled a grenade pin. He started swearing at me, demanding my camera, and calling other security. They started flooding over the front gate to get at me when I told them I wasn't about to give up my camera. When I saw that they were physically rushing me, I told them I'd give them the film, but not the camera. More cussing at me while I unloaded ("Hurry the F up, you SOB!", etc.). An absolutely dreadful opening experience. I wish Dallas audiences would draft a petition to be sent to record labels encouraging concerts elsewhere, at venues less beligerant to their own customers. Peter, if you're reading this--understand for future reference that although D.E.L. is a nice venue of the right size, its staff are horribly foul to your audience. The show was great, but I do agree with others who've said that the guitars are a bit loud. Peter's voice was right on the money, and he was in a great mood. Not a lot of dramatic physical stunts or movements, but all of his usual poses and slow gestures. The musical highlight, actually, was an acoustic set of songs done by Murphy alone on stage playing guitar, with several minutes of crowd banter. At times I thought it was a bit annoying, like the exaggerated mugging for the audience and the effimiate "Eww, you love me! Because I'm a STAR!" (with "Star!" in hyper-falsetto). At one point he shouted in a faux-Texas country twang, "Ya'll sure dew luv meyh!" or something like that. Someone behind me actually shouted, "F%&# you, we're not hicks!" and they sounded genuinely upset. But musically, those moments were among the best. The acoustic set ended with "Strange kind of love," bringing Doug DeAngelis back onstage to synth the clarinet part. Four encores, but no Elvis cover. A good selection of songs, but I missed a few favorites like Time Has Got Nothing... the audience was very respectful (more than at Love and Rockets even, where drunkards tried to prod me out of the way with lit cigarettes in my back, etc.). Not a lot of crowd movement, but a lot of singing along. Oh, and afterward I confronted the security gorilla about the pictures, and explained Peter's encouragements of them for use on this web site. Although I presented myself with respect at first, he started cussing at me again, and the manager came up and shouted in my face, "leave NOW! We're asking you THIS time." So I told the guy, "You're just upset because you look like Tor and nobody loves you", and I left. So I had a great time. I didn't stick around for autographs or anything; did anyone else?
Matt (smokinghawk@mail.com)
Oklahoma City, OK usa - Saturday, April 01, 2000 at 03:51:28 (EST)

Deep Ellum Live is one of my favorite venues and Peter Murphey is one of my favorite musicians. The combo was lovely (minus a few grievances). The worst part of the evening, was the two hour wait til the concert began. The doors opened at 8pm and the concert started at approximately 10pm. There was no introduction, no comments, nothing! This was extremely irritating and distugustingly hot. Then Peter finally came out (in a very David Bowie-esque manner)! The electricity in the air was crisp and everyone's hair was standing on end. i felt like i was looking at a reincarnation/mutation of Ziggy. the musicians were superb together, the guitarest was amazing! Peter Murphey's voice cut the the music and planted itself deep within my head and i was spinning.... When Peter Murphey was onstage by himself, he was cute (because he's a star). i laughed numerous times at his antics and comments.... it was a very wonderful experience that ended too soon, it lasted a little less than an hour and half.... but i left elated and drunk on music. On my drive home (3.5 hours) i popped Bauhaus into the cd player and meditatively comtemplated the experience. The crowd was diverse. It had the little (and not so little) goth kiddies, older folks, die hards, the usual itisaconcertidontcarewhoitis people, all in all beautiful people who melding well together. They was one stupid girl (sorry, but really) who ran through the crowd to the front knocking people out of the way, raised her chubby arms in the air, wiggled fists, stayed there for 10? minutes and ran back. it made no sense and the people around me (including me) were annoyed. Otherwise the crowd was not pushy, not really active, but a solid crowd. So, overall this was a very good concert - worth the grueling 2 hour wait, the heat, and the short show. -munster
Robert (munsters@uts.cc.utexas.edu)
Austin, TX - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 15:51:07 (EST)

Unfortunately I was unable to catch the Resurrection tour when it rolled through Big D but last night made up for all my wishes and dreams. The show was without a doubt the most amazing experience in my life. I dunno if he actually reads this but thanks for everything you've done for music Peter. You're music has had the most influence on me of anything and seeing you last night was a dream come true. I can't wait to do it again. By the way, while I was in Dallas yesterday I did something I've been wanting to do for 2 years. I got the Bauhaus face logo tattooed on my right shoulder. Hehehehe...I guess im just an over zealous fan but maybe I can get them to post a pic of it on the site because its really neat and I love it. Much love to you Peter. Jaysin
Jaysin (jaysin@jaysin.com)
Oklahoma City, OK USA - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 15:21:13 (EST)

wow! i've seen Peter Murphy on every tour since "Love Hysteria", and, with the exception of the Ressurrection, this is the very best he's ever been! things are much different since i first saw him in '90 (or '89?). he is noticably less theatrical, and infinitely more musical. his current band is *much* better than the Hundred Men (although the Hundred Men were wonderful in their own right). a friend of mine from Houston went with me and girlfriend last night who'd never seen Peter - he's an accomplished musician himself, and was ever-so impressed! and like he said re: the band, "these guys are some of the most important musicians of the last 2 decades!" he's right, and the band proved it last night (i got to talk to Eric A for a moment last night - i was flabbergasted!!!). the most interesting thing is that his Dallas shows are so much more crowded now than they used to be, and the crowds are really cool. Deep Ellum Live was packed - sold out from what i've heard. i remember just 5 years ago on the Cascade tour, Deep Ellum Live's smaller-sister venue, The Bomb Factory, was half empty. so was Numbers in Houston. but Peter keeps getting better and better - that's the reason for the big crowds. the show was wonderful, and everything under the stars was perfect last night. we're certain it's because Peter was in town. a thousand thank-yous to Eric A, Peter D ("Butane Heart"), Kevin, Doug, and most of all, to our beloved, sonorous, soul-cleansing Peter... please come back very soon!!!
ruskin (ruskin@airmail.net)
Dallas, TX USA - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 14:42:46 (EST)

This was the first time in years that I was able to see Peter Murphy again. Like many other showgoers, I wanted to thank him personally for the music and his time he takes to go out from his family to share with others. He and his band did a wonderful show. Peter played all the songs that meant the most to alot of us. I was going to drive to Austin to see him as well, but was unable to make it unfortunely. As he was saying his thank you's to the showgoers, I believe I got a goodnight wave from him. It just made everything worth it. I got many pictures that I will submit (if they turn out). But the main thing I wanted to say to him and his band, if he gets a chance to read this. Thank you so much for coming here. I hope he can back home to his family soon, once again Thank you Peter. janel
janel duff (aeone@home.com)
arlington, tx usa - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 12:48:05 (EST)

This was my first time to see Peter live (I didn't even see him with Bauhaus). I don't think that mere words could accurately describe just how absolutely wonderful and amazing this show was to me. The show didn't start until 10 so everyone had to stand there for two hours. With me having very little patience, this was no easy task (though after the show I decided that it was definitely worth it!). I was on the front row, in the center but unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures because the event staff was right there and had already warned someone else not to. The first thing that I noticed was that Peter's voice is just as powerful and moving live as it is on CD. The set list was basically the same as it was at other shows with the exception that "Indigo Eyes" was not played (though for some reason, the set list that I got said it was to be played). Peter began conversing with his audience more during his "acoustic" set. A girl screamed out "I love you, Peter!" to which he replied, "Oh, I know you do!" Someone asked him to move to Dallas and he said something like, "Why would I want my kids to watch TV where they say f*** this and f*** that and have sex every 30 minutes?" But one of the absolute highlights, in my opinion, was when Peter did his version of a Texan accent (I think he said, "Ya'll are so sweet" but I could be wrong). There's something about a Brit doing a Texan accent that I find absolutely hilarious! His band was also incredible - everyone had a tremendous amount of energy which made for an even more mesmerizing experience. The crowd actually had a bit more energy than I expected (unlike the crowd at a Cure show that just stood there as if they were really dead). I didn't have any of the "Peter moments" like the ones mentioned by other fans, though I think that I did get him to smile at me. I was a bit disappointed that no one really stuck around to sign autographs and pose for pictures; I really wanted Peter to sign a copy of my valedictorian speech that was inspired by his music. But I understand that they were probably tired with it being almost the end of the tour and besides, its not exactly like their obligated to do so. This is by far my favorite show and right now, I don't think that I ever want to see another show again (unless, of course, its Peter); I've seen the best and I don't think that any other band or musician could possibly top this. If any of this review is incoherent, I'm sorry; its late and I'm still suffering from an "after concert" high (which after this show, has taken on a whole new meaning for me). Much love to Peter, his band, and all of his fans! Krystal (kgarcia9@flash.net)
Krystal (kgarcia9@flash.net)
Ft. Worth, TX USA - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 05:56:33 (EST)

at the last minute, i went to the show. I'll be surprised if i have a job tomorrow cuase one of the semoir tech from my workplace showed up that night. I told them that i had a family emergency. I did, really!!! peter, if you need someone to wipe down your mikes... send me some email... but seriously folks. The show was great. I saw him on the cascade tour and was really amazed at how much better this tour was compared to that one back in 95'. this is my rant. don't have any pics sorry. I'm sure one of the poseurs from the local goth scene will post them up eventually. can't wait to see peter again. Looking forward to agnostic front.
zoe dune (zoedune@hotmail.com)
dallas, tx usa - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 04:35:18 (EST)

I wasn't at this show. I was hoping Peter may be reading this so that I may ask him to play All Night Long at the Las Vegas show on Sun. night. I recently bought Wild Birds and heard the song for the first time, it's a great song. I've noticed it has not been on the setlist. So, Peter, if you are reading this I would be grateful if you would add it to the set for Sunday night. Thank you!
DJ (Alt80@aol.com)
Las Vegas , NV - Friday, March 31, 2000 at 04:21:45 (EST)