Siddhant Shirodkar is a die hard Porcupine Tree fan- probably the biggest we know. Here’s a little something about his experience!
Pics by Nitin Malik (Parikrama) exclusively for Chordvine.
When I first heard that one of the greatest contemporary progressive rock acts in history were going to play in Mumbai, I was dumbfounded to say the least. I am talking, of course, about Porcupine Tree, a quartet fronted by the incomparable sonic genius, Steven Wilson. After I was told about it,I spent almost every waking hour mulling over the prospect of seeing PT live, in the flesh. This was not only because I am a massive fan of the band but also because PT gigs are truly fantastic spectacles; a little more than just a couple of guys on a stage playing their instruments.
It didn’t surprise me that the arena that PT was going to play in was relatively small as their best shows almost always have an intimate atmosphere. I was fortunate and scrupulous enough to make sure that I secured my ideal position in the concert arena- dead center front, 5 feet away from Steven Wilson’s mike. This was at 5:35 p.m. I remained in the same position till the end of the concert (10:30 p.m.), protecting my territory with all my strength.
After the opening acts were finished, there was a large (and then some) amount of shoving from all sides, most significantly from the back, the pressure of which was enough to shift the strong barrier ahead two feet and make my friends decide to head to the back of the arena, which was ostensibly more peaceful. Given that the very real plausibility of my ribs getting crushed (no exaggeration), I was quite frightened. Additionally, I had been sick earlier so all this commotion did nothing to alleviate my discomfort.
Then, I heard a familiar piece of music play on the PA. This was it. Porcupine Tree was about to come out. The lights went off and there was a subsequent roar in the crowd that diluted the sound of what appeared to be a darker modification of the end of Blind house, a track off PT’s 10th and most recent effort, The incident. The music stopped, and the crowd got even louder. Then, Steven Wilson (Guitarist, backing keyboardist, lead vocalist and frontman), Richard Barbieri (Keyboardist), Gavin Harrison (Drummer), Colin Edwin (Bassist) and John Wesley (live session guitarist but not an official PT member) walked on stage. I can only imagine what they must have felt to be greeted by a crowd that was this loud (at this point louder than mentioned previously in this article, if that were even possible).
My eyes were glued to Steven Wilson’s and I watched in great anticipation as he maintained a fixed glaze at some mysterious part of the crowd. This seemed to last for quite a bit, which I see in retrospect is a patent exhibition of the intensity and even febrility in the atmosphere.
Suddenly, the air was filled with the dark, heavy and beautiful sound amalgam of open de-tuned guitars, powerful drums, deep bass and haunting keys. This was the best opener anyone could hope for- Occam’s razor, the first track on The Incident. The purpose of this track was evidently (on the album and in the show) to lay the foundation for what was to come particularly what was to come very shortly- Blind House. This track miraculously increased the volume of the already insane crowd and its opening riff was a perfect opportunity for me and many other members of the audience to show off our killer head-banging skills. The track was energetic and progressed in a very tight manner with a surprising number of people singing along.
As soon as the track ended, Steven greeted the crowd with a quick ‘Namaste’ and then announced that the next song they were going to play was The Sound Of Muzak, off the highly critically acclaimed record, In Absentia. This was evidently a popular song as there were few who didn’t sing along. Considering that I was, like many others, in a state of trance, do not expect me to remember the correct order of the set. They subsequently played, Hatesong, Open Car and lazarus, the latter two of which are tracks on Deadwing, another fantastic record. I should mention Lazarus separately as again, this track was a clear favourite to many people in the crowd. The well executed keyboard and vocal melodies of the song were only some of the factors that made it special.
At that point, I had forgotten all about my lack of energy, the fact that I had been surrounded by several guys with 4 hours of pre-gig under their pits. Most of the crowd’s reaction to PT up to that point was a great instance of how adrenalin can resurge anyone in a chronically fatigued state.
Subsequent to this, Steven shot a look at Gavin, proceeded to yell out a four count and PT started what may just be one of their top 5 songs in terms of popularity- Blackest Eyes (In Absentia). By the look on some of the faces in the crowd it was obvious that several people had been waiting for this moment. When the main riff kicked in, everyone was consumed by the fatness of the sound . No one hesitated to let their insane animal out, which, given the rarity of concerts such as this in Mumbai, was a manifestation of a very great deal of pent up energy. The chorus of the song is very ‘hooky’ and not a single person did not know at least some of the words.
The bass-line then played by Colin Edwin marked The Start Of Something Beautiful, another Deadwing track. Again, this track was very tight and was received warmly by the crowd.
Moving on to the next two songs, which were together, without a doubt my favourite part of the show… A medley of Russia On Ice and Anesthetize. The latter song (on Fear Of A Blank Planet) happens to be my favourite PT track, and I used virtually every part of my body to convey my veneration for the way they were pulling it off. This was a dream come true for me, and I am sure for several others; I mean that in the most literal sense.
Next, an official handed Steven a beautiful semi-acoustic Babicz guitar for the second time, and as he sat on the stool in front of me, my intuition told me that Time Flies, the longest albeit possibly the most popular track on The Incident was up next. I was correct. This was received very well by the crowd. The song was immaculate from start to finish save for a few technical errors that had nothing to do with the band. However, no one could care less. Some even looked bewildered as Steven apologized for the technical difficulties after the song.
PT then proceeded to play three more tracks off The Incident, in the actual album order as all three were part of the 55 minute movement piece that makes up disc one of the album; Octane Twisted, The Seance, and Circle Of Manias. All three are great, dynamic tracks but were unfortunately unfamiliar to a large proportion of the crowd.
Way out of here was the next track in the set, and was absolutely brilliant throughout.
Steven then proceeded to tell the crowd that the show was over. He thanked the audience, after which all five left the stage. Most people stayed rooted to their spots and I partook in several repeated chants ranging from ‘We want More!’ to ‘Trains!’ and from ‘PT!’ to ‘F***in’ Encore!’.
After a few minutes, the band came on again, and Steven picked up his Babicz guitar. He then announced that they were going to play a song which they hoped would be as popular here as it is in several other places. I seriously doubt he was disappointed at the end of it. The song was trains, undoubtedly one of the most commercially successful Porcupine Tree songs ever recorded. During the final chorus, when Steven let the crowd take over, we did not fail to be as loud as the rest of the instruments’ combined sound being channelled through the PA.
After the song, Steven told the crowd that Porcupine tree would be back soon, immediately after which there was another deafening roar of applause.
The last song of the evening was Halo (Deadwing) and although I would have preferred a more apt closing track, I still loved it and so did the rest of the crowd. I wouldn’t be surprised if several people left the arena without their voices.
I should also mention the significance of the visuals throughout the show projected behind the band. From psychedelic images to elaborate videos with messages, the projections for all the songs were very intriguing and some found it hard to focus on one aspect of the show as both the visuals and the band were enthralling to say the least.
I do have one grievance with the atmosphere of the gig, although it has absolutely nothing to do with the band. There were some people who were more interested in taking videos and pictures throughout the show than actually enjoying the moment. This was a little frustrating, but these people were few and far between.
Final verdict? I walked into the concert arena expecting to witness a spectacular event; a gig memorable and fantastic enough to blow me away and go down in history as one of the (if not THE) best shows that Mumbai has ever seen… and that is exactly what I got; no less, no more.
Comments
29 comments. Add your own comment below.
JJ
Dec 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 pm | #
well written bro.. you nailed it.
Swati
Dec 22nd, 2009 at 10:41 pm | #
Hi Siddhant, thanks for the article. Seems like you closely followed the whole program and I feel like I relived it again through your article!
Other than a few management glitches, hands down this concert was worth it!
PS: I took the liberty to save the pics. Please do send over a few if you do have them. Cheers!
Seshank
Dec 22nd, 2009 at 11:33 pm | #
While the concert itself was kick ass, i along with tonnes of other people was disappointed that they didn’t play “Arriving somewhere but not here”..A beast of a track and possibly the song which defines them. Other than that one minor grievance ,and shoddy organisation aside, the concert was phenomenal!
Nishit
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 12:07 am | #
Great post! You seem like a true, true PT fan! I confess that I wasn’t familiar with the tracks off The Incident (save for Time Flies and Occam’s Razor/Blind House) but the live performance ensured that I got my hands on ‘em ASAP!
Also agree with Seshank though, when he says they should have played ‘Arriving somewhere but not here’ That is the one song that defines them IMO and I was waiting throughout the concert for it. Ah well, something for next time!
Sid
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 12:30 am | #
Thanks JJ, Swati and Nishit. Yeah, arriving somewhere but not here is a masterpiece but I knew they wouldn’t play it, based on the recent trends in their setlists for this tour. However, I have no doubt that they’ll play it next time they’re here (and they will be!).
Nicolas
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 1:34 am | #
They haven’t played ASBNH since 2006 I guess.
For all setlists for every year and/or tour, check out http://www.setlist.fm, it’s very useful!
Nikhil
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 3:23 am | #
Indeed, your review has brought back memories of one of the best gigs, I’ve ever attended !!!
Thanks for this brilliant review \m/
Rutwick
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 5:41 am | #
Dude… Great Work!!!
I was in the first from front and right opposite Mr. John… Feels like I’ve seen the angels perform!
Dhaval
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 5:57 am | #
I met Steven Wilson and Gavin Harrison!!!! what a night!!!
Deepak
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 am | #
* kicks self for not going *
Anita
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 10:28 am | #
Hey Sid very well written…your passion for PT shines through. I am sure they will be back, after the tremendous response from fans like you…it must have been as big a high for them, right?
Ligia
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 12:04 pm | #
Hello Siddhant, I understand your admiration for Porcupine Tree, very passionate and detailed article.
Michael Lewis
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 1:09 pm | #
That is one of the best concert reviews I’ve read in quite awhile. Makes me want to spend more time in Mumbai.
Anirudh
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm | #
This was a fantastic concert. I was in second row and nearly got squashed, and retreated backwards to avoid the mighty mumbai crowd!
The show was gorgeous with the lighting and video playing a huge role in the experience. And it’s great that we got to listen to some of the more popular numbers rather than just the entire Incident album - which has been the centerpiece of the previous setlists of the band for a while.
I just wish they played my favorite - “Arriving somewhere, but not here”.
christian
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm | #
wonderful! i had the same,if not better, experience when they came to ny
Chinnie
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm | #
I have never in my life heard a band or a group of musicians who could be like Porcupine Tree. I bought the ticket for the concert the day they were released… I left from Bangalore on the 18th with a friend of mine on a “Royal Enfield”, unfortunately for us, we crashed. I hurt both my knees and my hands. Stayed over at a village for a night… that whole night I was thinking.. “what must I do?”. The next afternoon, my friend decided he wanted to go back because he was in too much pain to attend the concert… And Me, I was just to awestruck with the fact that PT was performing that I failed to give up. With 2 Bruised Knees one, on the verge of a Fracture(No kidding) I took 2 buses to reach for Bombay, Reach I did, But not in a state to go and collect my tickets. However my friends who were already in Bombay got the pass for me. I was there at IIT at 5 in the evening, with 2 of my friends carrying me into the concert. I could not stand right in the front to even closely feel the Aura on “my HERO”… But, what the hell… I SAW PORCUPINE TREE… LIVE… That made my day, my week , my year. there was no way I would have missed the concert. No possible way… not even a crash… That day has only made me love them more…And for all those who may not have heard his solo projects, listen to them… The following are his other works, [“No man”, “IEM”, “Blackfield”, “Karma” and of course “Steven Wilson”] may not sound like the best, but trust me… “The Rest Will Flow”
Let’s hope they come back soon.
Porcupine Tree… Kudos!!!
Venomous
Dec 23rd, 2009 at 10:35 pm | #
You lucky…person. You had Blackest Eyes, Open Car and Halo…when I saw them in Glasgow a couple of weeks ago, they played through the whole of The Incident (though I missed the first five songs - still annoyed about that) as well as a great second set, but definitely not as amazing as that. Heck, apart from Hatesong and the lack of Arriving Somewhere I’d say that yours was probably the perfect setlist…
Argh. So jealous.
Khushal Bhadra
Dec 24th, 2009 at 12:05 am | #
I would describe the entire show as simply a Divine experience. Please check out my review on the show and I am also very honored that my website link has been mentioned on Porcupine Tree’s Website. I also had few clips of the show which has unfortunately been deleted by youtube for copyright infringement. I still cannot figure out why?
You can read the entire review on my blog and your comments are welcomed.
Jean
Dec 24th, 2009 at 8:49 am | #
Thanks for the awesome review! I’m so glad that the PT fans of India were treated to such a great selection from their splendid catalogue.
The Incident tour has featured the music of disk 1, top to bottom, from that album for the first half of the bulk of this tour. Fans in the US & Europe have only gotten a small selection of older favorites. Of course, if the Tree were to play all our favorites at every show, they would play for 4 hours every night! I think everyone is going to be a bit envious of the attendees of the Mumbai show. :)
The Incident is a brilliant album. Get hold of it and listen to it non-stop for a week!
anubhav tiwari
Dec 24th, 2009 at 5:39 pm | #
i met steve wilson after the show in a bandra bar called bonobo (i guess)….he had offered one of my friend a drink, who called.!…brilliant experience..
KC
Dec 24th, 2009 at 5:55 pm | #
nicely written… i wish the gig had gone on forever… hope they come back soon…
Praveen
Dec 24th, 2009 at 10:28 pm | #
superb review man…
I know how it feels like cos I was also there…front roww:D
and screaming madly!!!
and the comment by Chinnie…waah!!thats one true fan…hats offf…
Abhishek
Dec 25th, 2009 at 8:21 pm | #
When they played anesthetize i almost had an orgasm lol…
i love that track absolutely.
Sushil
Dec 25th, 2009 at 10:23 pm | #
Nice review dude. A few things i had to point out. Time Flies was played before Blackest Eyes, Start of Something Beautiful, Russia On Ice and Anesthetize. I checked it against my bootleg of the concert recorded on my phone :). The correct order is now available on http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/porcupine-tree/2009/iitmood-i-mumbai-india-1bd709d8.html.
Also, though the technical glitch was due to a power failure on some of the monitors and the visuals, it threw Gav Harrison and John Wesley slightly off time. Being the professionals that they are, they undoubtedly got very pissed that it happened. PT is famous for putting on immaculate gigs unlike some of the other bands out there today, who believe its ok to fuck up a little, as long as they can make up for it by stunts like public profanity and stage dives.(case in point, wannabe Indian Metal bands, and yes, that includes Parikrama. I have been attending their gigs for the past 6 years and haven’t managed to infuse even an iota of dignity into their shows after all this while. Maybe the Indian audience is to blame, but they aren’t any less culpable) In any case, you can be sure that they won’t release a dvd titled Porcupine Tree - Live in Mumbai, 2009. In this regard, PT reminds one of post-Animals Pink Floyd (The 1980 Wall tour and 1994 Division Bell tour are similar efforts where each gig was planned to the minute).
Time Flies is my favourite track from the new album and I was pretty disappointed it didn’t go down flawlessly. Personally, I thought the 3-song set from the Incident(Octane Twisted, The Seance, and Circle Of Manias) was the high point of the concert. They played this difficult piece perfectly and Gav Harrison showed what a monster he is on the drums. The Incident is an amazing album and 20 years from now I am sure will go down as one of their greatest works ever. I, for one, wouldn’t have been dissapointed at all if they had played it in its entirety.
Would have loved it if they had played Arriving Somewhere and maybe some classics like Even Less and Waiting (:P), but I guess that’s just wishful thinking. I actually was secretly hoping for a repeat of the 2005 Chicago Park West concert from the Arriving Somewhere but Not here tour(I had also tweeted this with an @porcupinetreef added at the start :P). Would have never been able to decide what to bump off this setlist though; they are all such magnificent songs. Best concert I ever attended - rivals the Deep Purple gig in Bangalore in 2007 and I finally managed to recover from a two year depression for not having attended Roger Waters in Mumbai. Thank you Porcupine Tree. :)
Apurva
Dec 25th, 2009 at 11:44 pm | #
Nice!! if you stood at the center I must have been standing right next to you :)
Siddharth
Dec 26th, 2009 at 8:57 pm | #
Brilliant article mate….i actually relived the entire show!!!!i wanna go back to the night of 21st!! :D
Azeem
Dec 29th, 2009 at 4:13 am | #
Wow, it’s uncanny. Our thought processes are rather similar when it comes to both PT, and writing in general.
Not to mention both our reviews were featured on PT’s website.
Well written, man. Love the detail. Makes me wish I’d put more into my review.
Ah, well :)
Cheers
(PS : http://split-magazine.com/2009/12/25/porcupine-tree-live-in-mumbai/ xD )
Ankit
Jan 4th, 2010 at 9:36 am | #
what an awesome show it was !!!
and well written my pal.. i can revive all those moments in ma mind…
D.A. Schwartz
Jan 22nd, 2010 at 2:16 am | #
Having seen Porcupine Tree more than 20 times in numerous cities across the United States, I read in great anticipation of their Mumbai show review. The reviewer’s love for Porcupine Tree was evident throughout his show comments and delivered a well written, emotionally satisfying synopsis of the typical Porcupine Tree concert; which is anything but typical! If Porcupine Tree is not the best progressive rock or any genre of rock band to emerge in the past 20 years, would someone please offer alternative suggestions? Thanks for the fine Mumbai review Siddhant! It is wonderful hearing about our mutually beloved band from around the small planet of ours. With our ability to share common experiences across such a wide distance, I’m convinced with communication, shared experiences and common purpose, our world is not as screwed up as it seems. Long live Porcupine Tree and let us cherish the glorious multi-faceted genius’ of Steven Wilson!
Cheers!
Dave
San Jose, CA, USA (Silicon Valley, near San Francisco)