Wayne Hussey

The Railway, Winchester

– 27th September 2014

I have to confess since around 1987 I have been a huge fan of The Mission, following them around to virtually every corner of the UK. Their epic sounding melodic guitars and Hussey’s deep and mystical lyrics have had me hooked since first hearing debut album “God’s Own Medicine”. Taking a break from touring and recording with The Mission frontman Wayne Hussey has released a new solo album, “Songs Of Candlelight & Razorblades”; along with an epic 50 date European tour to promote it.

Tonight the tour rolls in to the Railway in Winchester, a rather intimate setting compared to headlining Reading Festival, or a sold out Wembley Arena. Take it from me, it is such a thrill to see this man perform in such small surroundings. As Mr. Hussey takes to the stage the packed venue gives him a huge, warm welcome. There is no setlist and aside from an agenda to play a few songs from the new album, the floor is open to suggestions of the band’s massive back catalogue.

Wayne Hussey 1–2–3–4–5

This solo gig is much more varied than you would expect; it has been very carefully thought out with Wayne using a piano and a ukulele, as well as electric and acoustic guitars to keep things interesting. Hearing classic Mission songs like “The Crystal Ocean” and “Like A Child Again” played on a Ukulele is a strange but really refreshing experience. There are emotional songs such as “For Ever More” and “Bird Of Passage” that really brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. Wayne’s delivery is faultless with each song sung with massive amounts of enthusiasm and passion.

The new songs from the album are quite different from previous material but stand up really well against the classics; with “The Bouquets & The Bows”, “Wither On The Vine” and the lovely Zeppelin-esque “You Are Not Alone” standing out as clearly great well-written tunes.

Wayne is really relaxed and enjoys some fun and light hearted banter with the audience. After a 2 hour set he ends on the rather apt “Swan Song”, leaving the small stage with the crowd still begging for more. I might be biased as a long term fan but tonight’s show was something really special that no true Mission fan should miss.

Set-List
Madame G
All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan)
Island in a Stream
The Crystal Ocean
Like a Child Again
You Are Not Alone
Black Mountain Mist
For Ever More
Dragonfly
Martha’s Harbour (All About Eve)
When I Drift Too Far From Shore
Swoon
You Make Me Breathe
The Girl in a Fur Skin Rug
Bird of Passage
Shades of Green
She Conjures Me Wings
Sometimes the Brightest Light Comes from the Darkest Place
Wasteland/Lucky/Like a Hurricane – Medley
Wither on The Vine
The Bouquets & The Bows
Butterfly on a Wheel
Killing Moon (Echo & The Bunnymen)
Swan Song