By David Deschenes
Hometown alt rock heroes Belly kicked off their Celebrating King at 30 Tour that will take them to the UK starting September 23rd (most already sold out) as was this sold-out show right here in RI. If you haven’t been to the Greenwich Odeum located at 59 Main Street, East Greenwich yet, you should consider it; they have lots to offer in many different genres and it’s a beautiful venue on a quaint Main Street with easy-to-find parking. This place is a real Rhode Island gem.
King was Belly’s second studio album released in February of 1995 on the Sire/Reprise label and produced the singles “Super-Connected,” “Now They’ll Sleep,” “Red,” and “Seal My Fate”. Although originally formed in 1991, this show proved the band is as vital as ever. Performing King in its entirety, in order, for the first time ever live. This was certainly a treat for longtime Belly fans; from the first song “Puberty” it was clear the audience was there for it. Next up was “Seal My Fate,” a melodic rock song, think a stronger version of 10,000 Maniacs. This was a song I wasn’t that familiar with, but I have since corrected that.
By the third song “Red” the band was off and running. Tanya Donelly’s vocals were clear and strong and the sound in the Odeum was excellent. Next up was “Silverfish” with haunting melodies by bassist Gail Greenwood, affectionately known as “GFG”, and lead guitar player Tom Gorman had the packed theater quiet as a church.
That doesn’t last long. With “Super Connected” up next and with the audience in full sing along mode for the chorus “are there heartstrings connected to the wings you’ve got slapped on your back?” and we are only five songs in.
Song 7, “King” the titular song from the album with its driving bass perfectly matched with Chris Gorman’s drum line was an obvious crowd favorite. By song 10 “Lil Ennio” you could feel the genuine affection the crowd has for these 4 musicians. There was no talking in the audience, everyone was here to see Belly.
“Judas my Heart”, the 11th song and last from King, featured some of the most beautiful harmonies of the night. After a standing ovation that went on long enough to have a visible effect on the band, there was a short intermission. Time enough for folks to talk amongst themselves about Belly shows they have been to in the past and the upcoming shows on the 30th Anniversary of King Tour they are going to, with many having bought tickets to several shows.
After the break, the band settled in for a string of the hits. With Greenwood taking her role as Belly’s unofficial emcee, the audience got the reason for tonight’s show, as “GFG” jokingly said we were “Guinea pigs” for their more important UK shows. But, to compensate, the audience was treated to a shower of candy courtesy of the Greenwich Odeum’s dressing room, then some jokes about dentists.
The second set opened with “Thief,” a song that was featured on the soundtrack to the 1995 film “Tank Girl,” another song that showcased Belly’s knack for sweet melodies with the plaintive last line “we are home now.”
The opening bass line from “GFG” gave away the rocker “Dusted” from Belly’s debut album “Star” released in January of 1993 on the Sire-Reprise 4AD labels that was certified Gold in the US and Silver in the UK, now it was getting hard to stay seated. “Gepetto” was up next, one of Belly’s many hits played on heavy rotation on MTV when they played music, and always a high point in a Belly set. Up next, my all-time favorite Belly song is the powerfully dark “Low Red Moon”, another showcase for vocal harmonies not wasted. “Human Child” was next, then right into “Slow Dog” that produced the biggest response of the night so far. And then “Feed the Tree,” arguably Belly’s biggest hit and the first single from “Star” that reached #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and #32 on the UK Singles Chart.
Another sing along that was the most robust of the night and clearly a blast for the band and the audience. “Lilith” followed which quieted the crowd with soaring vocals by Tanya Donelly and great interplay on guitar by her and Tom Gorman. “Shiny One, Are You Experienced?” finished up the set with the crowd clearly still wanting more. Standing ovation #2 was in full swing when the four friends left the stage. It wasn’t long before Belly was convinced by the applause to come out for one more. “Full Moon Empty Heart” was the answer, and by now no one was seated, a great way to close a unique and absolutely memorable show. Those in attendance, family, friends and fans, many with their children (which in my opinion is a sign of good parenting), immediately headed for the merch table for a few mementos to take home.
The album King has been remastered and reissued by 4AD and the band has embarked on a tour that will take them to the UK and many cities in the US, if you are able to still find tickets I would certainly recommend looking out for them in a city near you.