Sure, I was excited at the thought of a new Portishead release. But it was going to take more than a record for me to believe they were really back. The new album (Third, released yesterday in the states) was merely a declaration of Portishead’s long-awaited return. Their Coachella performance was the affirmation.
Although I was only able to attend Coachella on Saturday, I say with confidence that Portishead’s performance was by far the best of the night (sorry Prince), and speculate that it may have been the best performance of the entire three days. Here’s some video I shot.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
I think it was either Geoff Barrow or Adrian Utley who merely uttered, “…thanks for waiting,” at the end of the set, and these were the only words spoken by the band the entire time they were on stage. In a way, they were also the only words that needed to be said. When the set was over I didn’t care that I’d had to stand in the face-melting-heat for hours. I didn’t care that I wasn’t going to see The Verve. I didn’t care about any other show I’d ever missed. I didn’t even care that I had waited nearly 7 years to see Portishead perform live. It was at once the single, most completely inspiring and mind-blowing show I’ve ever seen, and I’m totally bummed that it’s over.
Now for the nitty-gritty:… Continue reading Portishead Overload Read more »
