Bryan Ferry 3/28/17 Palace Theater, Columbus, Ohio

     One of my best birthdays ever was seeing Bryan Ferry live in Upper Darby (Philadelphia area), Pennsylvania a few years back. I was in the front row, took in a great show, and got Bryan's set list. Epic. When I heard Bryan Ferry and band were coming to Columbus, I knew I was going to be there.
VENUE: The Palace Theater is a nice downtown Columbus venue holding 2800 concert goers. The acoustics are quite good and they host quite a few excellent shows. I was sitting in the 6th row.
MERCHANDISE: Bryan Ferry had his recent live CD release, a tour program (just $5), and four terrific t shirts (I got two). Good stuff!
THE BAND: Bryan Ferry was the talented, stylish lead singer for Roxy Music during the '70s and '80s. Following this, Mr. Ferry has continued to put out excellent music as a solo artist. His touring band includes many talented artists, including Chris Spedding on guitar and Fonzi Thornton on backing vocals.
THE OPENER: Judith Owen is a Welsh singer-songwriter. I was unfamiliar with her material, but I was impressed. And having the legendary Leland Sklar on bass was a real pleasure.
THE HEADLINER: I believe this touring band added a few members compared to the last time I saw them. And the group is put to excellent use -- from rhythm section to two guitarists to keyboards, backup singers, and saxophonist, the backing band is terrific. Mr. Ferry has a real charisma on stage. His voice was not at his best, including compared to the last show, but was still very enjoyable. The set list included Roxy Music classics, favorites from Mr. Ferry's solo career, and some Roxy Music deep cuts. An excellent set!

Bryan Ferry's set list from the concert.

     I hold myself to a high standard when it comes to following the artist's request regarding picture taking. I am not proud to say that I took some photos as there was a sign on the entrance doors that stated Bryan Ferry asked that phones not be used to take photos this evening (it did not say "No photos" or "No cameras" but I am splitting hairs). I was struck that nearly everyone around me had taken many photos and videos before I even pulled out my camera. Nonetheless, I still feel a little guilty. 

Bryan Ferry at the keyboards.

Bryan Ferry

Bryan Ferry playing harmonica.

Bryan Ferry with Neil Jason on bass.

Mr. Ferry, Neil Jason on bass, and Jorja Chalmers on saxophone.

Bryan Ferry

Bryan Ferry

Chris Spedding on guitar.

Bryan Ferry and band.

Ponzi Thornton and Bobbi Gordon on backing vocals.

One last photo of Bryan Ferry and the band.

     At the end of the show, I approached the middle of the stage as the crowd exited. I saw a set list or two get passed by stage crew to fans. I noted that Bryan Ferry's two set lists (one at the mic and one at the keyboards) were still there. I asked a stage crew member, then nicely asked Jorja Chalmers. When the stage crew member came back to the front of the stage, he took and handed to me the set list that had been at Bryan's main microphone. I feel very fortunate to be handed a set list. And truthfully, I nearly teared up as I walked up the aisle as I felt so incredibly lucky to see Mr. Ferry twice and to have received his set list at both shows! 

     Thanks to both bands for a terrific show and to the stage crew member for the set list. I am so happy I got to see this show!