Nick Lowe

First time seeing both Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets and I have to say that this show was more fun than any rock concert has a right to be. Mr. Lowe was buoyant and emoting British charm while Los Straitjackets are like a band straight out of a comic book. These guys are a hoot with their stunt guitar playing and lucha libre wrestling masks. Haven't been to St. Andrew's Hall in a few years and was very pleasantly surprised at how much they cleaned up their act. Very enjoyable musical night in the Big D.

Nick Lowe was amazing as always. Reimagined his hits to reflect his aging and his crazy backing band for the night. Los Straightjackets were proper musicians and most entertaining. The Birchmere is a wonderful place to see a show. It is small enough to feel intimate. Great views from most all seats. The sound guys were spot on this night (sometimes they miss, but not this time)! (Tip: Don't sit on the back wall or the very front corners as the sound gets muddled). The food was decent and not terribly expensive. Great place to take a date. $90 for tickets + $60 for food and drink for two. Felt like I got a good deal.

First show for Nick, and I was not disappointed. This artist is personable, funny and talented. I loved every minute of this show.

We went to the Somerville Theatre 10/15 to catch Nick Lowe and his band. He put on a fantastic show!!! We've seen him perform alone at Tupelo and we thought that was good. This current tour blows that one away! The sound , the songs , the banter...all worked. Nick performing alone is a pleasure to see and hear. Nick with the band just opened up all the songs. You don't want to miss him the next time he comes around...he's a master. Graham Parker opened up for him. It would have been cool to see Graham perform with Nick and the band, but I guess that wasn't to be.

Nick Lowe - and his band - and Graham Parker were fantastic. We saw Nick with his band at Club Babyhead in Providence many years ago (the Impossible Bird tour) and even longer ago opening for Elvis Costello, at URI, I believe, as well as a couple of times without his band. The only concert that compares with this one was Club Babyhead. The best rendition of Peace Love & Understanding I've ever heard.

Nick Lowe, the first performer I ever saw live--back in '81--was spot on Friday night, October 15th. His vocals and playing are superb and his band is top-notch. The rockabilly approach all evening worked well, better than his recent solo acoustic stuff anyway. Actually, he started as solo acoustic for three songs before introducing the band--just the right mix. The venue was sweet; intimate and with good acoustics.

What a great show. Was stage front center. Last two times Nick was alone. This time he had his band. They rocked the house. It looked like they were having just as good of a time as we were. Thanks Nick. Next time do a show in Buffalo and then I be able to catch two shows. And don't forget the band.

I don't even feel qualified to write a review of the legend, Nick Lowe. He is absolutely the King of the perfect pop song. Funny, touching, engaging, and his voice is still a wonder.

NIck Lowe is continues to be one of the best songwriters of our generation. Sometimes poignant, sometimes sarcastic, his lyrics are timeless, and I think his voice has gotten even better with age. The Ark is the perfect venue for an intimate evening with this truly amazing performer.

Great show! Nick was ON, and the band was great, especially Geraint Watkins! See them anywhere you can, but especially in a small venue like the Ark in Ann Arbor; we sat last row and were still less than 100 feet from the stage! This guy's a legend and a great songwriter; do not miss this show!

The show was fabulous. Everything I could have wanted. Nick is a master of his trade and his band was spot on.

The band was tight and Nick was at his best on guitar and in voice. He has improved with age and was still kind enough to play some of the classics that he wrote 30 years ago.

Nick Lowe is a genius. Los Straitjackets are the perfect back-up group for his 60's Pub Rock style. Concert exceeded my highest expectations

I have seen many of Nick's shows and I have always enjoyed them but this was, by far, the best I Have seen.

Nick Lowe....... somewhat obscure by those outside music but a great British Rock Legend for fans and the music scene. It was the first time I'd seen him and was blown away with the power and ease of this show. Big sound and act from a guy, a guitar and a crooning powerful voice. Every song was met with "this is really good stuff" He came across as an artist who knows who he is....where he's from....where he's going.! A pleasure! Everyone left there feeling really about the show. Can't wait to see him again.........somewhere!

He was great. I'd go see him again in a heartbeat.

I am a Nick Lowe fan. My wife and I really enjoyed the show. First time I have seen him in person. Love his singing and song writing! Opening act Kim Richey was very good. First time to see her. Great voice. Wonderful song writer.

The last time Nick Lowe played the Birchmere he had a killer back up band in tow. It was a great show. This time, it was just him and a guitar and it was equally awesome. I lost track of how many tunes he tore through but I certainly got my money's worth. He played my personal favorite, "I Live On A Battlefield" and made my night! He always tells at least one funny story and always is entertaining between songs but he never talks too much or gets in the way of the songs. If you've never seen him, go! You don't even need to know his songs to have a great time

Not many musicians have the talent to pull off a show with just their vocals and guitar. Nick Lowe is one of those artists. His voice is rich, resonant, full of passion and humor. I would see him again tomorrow night if I could - it was one of the best shows I've ever seen.

Nick Lowe is an amazing performer who is not to be missed!

Nick Lowes show at the Alladin was really remarkable. Just Nick and an acoustic guitar on stage and he had the crowd mesmerized for the entire evening. Nick's songwriting is so classic and has improved on every album. It was a great setting to really appreciate his genius as a songwriter and his voice sounded as smooth as ever.. He was in a very appreciative mood since he was the headliner tonight. he has been opening for Wilco recently and he commented that while that was fun he felt more responsibility to do well when he was playing for his people. He did not disappoint.

This is one concert that I have wanted to see for some time. Nick really showed why he's stood the test of time. A top-notch song writer who sounded tight with his band. I went home that evening and listened to my Nick Lowe albums again.

I stood out like a sore thumb. Most in the audience were in their 40s or 50s and probably followed Nick Lowe since they were in college. I'm 24 and only recently became a fan, though I always enjoyed his one big radio hit, "Cruel to Be Kind." Over the last year I've made my way through much of his entire catalog from Brinsley Schwarz to Rockpile to his solo and production work and loved just about everything I've come across. The concert, like the recent 'Quiet Please' best of compilation, is more a demonstration of his songwriting talent than his ability to rock. That's not to say he can't still rock, as his set list featured a few great pop-rock numbers including "Raging Eyes" and "I Knew the Bride." Some in the audience may have been disappointed he didn't play more from 'Jesus of Cool' or 'Labour of Lust' -- but I appreciated that he wanted to showcase his entire career and his ability to seamlessly transition from genre to genre. Lowe's keyboardist, Geraint Watkins, was a solid opening act, though I must admit I was disappointed when I found out later that Graham Parker opened at other stops along the tour. Before the full band came out, Lowe played a few acoustic numbers, most notably "Heart." I've probably heard the faster Rockpile/Billy Bremner version more, but Lowe's slower version really is terrific live. It's hard to point out other highlights because the entire show really was fantastic. Lowe was witty, unpretentious, and in total command. He knows how to put on a great show. I can't wait to see him again.

Great show by both performers. Enjoyed seeing Nick with his band. Graham Parker never dissappoints!

Well played set, but too many 'new' songs, and not enough from the 'Pure Pop-Labour Of Lust' years.

My first time having seen Nick Lowe live as well as attending the Birchmere. I've been a long time fan of N. Lowe, E. Costello, G Parker and their music and styles of music. The venue is a small, intimate place to enjoy a show, with table seating with dinner and beverage of choice. N. Lowe brought his band for the first time in his last 5 local appearances. Each band member sounded remarkable in their own right. N. Lowe's voice was in top form. The music varied from folk, to pop rock to rockabilly to country. His vocal interpretations are remarkable! All in all, an outstanding evening!

Nick played some older rocking tunes, written for and made popular by other bands, along with his thoughtful and more mellow, more contemporary songs. He and his band are a talented group of men, gracefully aging, and still full of talent and ability. A very pleasant and engaging show, i was sorry it ended,

The show was a wonderful blend of both old and new music. The stories were good and the band was amazing. Well worth the price of tickets.

Great show couldn't have been more satisfied would go aagain

He ain't called the Jesus of Cool for nothing! Seeing him with the band vs. solo was awesome. He covers so much ground: pop, rock, country, soul.... and he does it all with style.

Excellent performance by Nick Lowe...specially enjoyed Geraint Watkins, as a Lousiana native I understand "Bon temps roule".....perfect venue !

Sublime near perfect Blue eyed british soul. The closest thing my generation has to a Sinatra with a sympathetic professional to the core swinging and rocking band that can stop on a dime. Flawless exection and tone fo the smartest lyricist ( and one of the best vocalists) in Rock.

one of the best song writters and singers of our time. he will be recognised long after he's gone.

Great show, great showman. The band he put together was fantastic. Hey Nick, how about a Rockpile reunion.

What makes Nick Lowe a truly amazing artist (IMHO) is the fact that he has evolved his music as he has aged. His performance was like sipping a fine aged Scotch; mellow, smooth, and sophisticated. Always appropriate for the moment.

I had no expectations about the show and it blew me away. I would go see Nick Lowe anytime, anywhere. His band is amazing and his vocals and lyrics are among the best I've ever heard.

I've been a fan of both Nick Lowe and Graham Parker since a friend introduced me to their music in college in the late 70s. I've been to most of both performers' Boston shows over the years and always enjoy them. When I bought my tickets to see Nick Lowe, the opening act wasn't yet specified, so I was pleasantly surprised when when the lights went down and GP appeared. Both Graham and Nick gave solid performances that drew material from across their careers. Listening to the mix made me realize how deep each of their catalogs are and how both of them have been writing so well for so long.

Nick is a must-see whenever he comes to town. But with a band and Graham Parker opening -- easily the show of the year!

Unfortunately, Nick Lowe successfully avoided playing most of his popular and best loved material. Whenever he did play a favorite, the audiences reaction was enthusiastic, very enthusiastic. He pretty much abandoned his work from the seventies and early eighties and performed solid, if not exciting work, from the mid-eighties forward. The crowd brought Nick and his band back for three encores which would indicate my being in the "dissatisfied with the show" minority.

This was an amazing show. No matter what song Nick Lowe did, whether you knew it by heart or were hearing it for the first time there was no denying his sheer talent. He did an amazing set of old and new and then came out for two encores to please the fans. Having Graham Parker as a special guest topped off the evening! Two amazing artists in a great venue made for one of the best concerts I've seen in a long long time.

Nick Lowe always give it 100% at his shows, and this was no exception. Backed by a fantastic band, he tore through selections from his entire career (and didn't shy away from the hits, either). The between-song banter was entertaining as well. There were two encores and, if the audience had it's way, they could have played a couple more. (The only think that struck me is that he didn't acknowledge his opening act, Graham Parker, at all. I'm not sure what there relationship is now, but it struck me as odd.)

Nick is a superb writer & singer and he's touring with a top notch band. Don't miss this one!!

A great combination of a talented instrumental back up back with a quality singer/songwriter made for a really run evening of music. Nick Lowe has a relaxed, comfortable way of performing. A catalog of significant songs that he has written. But Los Straitjackets were just plain fun. Love their Ventures/ Surf guitar music played with enthusiasm and skill. It took me back to my high school days when this type of music was all over the radio. I left the show with feeling really great because I had not been entertained that much in a very long time. Well done.

Nick Lowe has been around a while and knows a thing or two about entertaining, so the fact that his show was entertaining didn't come as a surprise. But the guy's voice was as silky as it's always been, and he puts his heart into his performances. He covered a lot of musical ground, from the little ditties to the big hits, all presented with flair and professionalism. Los Straitjackets were a surprising choice for a backup band but they performed all the material with astounding musicianship. And the part of the show where they played their own songs made for a great counterpoint to Nick Lowe's tunes. Lastly, the Scottish Rite Auditorium is a fantastic place to see a show. The quiet and mellow tunes were bright and clear while the rockers never droned or overwhelmed. The place has great acoustics! And other than possibly being a ways in the back, I doubt there was a bad seat in the house. I gotta see more shows there! It was a Holiday Revue with little shmaltz but lots of heart. Well done Basher!

Nick Lowe was the real deal! So glad I went. Los Straightjackets were the perfect backing band. They were entertaining in their own right. Just a great overall show. The crowd was into it and Nick Lowe appeared to be really happy to be in Detriot.

Awesome show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We fans of a certain age would prefer a start prior to 9:10pm on a school night but Nick with a band beats all. Los Straitjackets are excellent musicians but for a show that only lasted 80 minutes I was disappointed when Nick left the stage for a solid 20+ minutes mid-act for LS to strut their stuff. More Nick=good, less Nick=less good. Having said that, great show. Seemed to favor more early Nick (So It Goes, Heart Of the City) and very recent stuff, with most work from Abominable Showman, Party of One, Cowboy Outfit) passed over. Still, good show.

Nick Lowe came out rocking. It was a return of 'The Basher'. With Gringo Starr and the rest of Los Straightjackets he could put a little punch into songs like 'Tokyo Bay', 'I Knew The Bride (When She Used To Rock And Roll)', 'Cruel To Be Kind', and more. Also loved the Rock Star preening with the guitar. He was a little sterile with the crowd- no stories. But we pretty much came to hear him play. The mini-set with Los Straightjackets was excellent. Loved 'Itchy', 'Mosquito', and 'Pacifica'. Also loved them promoting their 'neuvo disco' in Spanish to the crowd. And those green Riddler suits. Killed. Perfect backing band for Nick Lowe. Wish he would have cut back on a few of the slower numbers and put in 'Switch Box Susan' and 'Born Fighter', but I can understand the need for balance. Got a T-shirt for the swag collection. Would have liked a little more variety there. Got a shot of the playlist. Special note: Nick came out for two, yes TWO, encores, one scripted, and one for the boisterous crowd- 'Alison'. A heart wrenching version. I highly endorse catching him on this tour. He is killing it.

Wonderful acoustic set by Nick. Terrific writer and his voice has gotten better with age.

As I usually gravitate to some loud, screaming guitar rock or blues, I really enjoyed the show. We also ran into Nick on the street a few hours prior to the show and found him to be a really sweet guy, very gracious and took pictures with us. Any fan of rock and roll should know Nick Lowe and his many contributions to rock and roll.

Josh Rouse was very good- we'd never seen him before, but his music was well-done and enjoyable. We've been fans of Nick Lowe's songs for years, both performed by him and other artists. This show was very informal and had a friendly feel to it, like seeing an old friend, even though he had never performed in Knoxville before. Most of the songs were unfamiliar to us but very listenable and enjoyable. Nick's patter between songs was warm and funny.

Nick Lowe's performance was a huge surprise. A gift. Not only was his voice in top form, and his guitar accompaniment very well thought out (for fullness), AND not only was he charming as he could possibly be, but his performance provided the rarest of effects: Connection. My companion and I thought he was performing for only us; every person we talked to thought the same thing - that Nick was singing directly to them. How did he do that? And by the way, what a pleasure to hear the great evolution of composition he has accomplished. His early familiar work held up well, but the lush, richly chordal, melodically-ambitious, crooning, desiring, searching, yearning, harmony-defying, darkly recollecting, and ultimately resigning later work was a wonder to behold. What a gift, he was. Thank you Mr. Lowe.

Totally Superb Show and Musicianship. I Hope He Will Visit Us Again..

A great set with plenty of old favorites and a few new songs. Loved his humor and wit.

I had the opportunity to see either Boz Scaggs at the Hollywood or Nick Lowe at the Pageant. I chose Nick because, frankly, I had not heard from him (publicly) for ages, and I remember his early work with the band Rockpile with fellow legend Dave Edmunds. I like the solo acoustic format, breaking songs down to their simplest form w/o dueling guitars, loud drum solos, whatever...you get the idea. His entire set was an excellent mix of old and familiar vs. his newer material; the Pageant was the perfect intimate setting, Nick's style and demeanor understated and relaxed, the audience thoroughly enjoying every moment.

My first time seeing Nick Lowe in person I have been a listener for a long time he always puts out a great album but in person he is fantastic . Also Los Straitjackets were unreal I had never heard of them now I'm looking for cd's , and Cactus Blossoms will be heading for stardom they seem to have an Everly Brothers vibe they were great also . It was a fantastic evening of entertainment .

Nick Lowe is re-energized by the presence of Los Straitjackets! There's nothing that twangy guitars can't make better.

I've seen Nick Lowe many times \u2014 but this was his best show yet. He and Los Straightjackets complement each other very well. It was such a high-energy show. My only regret is I can't go see the show again ... until (hopefully) next year.

Nick Lowe's Quality Holiday Revue was a wonderful stroll down memory lane, and introduced a new ditty as well. However, the real show stealer was Los Straightjackets, a masked foursome who produced a staple of memorable toe tapping riffs reminiscent of pure California surfing tunes. All In all, a GREAT show that allowed Nick to croon his standards and keep the flame alive.

Nick Lowe is one of the best songwriters alive with a catalogue spanning 5 decades. He is also a superb entertainer, intertwining great music with his dry sense of humor and excellent rapport with the audience. I have seen Nick many times over the years and every show is unique. You would think that this show, featuring his latest Christmas tunes, would be more acoustic and sedate, but the opposite is true. With the suited and masked accompaniment of Los Straitjackets (an all instrumental act reminiscent of The Ventures), Nick put on one of the more rocking performances I have seen since his Rockpile days - Christmas tunes included. Nick's voice was outstanding as he sang tunes from his 3 most recent albums as well as Lowe classics from the 70s-80s. For the Lowe-philes in the audience the only disappointment was that after 2 hours and 2 encore sets (he ended with "Alison"), we would have to wait until his next tour/show to hear other great songs of his that went unsung in this show.

Amazing. From the opening songs on his own, to the infectious rock of Half a Boy, to Los Straitjackets blowing the roof off the joint, to Nick closing the show to an utterly rapt and silent audience (I was born in Bethlehem), it was joyous and unforgettable.

Los Straitjackets is the perfect backup band for Nick Lowe, and the exchange of solo Nick, band, solo Los Straitjackets, band, solo Nick was great. It was taped for Yahoo, maybe you can go watch it.

Nick Lowe's review did NOT disappoint at all! This is a show not to miss! Amazing songwriting and performances from all the review as well. Really enjoyable and would see it again that's how special this event was. Loved it!!!

I've seen Nick Lowe many times over the last few decades. He still has so much energy and great new material. Backed by Los Straitjackets, a band of masked virtuosos, the crowd was indeed pleased. Aside from expected hits like "Cruel To Be Kind," "Heart" and "I Knew The Bride," he played some great recent songs such as "Long Limbed Girl" and "Christmas At The Airport." I was happily surprised to hear him play one of my favorites, "Half A Boy And Half A Man." And of course he just had to play "What's So Funny Bout Peace Love And Understanding." Instrumental numbers by Los Straitjackets were outstanding as Nick gave them the stage for a while. Plus we were treated to a terrific opening act: The Cactus Blossoms. Two up and coming brothers whose last name might as well be Everly.

A very entertaining show. Nick Lowe puts forth an equal measure of music and personality to create a great evening. Not mostly Christmas music as I had thought, he draws from his extensive song list, partly solo acoustic and partly with his masked band.

The Nick Lowe and the Los Straight Jackets show was truly a quality holiday outing!!

Great holiday show featuring Nick Lowe and the original and always entertaining Los Straitjackets! They played together and seperately both classic and holiday material. The opening act Mr. Wilder was an adequate warm up alone with his acoustic guitar. I would definitely recommend them on their limited winter tour. I'm a BIG Los Straitjackets fan but never heard their rendition of the Peanuts theme so that was my favorite moment but hearing "Cruel To Be Kind" and "Peace, Love, and Understanding" by Nick Lowe was geat as well.

Saw Nick Lowes Quality Holiday Review and really enjoyed myself. Nick has been able to continuously write great songs that are clever and consistant. His Christmas songs were excellent and He did plenty of music from his entire career. Backed by Los Straightjackets, the show kicked when it needed to and was mellow also. See Nick Lowe!!!!!

Great show. A perfect balance of Nick Lowe classics and holiday songs. An overall festive feeling but not in a corny way. As always, NL was endearing, funny and incredibly entertaining. He seems like the nicest guy and kind of makes you want him as a friend. Los SJs were a total blast, what an unexpected combo of talents I think a lot of locals went to this show, not knowing what to expect (as opposed to diehard Nick Lowe fans). Anyway, they were charmed and totally into it within a song or 2, of course.

A really lovely concert. He is charming, funny, an excellent musician. Los Straitjackets were also a show in themselves.Would love to see him again.

Really loved hearing Nick Lowe. Not exactly what I expected, but definitely worth the time. Nick sounded great, and his back up band Los Straight Jackets, were one of the tightest bands I've ever heard. Just a lot of fun to see.

It was interesting. Sound was great. Web Wilder has awesome voice. Los Straightjackets did great version of Breaking Glass, but I wish Nick had sang it with them playing.