Big Star’s Radio City Live In London
St. John At Hackney Church
October 31st 2024
View: Standing, Stage Right
Drummer Jody Stephens is the only original member of Big Star still alive, so to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their sophomore LP Radio City he was joined by Big Star fans Mike Mills (REM), Chris Stamey (dB’s), Jon Auer (Posies) and Pat Sansone (Wilco). A sold-out audience in this imposing venue enjoyed thirty-one songs over two hours. Guitars, bass, keyboards and lead vocals were swapped throughout, with Jody singing The India Song and Blue Moon to an enthusiastic response. Most of Alex Chilton’s songs from Radio City were played before the interval whilst the second half of the show focused on his songwriting partner Chris Bell, culminating in a powerful I Am The Cosmos and a delicate You And Your Sister. Mike Mills’ cowbell was an integral part of set-closer In The Street, whilst the encore of Thank You Friends said it all.
Review written for Record Collector magazine
And that Record Collector review as it appeared in print (January 2025)
Only Rock 'n' Roll 