The last time the Swell Season played NYC’s Radio City Music Hall, it was May 2008, just a few months after principal members Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová won their Oscar for “Falling Slowly.” With Once-mania in full swing, they had no trouble selling out such a prestigious venue back then. But to fill Radio City again almost two years later, this time with no awards show water cooler moment to help spur ticket sales? Now that’s something.
And so last night the Swell Season (pictured at another recent gig) gave another sold-out RCMH crowd its money’s worth with a searingly emotional performance. That’s the only way they know how to do it. I saw Hansard and Irglová play for a small press audience last fall, and they filled that tiny club with the exact same passionate intensity as they did last night’s enormous room. Wherever they find themselves on stage, those two hold nothing back.
Hansard and Irglová’s romantic relationship is long over, but these shows suggest that their musical chemistry has only grown stronger with time. The same goes for the rest of the band: Last night the guys from Hansard’s other act, the Frames, whose membership has become more or less interchangeable with the Swell Season’s, helped add some welcome rock muscle to the melancholy folk of the Once soundtrack and last year’s excellent follow-up Strict Joy. They were also joined by a brass section including Clarence “Big Man” Clemons‘ nephew Jake Clemons on saxophone for several tunes, including a cover of “Drive All Night,” originally recorded by the elder Clemons’ boss Bruce Springsteen. I hadn’t realized what an important influence Springsteen was on Hansard until he mentioned it, but hearing that tune in his voice sounded so right.
“We don’t want this to end, but there are rules,” Hansard sighed after nearly three hours. It was time to say goodbye at last, reluctantly, but not before they sent us off with a lingering take on the Irish folk mainstay “The Parting Glass.” “Good night,” we sang along from throughout the house, “and joy be with you all.”
Were any of you in attendance last night, or have you seen the Swell Season elsewhere recently? Share your favorite concert moments in the comments below.
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Saw then Indianapolis in November! They are absolutely amazing and would pay to see them over and over again. They are true musicians and more of what is needed today in the music industry! Glen and Marketa are the best!!!
Saw them in Toronto last fall and they were brilliant. The Frames were in great form and you are so right about the passion and the emotion. They played Massey Hall so Glen was in a Neil Young mood. Wish I had seen the Springsteen cover. One of the best live acts around.
I have seen them three times-twice in Milwaukee and once in Madison-and they are always absolutely amazing. I would see them anytime, any place. Glen probably has my favorite voice I’ve ever heard.
I saw them first live in Baltimore at a large symphony hall in 2008, and then again this past November at an intimate club in Washington, D.C. EW is right, it doesn’t matter if it’s a huge space or a small room— they perform with their whole souls. I was worried that their chemistry would have diminished since their personal split, but they were so in tune with one another, it doesn’t show at all. I hope they keep collaborating and bringing us their joy.
I had the pleasure to see them in Washington, DC at the 9:30 Club. It was an amazing concert!
I was there last night. It was absolutely inspiring. “High Horses” was another fantastic sing-along. And I got to meet them afterward. Glen was being rushed to leave, but he was still the gracious, lovely person I assumed he was.
Saw them in November in LA and they just break your heart.
I saw them in 2008 at the Greek theater in Los Angeles, and then last November i was at the show where Jason Segal came out to perform a song. Always incredibly special, i will never miss them when they come to town.
I was at the show last night, and I have to say after two and a half hours I was starting to fade… and then they played The Parting Glass and tears came to my eyes. One of the best live shows I’ve ever seen.
Two things, I saw them in 2008 at Radio City Music Hall and Glenn opened the show with “Say It To Me Now” completely unplugged and I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. Two, I will also never forget when the audience sang on “Back Broke”. I feel so lucky that I got to be a part what what was truly magical and awe inspiring.
Saw them in Milwaukee last November. Glen’s performance of “Leave” was probably my number one concert experience.
I saw them last night. Glenn is such an amazing storyteller. I loved his story about Louise, the women in the duffle coat. It was so moving.
I was there last night — it was incredible. Best concert experience ever.
Saw them in San Francisco at the Paramount Theatre, and they were amazing. Sang a great version of Daniel Johnston’s ‘Devil Town’. Glen’s voice holds up well in concert. Met them afterwards, they couldn’t have been nicer or more grateful for their fans.
Saw them last night and in 2008 at Radio City – two spectacular shows. They bring amazing energy and passion to every performance – I’ll see them any time they’re in NY. Marketa’s glorious vocals add the needed balance to Glen’s power and his unplugged “Say It to Me Now” at the front edge of the stage is mind-blowing every time. His Springsteen slide as they came back for an encore to a chorus of “BRUUUUUUCE” was the funniest moment and the lovely Irish send off to the recently departed Liam Clancy and Kate McGarrigle that we all sang was a moving and beautiful way to end a glorious evening.