Grugahalle Essen Germany
Setlist
1. On Your Radio 0:00:17
2. Another World 0:05:11
3. Sunday Papers 0:10:38
4. Look Sharp! 0:16:12
5. Breaking Us In Two 0:21:27
6. Is She Really Going Out With Him 0:27:51
7. Target 0:32:35
8. TV Age 0:35:08
9. Tuxedo Junction 0:41:25
10. Steppin’ Out 0:48:01
11. Beat Crazy 0:52:34
12. One More Time 56:54
13. A Slow Song 1:00:57
14. Motown Medley: Uptight/Tears Of A Clown/I’m Gonna Make You Love Me/How Sweet It Is To Be
15. I´m The Man 1:28:26
There are rare cinematic treasures that capture rock legends in both their early days and at the pinnacle of their careers. In the era before DVDs flooded the market, offerings were scarce, limited to promotional videos, concert clips, and recorded performances. Surprisingly, it was television, often criticized for its shallowness, that illuminated these remarkable moments, with WDR's "Rockpalast" leading the way. Alongside the BBC's "Old Grey Whistle Test," this series from the 1970s provided a platform for contemporary artists—some now forgotten, others obscure, and a few indelibly legendary.
One of these enduring legends is JOE JACKSON, a prolific and versatile artist. His musical journey began long before his 1979 debut album, "Look Sharp!" graced the airwaves. In his retrospective book, "A Cure for Gravity," we learn of JACKSON's early days, traveling with his band throughout England, playing David Bowie tunes in indifferent pubs. With the changing tides of glam and punk, JACKSON's moment arrived. In just a matter of days, he penned a dozen songs for his trio, adopting the snarky attitude of New Wave mavericks and feeding the press with slogans like "I hate the crappy trees." The album's back cover showcased a skinny rebel in a pinstripe suit, a childlike face contrasting with receding hairline. His songs explored the falsehoods of love, Sunday papers, couples, and fashion, all delivered with a cynical edge. Hits like "Sunday Papers," "One More Time," "Fools in Love," and "Is She Really Going out with Him?" found a special place in the hearts of listeners. However, JACKSON's musical journey was far from linear, branching into symphonies and orchestral compositions, distancing himself from his earlier rebellious songs. Still, his indomitable spirit and talent as a musician continued to shine through, marking him as a true student of style who dared to step beyond the boundaries of rock music.
Lineup:
Joe Jackson - vocals, piano, sax
Graham Maybe - bass, vocals
Joy Askew - keyboards, vocals
Ed Rynesdal - keyboards, vocals
Sue Hadjopoulos - percussion, vocals
Larry Tolfree - drums, vocals
