Concert Review: Bangkok, Thailand - March 20, 1997
Francis DesCoteaux:
My wife and I were fortunate enough to witness Chris DeBurgh's first ever performance in Bangkok (March 20, 1997, at the Thai Cultural Centre). Although many Thais in the audience could probably not take in the full beauty of Chris's lyrics, by the end of this wonderful evening, the master had the entire audience up on their feet and asking for more on three occasions.
I have been to see DeBurgh in concert more than four times and I have never heard him sing so well. His voice was simply superb and he was in total control of the audience throughout the concert. The two hour long solo act at the beginning really allowed us to concentrate on the amazing melodies and words (for those that could understand English!) of beautifull songs such as In a Country Churchyard (I didn't even have to ask for it!), The Girl with April in her Eyes, Transmission Ends, Moonlight and Vodka, Where Peaceful Waters Flow, The Head and the Heart, This Child and The Simple Truth. Who needs fancy rock bands and electronic gadgetery when you've got songs like that. The entire audience was taken away into the world of DeBurgh's musical and lyrical imagery.
The Bangkok Philharmonic orchestra did a very good job at accopanying Chris in the second part of the concert. The songs Missing You, Snows of New York and High on Emotion and Riding on a Rainbow really struck a chord with the audience.
DeBurgh seemed to be onjoying hinself on stage poking fun at Boris Yeltsin and his daughters, who are, according to the singer, BIG fans of his. He even made fun of Asians and there cellular phones which didn't seem to bother the very easy going Thai audience. These interludes seemed to creat a closer bond between the singer and his listners. Other memorable moments included a duet of Rainy Night in Paris with a member of the audience and a few thai words spoken by Chris, the latter causing an uproar of laughter (to bad I don't speak Thai!).
Good going Chris!!! This guy is better live than on record.
Lastly, DeBurgh did not sign songs with more religious overtones such as Spanish Train and Cruisader, which he usually always at concerts in Ottawa. Perhaps this was deliberate in order to maintain a more romantic atmosphere. Don't get me wrong: this did not bother me one bit as there are so many other good songs. I'm simply interested to know the reason for this omission. Does anyone know if he played these songs at other concerts during his Beautiful Dreams Tour?
Hope you enjoy this review of a very special concert. Although every member of the audience received a special edition Beautiful Dream in Bangkok CD as s ouvenir, the sound of Chris DeBurgh's voice and music at the concert and the emotions it stired will definitly be the stronger presence in our hearts.