Big Star went on with the show at Antone`s in Austin, Texas last night despite the death of their founder earlier in the week. Instead, the show became a Tribute to Alex Chilton.
Big Star, one of America’s first power-pop bands, was already one of the must see acts at SXSW this year even before Alex died.There was recent activity in the camp. They had already performed in Europe in the last year. Also last year Rhino released the compilation ‘Keep An Eye On The Sky’.
The show opened with a message from Alex’s wife Laura read by friend Heather West. She talked about Alex the person, who would stop and talk to the homeless, always gave but never expected anything in return but who was analytical when it came t o music.
The tribute show became an emotional gathering, with original member Jody Stephens often pausing before hitting his next note. He said that Alex taught him that silence was okay.
Evan Dando put the mood into perspective. “Fuck” was all he had to say before performing ‘Night Time’. Mike Mills from R.E.M. came out to sing ‘Jesus Christ’. “Who are you,” joked Jon Auer as he left the stage.
Original member Andy Hummel was back on stage with the band. He performed ‘Way Out West’ and later ‘September Gurls’ with Susan Cowsill and the Watson Sisters.
It was a very special night.
Here is the setlist from Big Star’s Alex Chilton tribute from Antones:
Back Of A Car (from Radio City, 1974)
Don’t Lie To Me (with Curt Kirkwood) (from #1 Record, 1972)
In The Street (with Curt Kirkwood) (from #1 Record, 1972)
I Am The Cosmos (with Chris Stamey) (from Chris Bell, I Am The Cosmos, 1992)
When My Baby’s Beside Me (with Chris Stamey) (from #1 Record, 1972)
Big Black Car (with M. Ward) (from Third/Sister Lovers, 1978)
Way Out West (with Andy Hummel) (from Radio City, 1974)
Daisy Glaze (from Radio City, 1974)
Jesus Christ (with Mike Mills) (from Third/Sister Lovers, 1978)
For You (from Third/Sister Lovers, 1978)
I’m In Love With A Girl (with John Doe) (from Radio City, 1974)
Ballad of El Goodo (with Sondre Lerche) (from #1 Record, 1972)
Thirteen (from #1 Record, 1972)
Feel (from #1 Record, 1972)
Thank You Friends (with Chuck Prophet) (from Third/Sister Lovers, 1978)
Night Time (with Evan Dando) (from Third/Sister Lovers, 1978)
Try Again (with Amy Speace/Evan Dando) (from #1 Record, 1972)
September Gurls (with Susan Cowsill, Watson Sisters and Andy Hummel) (from Radio City, 1974)
