So, seminal goth rockers Bauhaus re-united for Coachella this year. As a devoted Bauhaus maniac back in the day, I was excited that they were on the bill, but I didn't take it too seriously. I was pretty certain it would be a somewhat sad case of dusting off the old codgers and rolling 'em out for one last trip down gothic nostalgia lane.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
Bauhaus rocked ass. Their's was easily the most convincing main stage performance of the weekend.
Here's what happened. First, they went straight for the jugular, as it were, and opened with their biggest number, "Bela Lugosi Is Dead." David J, Daniel Ash and Kevin Haskins slowly built the vibe of inky darkness, smoke rolling out over the stage, and the trademark white lights glared starkly out into the desert night. Then, Peter Murphy made his entrance, bringing the goth HARDCORE, suspended from the rafters by his feet, wrapped in black ribbons, his hair bleached white, arms crossed over his breast like a vampire, and performed the entire song, bellowing out that brilliant "Undead, undead, undead, undead" upside down like a bat.
I ask you, how pimp is that?
Just name me one band that would have the stones to freaking totally embrace their schtick and, without winking even a little bit, unflinchingly rock the high drama?
Gentle readers, there is none.
Peter Murphy, Undead
Maybe it was the dully perfect, no chances taken performance Weezer gave just before them, but personally, I like a little showmanship in my rock show, and Bauhaus brought it bigtime. They went on to roll out one classic number after another - "In The Flat Field", "God In An Alcove", "Silent Hedges", "She's In Parties", "The Passion of Lovers", "Rose Garden Funeral of Sores", and "Stigmata Martyr" - without one single false note, or missed beat, and without breaking character for a second.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Kate
The pictures are wonderful. Although I am not a Bauhaus lover, the pictures authenticate the tale you tell on what a fabulous show they gave. I love the tower pic.
Despite my lack of real interest in Bauhaus, I like to read your reviews anyway and now great pics too. I hope to read and see more.
2 - Eric Olsen
another super review Jaime, and the pictures are priceless. Very glad to hear they did a good job, would love to have been there.
3 - Amy
I tottally agree with this review. Bauhaus were stunning at Coachella and I hope that they tour together again. I am definately going to see Peter Murphy play later this month.
4 - Keefer
Amazing. I so wish I could have been there to witness that for myself. I saw Peter Murphy about a year or 2 ago at HOB LV and his voice is just as strong and potent as it was back then. I hope they do tour after this very successful performance. Thanks for this article.
5 - Eric Olsen
I don't like the PM solo material nearly as much as the Bauhaus material, however. Of course I can say the same about Love and Rockets, the Bubblemen, etc as well, although there are some great songs from all subsequent units
6 - Andrea
I too am in complete agreement. The show defied words. Bauhaus really left it's fans craving more, and I hope they reunite and continue to deliver jaw-dropping shows. I'm counting down the days until I see PM at HOB Orlando.
7 - Jaime Nichols
The most incredible part of it, I thought, though I failed to mention this in my review, is how their songs didn't feel AT ALL dated. They roked, straight up, no excuses. It was SUCH a great show. They were the best at Coachella, and I saw some great shit out there. Also, I say that as someone who fully bought the Coachella ticket to see Nine Inch Nails. No other band at the festival rocked it harder than Bauhaus. They were masterful and brilliant.
8 - SFC SKI
Another history lesson in action.
Great review.
9 - Temple Stark
Real quality photos?
What's your camera equipment?
10 - Temple Stark
Ral qulaity photos - um, without the question mark. They are.
11 - Jaime Nichols
The camera I took these with is just a Canon G3. I really love the one with the tower. Thanks for the kind words!
12 - Temple Stark
yep - a g3 will do it ($700 last time I looked and likely much cheaper now). Looks like the band had great lighting
13 - Temple Stark
Jaime,
I promoted this review to Advance.net. That means I put it here (and these places) where it could potentially be read by another few hundred thousand readers.
- Thank you for the post. Temple Stark
14 - Jaime Nichols
Thanks, Temple.
15 - Temple Stark
You should tell people your good news here for people who find the site searchig for Bauhaus.
16 - Toby
Damn, I'm seethingly envious. Excellent review, cool photos. Lucky, lucky you to have seen this kick ass concert.
17 - Bryan
C'mon, Jaime -- what's the good news Temple's talking about???
18 - Jaime Nichols
In the totally bitchin' department, my photos are appearing, currently, on the Peter Murphy and Bauhaus websites, and I'm just not jaded enough not to admit that I totally love that!
19 - ArgyleS
That rules!
20 - Andy
I WAS THERE!
It was Emazing.
Great review of the show. I couldn't have said it better myself.
21 - John Burnley
I saw Bauhaus in '98 at the Palladium in Hollywood, and I never thought I'd ever see them live. I wish and hope there is some video existing of this Cochella performance since I couldn't make it. Seeing the pics of Peter upside down-WOW.
22 - Carl Burgess
I first saw bauhaus back in 1980 at a small venue in london, I was 14 and my best friend was 13. together we followed
them till the end on july 5th 1983.
I married in 1998 and moved to the US in time to catch them on their resurrection tour.
My old friend now also lives in the US, so we decided to do it one more time...
SO 25years, 37 bauhaus concerts and 7000
miles away from where it all began for us, two old guys from london found themselfs witnessing what has to be one of thee finest bauhaus concerts.
We hoped to hear their best work, their first 3 LP'S and the singles that surrounded them. and what followed was
outstanding, we left as soon as the show was over and headed off into the night...stunned by what we had seen and heard. if you were not there then i feel very sorry for you.
2 LP'S and the singles that
23 - Xibalba
Well... Bauhaus Mexico City confirmed show!!!!
October 16th
24 - Naomi
Just found out that Bauhaus are coming to my fair city of Toronto in November. Thanks for this review, and especially for the pictures; I will not even hesitate before buying my ticket, no matter what the price. Now if I can only find those damned fishnets...
25 - Jaime
Ooh, I am envious!