What: Tribute to Kirsty MacColl
Where: Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
When: 10/10/10
Reviewed by: Roger Goodgroves

For the second review within a week I am watching on the birth date of a person whos life was taken from us too soon. This time it’s the 10th of the 10th, 2010 and today would have been the birthday of singer songwriter Kirsty MacColl. To add to the 10.10.10 theme it’s 10 years since she was tragicaly killed by a power boat when she was swimming in a motor exclusion zone. Artists can often be well known by the public because of hits they produce. Others are better known by other artists because of the songs they write and Kirsty falls mostly into this category. This is evident when you look at the artists lining up to sing Kirsty’s songs tonight. Here is a flavour of the artists queuing up to sing her songs: Alison Moyet, Amy Macdonald, Andrea Corr, Billy Bragg, Catherine Tate, Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction), Ellie Goulding, James Walsh (Starsailor), Kim Wilde and Phill Jupitus.

That’s not to say Kirsty wasn’t known by the public, however she was no huge star. This gig sold out quickly proving that there is still a loyal contigent of fans who also appreaciate what Kirsty did.

The nucleus of tonight’s musicians were Kirsty’s original band and then individual singers came on stage to give us a version of a Kirsty song. Or in the case of Billy Bragg a cover of a cover version of his own song that Kirsty had a hit with in “New England”. Confused, you will be!

Most artists did one or two vocals each but topping out tonight with three tracks and most of the backing vocals was Brooke Supple. Brooke was a new name to me however her version of Kirsty’s “England 2 Columbia 0″ was a highlight.

In last week’s Pinktober review I felt that Amy MacDonald didn’t really hit the mark with her songs but tonight she really excelled. Covering for the “ill” Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, Amy really delivered on Kirsty’s best selling track “Fairytale of New York”. Her vocals were gritty and perfectly delivered. A nod must also go to Dave Ruffy, Kirsty’s drummer who also put in a great performance singing Shane’s lines.

Another surprise to me was seeing Alison Moyet. Alison’s voice has always been superb and tonight she looked stunning too. She has lost so much weight I wouldn’t have recognised her and I only saw her live within the past two years. She did a very sultry version of Kirsty’s “Head” which you can see on my youtube video.

It wasn’t just musicians tonight though, we had a brace of comedians too. Compare for this evening was Phil Jupitus who also made appearances on vocals, guitar and baking vocals. The other comedian was Catherine Tate. Tate used Kirsty’s song “In her shoes” as the theme tune to her first series. She isn’t a singer but non the less her version was very entertaining and got a great reception from the crowd. You can see her performance here.

Other artists singing tonight that I never mentioned above were Mary Coughlan, Brian Kennedy, Helen Boulding, Boo Hewardine, Jackie Clune and Leah Mason.

All profits from tonight’s gig went to the Music Fund for Cuba which was set up in memory of Kirsty following her death.