Bryan Ferry at Massey Hall

Photographs by Lee-Ann Richer. 

Every now and then it’s nice not to be the oldest person in the room, so last night I jumped at the chance to see Bryan Ferry at Massey Hall.

Seriously, I struck one off my bucket list as legendary Roxy Music front man took the stage at this legendary venue.  Ferry will be releasing his new album, Avonmore in November, but last night wasn’t a preview of what’s to come, but rather a celebration of his past with a heavy emphasis on his Roxy Music output.

Opening with the Roxy track “Re-Make/Re-Model”, Ferry played to a packed house for 80 minutes, accompanied by a six-piece band and two back-up singers.  

Approaching 70, Ferry has aged well and spent a significant portion of the evening behind a set of keys, stage right.  At times, limitations in his vocal range were obvious, namely with “More Than This” but with a set list including “Avalon”, “Take a Chance With Me”, and “Slave to Love” it was hard to be petty, especially since the band sounded so great.

The only current material played was new track “Loop de Li” and a cover of Robert Palmer’s “Johnny and Mary” which he covered on this year’s It’s Album Time, from Todd Terje

While enthusiastic between songs, the crowd remained in their seats for most of the show until “Love Is The Drug” turned the room of middle aged folk into gleeful teens.  For me, each track brought back memories from my youth.  The same could also be said for Ferry who luxuriated in the crowd’s applause.

Closing the night with a cover of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy”, released by Roxy Music in 1981, was a fine finale, although I’m sure most of the crowd would have stayed and enjoyed Ferry for another hour or few.

Thanks to Live Nation Ontario for media access.