Pavement were just one of those bands back in the 90’s that you either got or didn’t. If you got them you loved them and for the life of you couldn’t comprehend why the whole world didn’t get it.
They are one of the most influential bands from that period with any number of acts citing them as an influence and some critic hailing them as one of the best bands of the decade. Unfortunately for Pavement they also were one of those bands that didn’t seem to be able to get along with each other, their lead singer famously making reference to it in their last shows. If you want a feel for r their influence one of their albums is listed in Rolling Stones 500 greatest albums of all time!
They called it a day and since then apart from a reunion tour in 2010 not much has been seen or heard of them. I was one of the lucky ones who got Pavement but I was never lucky enough to see them live.
I headed along to the Barrowlands with a mix of excitement and fear. Much as I loved their music I did wonder how good they would be live and whether they would be able to get on together well enough to put on a top quality gig.
The crowd were clearly committed fans and mostly turned up early, the venue was quite full for the support act, Pictish Trail, hailing from the Isle of Eigg who performed a decent set with some clear highlights but came across as not really being sure what he wanted to sound like. When Pavement came on stage, in a slightly shambolic way, the love and desire for them to put on a good show was palpable. The crowd weren’t disappointed, singing along to their favourites with mini mosh pits breaking out on a regular basis.
Pavement today are a band who have clearly decided to enjoy themselves, the version I saw in stage were happy to be there, happy to be around each other and happy to be playing live again. It made for a brilliant show, the quality of their music was never in doubt, I knew from their back catalogue I was going to hear some great songs. What I didn’t expect, and absolutely loved, was the connection between them the banter, the vibe, that came rolling off the stage.
You can tell someone is relaxed about what they do and how they do it if they are comfortable enough to admit they’ve forgotten how to play one of the songs, this happened to Stephen Malkmus and he didn’t let it phase him, he just kept trying until it came right.
Stephen’s singing has, if anything, improved with age. The band were tight and the music still as great as ever, all in all, a fantastic gig from a truly great band,
I just hope they don’t leave it so long to tour again!
Words: Iain McClay
Pictures: Mark Ghillies