The Tiger Lillies are a band that everyone should experience at least once in their life times. Their mix of gypsy-folk, punk and cabaret with warbling falsetto vocals is a strange but heady concoction and make this a trio like no other. With black and white painted faces, 1940's style tailoring and an instrumental set-up that includes an Accordion, a Musical Saw and a Theremin, they truly are an intriguing prospect.
This is a gig like no other; theatrical, thought-provoking and always dangerous,
Tonight's show was based on the life of the legendary French singer and all round entertainer Edith Piaf and included their own unique takes on her classic songs La Vie en Rose and Non, je ne regrette rien, both sung with real reverence and affection. Original songs give us an insight into some of the difficulties she was forced to cope with in her all too short life; prostitution, addiction and destitution, all covered in a 90 minute set that takes us through the highs and lows of Piaf's extraordinary life.
Martyn Jacques, the founder and front man, counts Piaf as one of the band's influences and it is with a mixture of both respect and irreverence that these original songs are performed. At times they speak in sympathy of her hardship and at others seem to send her up. The Tiger Lillies are known for their incredible on stage theatricality and there is plenty of that to be seen in this show. Songs that deal with Piaf's addictions and apparent episodes of madness are particularly thrilling.
This is a gig like no other; theatrical, thought-provoking and always dangerous, The Tiger Lillies are simply unique. After 37 albums and countless gigs around the world, the band don't look like they'll be throwing in the towel any time soon. Their songs are catchy, vibrant and always performed with an infectious energy. The Tiger Lillies live up to their legendary cult status.
