Tim didn’t do autographs after the show, but opener Eileen Rose had a proxy solution.
Although I have seen him perform with Neil for their Finn Brothers tour, this was my first time catching his solo act. I discovered that out it was his first (solo) in Austin too. Those in attendance were lucky because this was the last show before he returns to the studio to record his next solo record (eighth is my estimate). I didn’t have any opportunity to get pictures of Tim due to the Cactus Cafe’s policy on photos, yet they didn’t clamp down on Jennifer (an Austin-based concert-goer I see at every other show) so I’ll see if I can bum one or two from her. I did get the set list from a nice Canadian fellow I waited in queue with.
Tim and his lead guitarist Brett kicked off with “Poor Boy,” then followed with “Weather with You,” and “Six Months in a Leaky Boat” on his guitar. He then moved over to the piano for “Unsinkable,” “Saw and the Tree” (something he said will be on the next record), and “How Will You Go?” With the emotionally heavier material done, he returned to his acoustic guitar but sat down to use a special drum kit which allowed him to play a snare and bass with his feet. Tim’s live version of “Dirty Creature” was the highlight of the show for me. There was an anecdote on how Paul Hester assisted him in constructing this drum solution so he dedicated “Salt to the Sea” to the drummer.
Tim then asked the audience for requests. Austin is a bastion of Split Enz fans which led to a string obscure choices, I bit my tongue from blurting out the old fave “Time for a Change.” The crowd chuckled with “I Got You” being suggested. Tim laughed and responded, “It is my night y’know.” The pace picked back up with “So Precious,” “I See Red,” and “Persuasion.” Brett pointed out to Tim how he went out of order with the set list after they completed “Persuasion.” Tim apologized and made everyone chuckle by explaining how hard it is to settle down once the “Red” train leaves the gate. They closed out with “Horizon” and “It’s Only Natural.” He did come back on stage for two encores: “Driving Blind,” (another new one?) and “Shark Attack” on the first and “Winter Light,” and “Still the Song” for the second.
I was rather disappointed over him not doing any autographs or talking to the audience since I’ve waited over 20 years to meet him. But I was in the front row and really enjoyed the concert which still gives the experience an A+ rating. Besides, I’ve never had the opportunity to attend a meet n’ greet Duran Duran, They Might be Giants, etc.
Eileen and her nephew Nick.
Now to dovetail nicely into the opening performer, Eileen Rose. She was personally invited by Tim to accompany the tour. I feel he chose very wisely. Eileen was a very talented, witty performer. She explained after a couple songs that the young man on stage with her was her nephew Nick. Since she has a large family with over 30 nephews and nieces, she was allowed to recruit at least one to be in her band. They were both a treat to talk to after the show. Nick explained how Tim didn’t do autographs anymore: Tim is nice, cordial but he goes right to his hotel after shows and sound checks; he doesn’t dislike fans though. I think it has to do with his age and experience is my personal guess; he wants to manage his time better. She’s now on a record label owned/operated by Judy Collins. I asked if she actually met the singer. The answer was, yup, her entire family did and her father accidently called Judy “Joni” (thinking she was Joni Mitchell) Pretty funny.
Overall, another great experience at the Cactus Cafe with my friends Mark, his brother Scott, Mary and her daughter Jessica. I’m also excited about a new Tim Finn CD within a year and hunting down more of Eileen Rose’s material. It’s always great to stumble upon more music.
Eileen and Nick after the show. They hope to be back for SXSW.