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London,
Critic rating
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Description: The Nashville-based alt-rock singer-songwriter plays tracks from his forthcoming album, Way To Normal.
Phone: 0844844 4748
Website: www.hammersmithapollo.net
Email: info@hammersmithapollo.net
Trains: Tube: Hammersmith 
Extra info: Pub
Ben Folds: plays his piano like a five-year-old
Ben Folds is dull by name but definitely not dull by nature. He walked on stage to Europe's The Final Countdown dressed like a nerdy geography teacher but, as soon as he lunged at his piano, transformed into an over-excitable child playing expertly with really loud toys.
Since disbanding Ben Folds Five he has continued to prove that you do not need a plectrum to be rock'n' roll. He relies on his piano, synthesiser, drummer and bassist to make his full-bodied, heavy sound.
Folds plays like a five-year-old, bashing the keys, using his elbows for emphasis, and this enthusiasm seems contagious. As he rattled through catchy numbers such as All You Can Eat and Underground, everyone, including myself, was playing air keyboards in time to the music. He even improvised songs, relying on the crowd to sing instrument parts that he did not have to hand. I'm not one for audience participation but I wilfully sang a trumpet and a saxophone part.
Apparently everyone wants to play with Ben Folds even if he does describe himself as "a piano playing a**hole." Halfway through the set came a well-deserved pause in which Folds sat alone with his piano singing more downbeat songs such as Gracie. Everyone enjoyed this rest and let his reedy voice and nostalgic lyrics wash over them. This did not last long. With a flourish he brought out his "green shaker" and began banging instruments again to create an ironically breezy cover of Dr Dre's B*tches Ain't S**t. As the crowd all shouted the chorus "B*tches can't live in the street" it became clear this man had us all putty in his manic little hands.
But, like with any child, Ben Folds wanted to play longer then he should. I admire his energy but by the end of his two-hour set I really thought it should be time for a nap.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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It was a great gig, I wasn't sure what to expect from him without the rest of Ben Folds Five but it still sounded brilliant. Especially hearing Gracie. Without a doubt the best part of the night was the Dr Dre cover though, it just shows how versatile Ben is.
- Candie, Kilburn
