News / / 10.05.13

R. STEVIE MOORE

Cargo | May 2nd

As we enter Cargo’s imposing arches we’re greeted by R. Stevie Moore warming up, bells chiming, light flickering off his blue hair and beard. Stood resplendent in floral leggings, he repeats “I am Robert Steven Moore, born 18th January 1952, Nashville, Tennessee” a few times, lulling us into submission.

It’s fair to say Moore is a cult hero, even something of a god when it comes to home recording, with over sixty albums all cut in his own makeshift studio. Even if you’d listened to the entirety of his vast back catalogue, ranging from blues and soul songs to indie punk pop hits, you wouldn’t be prepared for his live show, its pace and flair. If only all bands could harness melodies like Moore. His Deep South drawl is bassoon-esque when he speaks to thank the crowd for coming: “Bands always have another song” he says, “and the name of this song is Another Song.

“Play myself some music” he sings, and amongst the seemingly insurmountable context of this immensely influential artist, things becomes clearer; you understand that, as glad as he is to share his music, this music is his, for his sincere pleasure. He’s not writing for fame or money or any of the usual, he is playing music for his love of it.

Not to say he isn’t crowd-conscious. A wildly entertaining performance throughout, Moore’s dry humour is totally endearing. “We’re just a young local grunge band trying to fit in with the curve” he exclaims, and at one point demands his guitarist’s jacket. It’s a cosmic jacket, to be fair, but it’s an act which renders his guitarist topless.

As the band leave the stage, the crowd roar, demanding an encore. Robert Steven re-enters solo, takes a turn through the crowd, partaking in some clapping and cheering, before climbing onstage to tinker with all of the instruments, a short spell on the keys and a drum solo. He then launches into his own rendition of Kriss Kross’s Jump Jump, presumably as an obituary of sorts, name checking The Flaming Lips, Daniel Johnson, Ariel Pink and Mozart between each “jump jump”. Moore pays the utmost respects to those musicians who have influence him, and lord knows we respect him.

 

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rsteviemoore.com

Words: Lucie Grace

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