Daniel Johnston / Jeffrey Lewis / Adem / Former Bullies

Billed as his only headlining show in the UK, then it sprouts another one due to overwhelming demand, either way this is a rare chance to catch cult icon Daniel Johnston perform on these shores. Fresh from All Tomorrows Parties in Somerset, the unlikely star of song writing has decided to perform two shows at Manchester’s Comedy Store, probably due to it’s small size.

Not releasing there was any support on (seated venue, doors opening after 8pm), I am a little disappointed when Former Bullies climb on stage. They sound amazing as a band, but as soon as singer Nicholas Ainsworth opens his mouth to sing you can see why they got on the bill. He has tried to replicate Johnston’s high, crackling tones, and sings in an overly American accent, even though they live in Chorley (you know, Peter Kay has made the place infamous). The guitar needs turning up to appreciate David Roocroft’s rock god style playing.

We are told there is a surprise support act up, and I start to wonder how long a set Johnston is to have. Though I have never heard of him until now, Jeffrey Lewis and a guy known just as Adem (“pronounced like the Americans say “Autumn”!”) are received well by the crowd. It’s clear that they have heard of this youngster and his simple guitar pluckings with clever observational (if pointless) lyrics. Adem is strumming away on a tiny ukulele while Lewis is on guitar and vocal duties.



A little way into the set Lewis leaves Adem to play a batch of more sombre songs, and he proves that he is a good musician in his own right, with a strong voice and excellent guitar skills. He has misplaced his phone and cappo, but gets a replacement of the latter after calling (“not on my phone”) a friend.

Pulling out a box of multicoloured bells he proceeds to play a song about the words from the end of the story ‘Little Red Fox’. This is a first for this gig veteran to witness; the sound is not entirely wonderful but you get the gist of what he is trying to accomplish. And it sounds a little sweet, like a dinky ice cream van.

Lewis rejoins the stage for songs about getting old and pet goldfish. Then he brings out his music videos; on A3 paper pads rather than TV screens. Tonight we are treated to Nirvana’s ‘Big Cheese’, complete with pictures of a spongebob-looking piece of Swiss cheese and clever cartoons to go along to the song’s lyrics. You see, Lewis is a musician and comic book artist; obviously heavily influenced by Johnston. Hey, where is the guy? It’s knocking on.



After a little break it’s time for the man himself. This guy is the optimum of grunge / not giving a f**k about your appearance. Baggy jumper, jogging pants and white pumps. Ok, it’s not the ripped jeans, tights worn underneath with a checked shirt sort of attire normally associated with the grunge era, but with this sell out show it indicates that the people are more influenced by the music than the style (take note pop ‘bands’).



A few solo songs first; with Johnston’s unique style of delivery (the notes are mostly out of tune, played out of beat etc, but his voice is the same as in the nineties; captivating and raw; nearly cracking and in danger of disappearing. Armed with a book of lyrics, he sings mainly with his head down, shy but not withdrawn.

Moving on to the piano he tells a joke about how he had dreamt that “I heard they just sentenced a man to the death penalty... for trying to commit suicide. Then I found out that guy was me!" Now there has been a lot of controversy over the first sentence in this joke, told to a shocked crowd at this year’s SXSW in Texas. It is said to be racist to Jews, but with Johnston’s well documented mental state how can you tell if he knows what he is saying? And he has now aimed it at himself; an apology me thinks?

The piano keys are played better then the guitar, though still with the odd mistake. After another short break (there are a few of these) Johnston is joined onstage with Lewis and Adem to perform crowd favourite ‘Walking The Cow’, plus ‘Bloody Rainbow’ and ‘Try To Love’.



The bells come out again; Adem has more of a knack than Lewis, who is struggling with only three out of the nine delicate ornaments. “It’s Christmas!” jokes Johnston.

Yet another short break before Johnston reappears with Roocroft, drummer Thomas Settle and bassist Thomas David Hardman from Former Bullies. Their rock sound helps out Johnston a lot, and he can really belt out his lyrics, almost coming to life with the increase in volume. ‘Fish’ is quite calm compared to ‘Rock This Town’, with Johnston showing true punk grit.

After a helping hand from Lewis on a battered acoustic covered in stickers to play ‘True Love Will Find You In The End’, the guy is left on his own to sing ‘Devil Town’, with the other performers of the night singing along at the back. The crowd join in with this one too.

I am glad I have now seen Johnston for myself. I have heard the albums, seen the documentary film and bought the t shirt, and would love some of his artwork. I hoped people here tonight were not just about for the connection to many influential people (Kurt Cobain, Sonic Youth, David Bowie) who love Johnston’s work. Or to stare at a man who has come through so much, yet he still performs for people. Yes, he looks dishevelled, unkempt and still can not play the guitar, but what does that matter? The years of medication have shaped his voice so it is a little less coherent; he shakes a lot with the mic, but the perseverance in front of you leaves you in awe. The guy is a true genius; evident in his lyrics of lost love and good Vs evil, and this sell-out show tonight proves in my mind that there are many fans of Daniel’s all over the world.

FUTURE GIGS

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