James Marsters

26th April 2005

The April showers couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 400 strong audience as they waited with anticipation to be allowed into The Fleece nightclub to see James Marsters live! Known more for his persona as Spikeb from the massive hit television show Buffy the Vampire Slayerb, James Marsters is presently on a sold out seven day UK tour promoting his first solo album, Civilized Man. Finally allowed in at 8pm, the atmosphere became more frenzied as the jovial full capacity crowd, strangers united in their love of all things James, chattered and joked that The Fleece seemed very much like The Bronze in Sunnydale! It became even more so, when Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) entered the building to see his old friend perform and mingled with the rest of us. At 8.30 pm, UK singer songwriter Al Britten, the support act for evening kicked off the proceedings, with his own compositions accompanied by acoustic guitar and harmonica. A mix between a modern Dylan and Beck, his offerings were well received, especially an upbeat track calledKicks, which relied less on his over zealous harmonica playing. After a short break, the ex-Vampire appeared to deafening cheers. Chatting and waving at the audience, James Marsters, guitar in hand and dressed in black t-shirt and jeans, climbed onto the stage. Although the peroxide hair is no more, replaced by a brown crop, there was no mistaking the sparkling eyes, the razor blade cheekbones and square jawed grin. Straight into the set with an acoustic number, James was off to a flying start, only stopping briefly to banter with the crowd in between numbers. Playing all his own material, it is difficult to identify one particular style with his sound. Its an eclectic mix of folk, rock and blues. There were times when a Stetson wouldnt have looked out of place either. James was clearly enjoying himself as he played number after number, moving from acoustic to electric guitar. For me, the definitive songs of the night were Poor Robyn where he sounded uncannily like James Taylor; the slightly naughty Bad a mix between Elvis Costello and The Boo Radleys; the blues influence For What I Need and the title track Civilized Manb. I would recommend that if you get the chance - see him live, or at least buy the album. Although most of the attendees were fans of the Buffyverse, after the first couple of songs, they disregarded Spike and were visibly impressed to hear James Marsters, the talented musician.

By Paula Cartwright