John Frusciante-Live at Angel Orensanz Foundation NYC 3/15/2001

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/john-frusciante/2001/angel-orensanz-foundation-centre-for-the-arts-new-york-ny-43de2373.html

This review is very near and dear to my heart.  I went to a small liberal arts college in Allentown, PA.  My roommates and I were/are HUGE Red Hot Chili Peppers fans.  We started listening to John Frusciante’s solo albums as well.  His early stuff was very experimental and were recorded at a time when he left the Peppers due to drug addiction and not wanting to be in the limelight anymore.  As time went on, he rejoined the Peppers while still maintaining his prolific solo career.  Then we heard that he was putting out a new album called “To Record Only Water For Ten Days” and my roommate Bryan and I had to get it on release day.  When we got to the car, we put it in the cd player and were blown away.  This album became a must play in our apartment.  A few weeks later I saw that John was coming to NYC to play in an old church.  I was able to get 4 tickets and the gig was only a few weeks later. 

The day of the concert we loaded up and headed to NYC.  We were a bit early and hit up some dive bar for a few drinks and probably some greasy food.  After drinks we headed over to the venue.  As we approached, we realized just how special the evening was going to be.  Tons of stained glass and hard wood made this spot look very intimate.  As we lined up we realized that the capacity couldn’t have been more than a few hundred.  As the doors opened we made our way into the room.  We settled in and realized we were not far from the stage.  

John came out to a huge ovation.  The crowd (us included) shouted out their favorite songs hoping John would oblige.  It was very special to see how much John appreciated us being there.  At one point in the show there was a break in between songs and I yelled out the 60’s song “Runaway” from Del Shannon. Prior to this show John did a mini tour in Europe and bootleggers taped them and put them on Limewire (RIP) or napster and my roommate Bryan or myself downloaded them all.  When we heard him play it live we were blown away.  He put his own spin on a classic.  

John and the crowd were chatting all night.  It really felt as if he was playing for old friends and the crowd even sang him a belated happy birthday in unison.  John told us that he was in a great mood and that he fell in love that day.  His extensive set was comprised of 32 songs with a good mix of his songs (up until this point) and many of his favorite covers done in only the way he can.  Set highlights for me were his covers of David Bowie’s “Modern Love”, and “New Dawn Fades” by Joy Division.  My favorite performances of his originals included “Mascara”, “My Smile Is a Rifle”, “Going Inside”, and “Been Insane”.  The crowd sang along to most everything although at one point, someone trying to be funny screamed out “Fuck Anthony Keidis” and John replied, “if it weren’t for Anthony, I wouldn’t be here tonight so fuck you”. The rest of the crowd erupted in agreement with John.  All in all this was one of the most unique shows I have ever been to and we made it back to Allentown in time to meet at the local bar for some drinks with our friends! 

I have included a few pictures I took that night.  If you notice the fuzzy orange sweater in one of the pictures, turned out someone stole it. There was a search for it the following day put out on the internet but I don’t remember the outcome.  

Would love to hear your most unique show you have attended in the comments.