The Fixx - Live at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 07/31/10

While The Fixx might not be a progressive rock band, I like them. Besides, it's my blog. ;^) Also, I realize that it's been a week since the concert. Life happens. Now that the unpleasantries are out of the way, let's move forward . . . .


I've liked this band since my high school days in the mid-to-late 80's. However, I was but a lurker (casual listener) until much later. I first saw them perform live in 2001 when they toured with Asia, Berlin and The Outfield. Despite a derivative form of Asia putting on a good show, The Fixx was the highlight. Their performance was quite energetic; even theatrical at some points. Simple Minds might be slightly more energetic and have better stage presence live, but The Fixx still holds their own quite well.


Fast forwarding to July 31, 2010 . . . . The "lawn seating" amphitheater was a great setting for the band. It was early evening, the temperature was moderate, and the skies were relatively clear. While the stage wasn't high-tech with lasers, a giant screen in the background, etc., it didn't take away from the performance. I liked watching Dan play his bass. He's always had such a particular stance. Plus, it almost looked as if he was using a tapping technique at times. He might not look like a really cool rock star these days, but his fingers can move on that bass! I could tell that both he and Jamie were really into the moment. They were enjoying themselves on stage.


Rupert was a distraction at times. He would occasionally be fiddling with that thing that looks like a box to his right. Going back and looking at the photos, I later realized it was a laptop. He was likely selecting various presets for the keyboards. While Rupert is not known as a legendary keyboard player, he does well adding texture and atmosphere to the performance. To some degree, he does for The Fixx what Nick Rhodes does for Duran Duran.


Cy's vocals are better than ever. His voice has matured well over the years. The 1011 Woodland reworks of many of The Fixx's classics proves this point quite well. It's largely acoustic and really showcases Cy's vocals. It was a 90's release and, as many know, acoustic performances were really big then. At times during the performance at Busch Gardens, Cy sounded a lot like Jim Kerr (of Simple Minds). Other times, he reminded me more of Michael Sadler (of Saga). He would go from soft and introspective to bold and incisive. At times, he got quite animated and theatrical.


From a distance, Adam looked like a kid! Perhaps it's his small stature compared to the other guys and the way he dressed. Or maybe it's just that he and Cy are the youngest guys in the band. While there is more than a handful of better drummers out there, he plays his part well. That said, The Fixx is really greater than the sum of their parts anyway. Together, they make joyful noise. And to top it all off, Cy writes great lyrics.

It was a pleasure to see The Fixx again; especially as the sole act. They played for roughly 90 minutes; about double the time they had when touring with the other bands in 2001. I am looking forward to their new album, Something Ahead of You.

Here are a couple more shots of the band as well as a shot of their set before they performed.

Adam, Dan and Jamie:


Full band shot:


Their set: