Guest Blog Review: The Return of Hole

2 years ago by Alan Cross | February 22, 2010 2:16 pm

Would you believe me if I told you that the first Hole gig in eleven years wasn’t a total disaster? Despite the illiterate rants, rages, and ramblings on Twitter, Courtney and the new band actually pulled it off. Rocking a slightly updated version of the Courtney Love uniform (frilly dress, Mary Janes, and messy blonde hair) she walked on stage and remained more or less in control for 90 minutes. The band opened with a rendition of “Pretty on the Inside” so grunge it took the room packed with bleach blonde heads and fishnet stockings right back to 1991. After reminding the crowd oh so lovingly that we were all useless, Love made a point of informing us that while she required a teleprompter for her own lyrics, it was a “one night thing.” This is yet to be determined.

The predictable but reasonably tight band performed a crowd pleasing set list which went from classics such as “Miss World” and “Violent” to a few more surprising tracks off Celebrity Skin – including Reasons to be Beautiful – a track which was written largely by Canadians Melissa Auf Der Maur and Jordan Zadorozny. As a good Canadian girl I must admit I deeply missed Auf Der Maur’s sweet harmonies. Mind you, Courtney had no reservations when it came to discussing the plus side of having a male bassist claiming that “they f@*k all the time.” I reckon it’s true. She defended the use of the Hole name without co-founder Eric Erlandson by reminding us that they are, in fact, a “real band” because they “have lots of sex” and “do lots of drugs.” 

The ramblings were briefer than anyone anticipated, and the new tracks were well received. Every few songs Love felt the need to remind us that her job is hard, but she held her own and got on with it. Highlights were the classic “Doll Parts” which she introduced as the “first good song I ever wrote” and the band’s decision to play Northern Star – a stand-out track which stunned critics. I also must give credit where it’s due and point out that she kept all her clothes on, noting that those days were over. On the flip side, those Billy Corgan influenced pop tracks off Celebrity Skin such as Malibu really didn’t stand up without Auf Der Maur; and Courtney Love should never be left alone on stage with just an acoustic guitar – even if it was just for one song.

As Love sang out “there’s only us left now” during Celebrity Skin – a line which makes reference to the fact that in 1999 Courtney felt Hole and the Pumpkins were the last survivors of grunge, one had to wonder what’s next. With rumours of other such reincarnations abound it’s going to be a strange year.

Regardless, she played until her fingers bled and it showed. Maybe there is one element of Ms. Love’s life she can manage after all?

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