Darren Hayman - Luminaire, London, 12/11/2007
by Benjamin Howarth
published: 23 / 11 / 2007

intro
At a gig to promote his just released second album, Ben Howarth watches ex-Hefner frontman Darren Hayman play an impressive collection of old and new songs at the London Luminaire
Interviewed in this magazine last month, Darren Hayman seemed to have accepted that the popularity and media attention he enjoyed as the songwriter in Hefner had left him for ever. But on the evidence of this concert, he may have judged that prematurely. Buoyed, no doubt, by very positive reviews of his second solo album, 'Darren Hayman and the Secondary Modern' in 'Q' and 'Uncut', he played with the confidence that made his old band so loved by regular listeners to the John Peel radio show. Hayman once wrote that Hefner liked to think of themselves as a ‘folk band’. Backed with a banjo and a violin, his solo music fits that description far better. Most of his new album was aired tonight, and the songs sounded even more impressive in person. Of course, some of the biggest cheers were reserved for Hefner songs - and, although he has been critical of his earliest work, he treated fans to ‘Pull Yourself Together’ and ‘Hello Kitten’, as well as the two best songs the band wrote, ‘Good Fruit’ and ‘The Greedy Ugly People’. But the most impressive songs tended to be new ones. In particular, the rendition of the album’s opening track ‘Art and Design’ made it clear that the qualities that made Hayman so popular have endured. It was a fun gig, with an energetic and enthusiastic - and packed out - crowd. Darren remains a witty host. But, musically, it was a reminder of a talented and unique songwriter, who has been cruelly neglected in recent years.
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Darren-Hayman/55543614047http://www.hefnet.com/
Picture Gallery:-


interviews |
Interview (2020) |
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As he prepared for the release of 'Home Time', his 17th album, Darren Hayman speaks to Ben Howarth about his most personal album and his reflections on the end of his epic, award-winning 'Thankful Villages' project. |
Interview (2012) |
Interview (2009) |
Interview (2007) |
live reviews |
Brudenell, Leeds, 24/6/2011 |
Helen Tipping enjoys a night of acoustic rock and razor sharp humour from former Hefner front man Darren Hayman at a solo show at the Brudenell in Leeds |
Camden Head and Bush Hall, London, 19/10/2010...23/11/2010 |
Lexington, London, 5/3/2009 |
Luminaire, London, 30/3/2008 |
features |
Ten Songs That Made Me Love... (2014) |
In 'Ten Songs that Made Me Love...', Ben Howarth writes of his favourite songs by singer-songwriter and ex-Hefner front man, Darren Hayman |
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soundcloud
reviews |
12 Astronauts (2019) |
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New collection of songs by Darren Hayman celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings by sharing a very personal perspective of the twelve men who have walked on the moon |
Thankful Villages Volume 3 (2018) |
Thankful Villages Volume 1 (2016) |
Florence (2015) |
Chants for Socialists (2015) |
January Songs (2012) |
The Ship's Piano (2011) |
Great British Holiday EPs (2008) |
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