Kristin Hersh - Scala, London, 20/11/2005
by Anthony Strutt
published: 30 / 11 / 2005

intro
In the first of two nights of acoustic shows Anthony Strutt watches Kristin Hersh look to her past and enjoys seeing her play songs from her Throwing Muses back catalogue...
The show tonight is opened by Tarnation's Paula Frazer. She informs us that last night she played to 5 people in Berlin. Tonight she is playing to a full capacity crowd who listen to every word. She has just released her sixth solo album, which she plays tracks from as well as some tracks by Tarnation. It is mostly sad and heartfelt singer-songwriter stuff and she is as strong an act as any classic folk songwriter from the golden era of the late 60's and early 70's. Kristin Hersh comes on stage shortly after 9.15 p.m. When I last saw her in June she had long black hair. Tonight it is short and blonde. She is wrapped up in a black sweater with a black fur collar and plays for 95 minutes accompanying herself with just her voice and an acoustic guitar and pouring out the tales of her first band, the Throwing Muses. These songs come from 1988 to the mid 90's and everyone here worships her. The songs are soul bearing and edgy, but you don't ever belong to her fan club for light relief. With various battles against mental illness, this woman has been through a lot in her life, more than most people and she tells it as it is. I only know a few songs as I wasn't a big Muses fan, but have always found her to be a brilliant live performer. Throughout the night she tells stories of where songs such as 'University Flyers', 'Hate My Way' and some of the tracks from 'Other Sisters Tales' come from. The gig ends with three songs from 'Limbo' in which she is backed by a husband and wife cello and violin team. All are brillianty performed. This is a a long night, but essential listening.
Band Links:-
https://www.kristinhersh.com/https://www.facebook.com/strangeangels/
https://twitter.com/kristinhersh
Have a Listen:-
Picture Gallery:-


interviews |
Interview (2018) |
![]() |
Throwing Muses leader, 50 Foot Wave member and solo artist, US alt. rock pioneer Kristin Hersh chats to Erick Mertz about her time in the music industry and future plans. |
Interview (2014) |
live reviews |
Rough Trade East, London, 25/10/2018 |
![]() |
Dastardly leaves home in South East London, late as usual, and risks losing his sanity in rush hour traffic for Kristin Hersh's intimate set at Rough Trade East. |
Storey's Field Centre, Cambridge, 24/6/2018 |
Soho Arts Theatre, London, 11/1/2007 |
Scala, London, 21/11/2005 |
soundcloud
reviews |
Clear Pond Road (2024) |
![]() |
Immaculate-sounding yet melancholic latest solo album from Throwing Muses’ frontwoman Kristin Hersh |
Crooked (2019) |
Learn to Sing Like a Star (2007) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Dave Barbarossa - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBoomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Doris Brendel - Interview
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Jay Reatard - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Brian Wilson - City Hall, Sheffield, 2/8/2017
Deacon Blue - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Kay Russell - Interview with Kay Russell
Dwina Gibb - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart