By Deirdre Bones

As I went along to Radio City Music Hall to see Keane perform, I admit to a slight suspicion of a rock band whose music relies more heavily on pianos than guitars. My fears that it would take the “rock’’ edge off that “rock-n-roll” experience though turned out to unfounded.

The diversity of Keane’s fan base was clear from the crowds milling around the lobby of Radio City, where the hipster crowd rubbed shoulders with the post- work yuppie element - even a few people were spotted with small children in tow. It appears that Keane delivers the goods to all.

The band’s excitement was palpable from the first moments of the show as they erupted out with “The Lovers Are Losing” followed with an old favorite, “Everybody’s Changing.” Lead singer Tom Chaplin seemed to be truly impressed to be playing the Radio City venue and the large stage it offers gave him the opportunity to go into full blown rock star mode as he expertly worked the entirety of the huge stage.

Despite the fact that this was the last night of their U.S. tour, which included stops in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, three shows in California and more, Keane were still in electrifying form with their performance showing no signs of wear and tear.

There was real familiarity with both the old and the new material throughout the crowd as the band and audience fed off each other’s enthusiasm more and more as the show progressed. This is definitely a band that is made more for the stage than the recording studio.

The stand-out performances of the evening were Chaplin’s acoustic performance of “Playing Along” which he performed from the left hand side of the stage. This performance demonstrated the sheer quality and depth of his voice, even at the end of a tour. Also brilliantly performed was “Perfect Symmetry” which Chaplin referred to as their “most perfect song.” If this performance was anything to go by, he is right.

The sheer excitement and energy that this band put into to this show was astounding with Tim Rice-Oxley taking the show to the far extremity of the right side of the stage while Chaplin took to the other side, at one point lying down on his back while still maintaining the notes of the song perfectly.

Their performance of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The River’ was beautifully rendered, an excellent choice for this American audience and an outstanding vehicle for Chaplin’s voice. Their final performance of David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” sent certain sections of the crowd wild and made for a great finale.

The lighting display began quite modestly, but later exploded magnificently. It was timed perfectly to the music’s peaks, thrilling the entire audience. This, together with neon blue lights raining down from above as fans on the upper balcony threw down the lighted swizzle sticks from their drinks made for an amazing sight.

It was an energetic performance that you felt they threw their heart and soul into, like they were giving it their all for this, their last US show. One thing about this band, love them or hate them – there can be no doubt that they put on one hell of a show.

Set List:

The Lovers Are Losing
Everybody's Changing
Bend and Break
We Might As Well Be Strangers
Again and Again
Your Eyes Open
This is the Last Time
Playing along (Tom solo)
Try Again (acoustic)
Early Winter (acoustic)
The River (Springsteen cover)
Spiraling
You Don't See Me
Perfect Symmetry
Somewhere Only We Know
Crystal Ball
My Shadow
Is It Any Wonder?
Bedshaped
Under Pressure

Labels: Keane