Big Star Third
London Barbican
28th May, 2012

At one point, Big Star drummer Jody Stephens told a rapt audience, “Alex is definitely here – his spirit and the music.” Maybe, but not enough of Alex Chilton’s anarchic spirit survived the transfer of Third to the Barbican. A sturdy band comprising Mike Mills, Chris Stamey, Ken Stringfellow and Mitch Easter underpinned a rotating cast of guest vocalists. Having an orchestra re-create Carl Marsh’s score proved a mixed blessing too. The extended coda to Kanga Roo worked, and a moving Jody S vocal on Blue Moon was enhanced by delicate orchestral backing. Of the uptempo numbers, Stroke It Noel worked best, with Norman Blake’s vocal supported by the string section. But on September Gurls, the backing was a distraction, and Give Me Another Chance missed the Mellotron. Of the guests, Sharon Van Etten brought a raucous defiance to You Can’t Have Me, and Jon Auer delivered a peerless I Am The Cosmos. But the Barbican deadened the energy of Third, save for Ray Davies, who was ideally placed to sing Til The End Of The Day and The Letter.