Instructions to best enjoy this two-disc set: first, watch the pre-show interview on Disc One’s extras, when Ryder, fresh from a three-day “bender”, can barely stand up as he abuses the German TV host in unbroadcastable style. Then marvel at the 13-song performance he pulls out of the bag to redeem himself. It’s easy to see how Springsteen modelled his act on the man, and hits Jenny Take A Ride and Devil With A Blue Dress On, both covered by The Boss, are present and correct.
Fast-forward a quarter of a century and the 2004 gig, fronting German band Engerling, pales by comparison in terms of electricity and suspense, but is probably better musically. Certainly, there’s plenty of material common to both sets to make comparisons, not least the closing Soul Kitchen (The Doors) and Rock’n’Roll (Lou Reed); but Ryder – 25 years on, a Van Morrison lookalike in trilby and dark glasses – is content to deliver a more consistent if less edgy performance. Guest US guitarist and sidekick Robert Gillespie is particularly impressive in a 13-minute take on the Stones’ Gimme Shelter, firing up a sparky Ghost Riders intro that’s in total contrast to the low-key, monochrome gruffness of the overall performance.
