Two new DVDs are a delight for fans of Siouxsie Sioux, one of the iconic performers of the 80s who evolved from punk pioneer to pop- and goth-rock stars.
Nocturne (Universal)
Dreamshow (Demon Music/Warner)
Siouxsie Sioux and her Banshees were spawned in the Sex Pistols-inspired punk era, managing to master their instruments in time to open for Sid and co. and the 100 Club Punk Rock Festival in 1976.
Fortunately, they enjoyed, through numerous incarnations, greater longevity, putting out five albums before the Nocturne concert appearances in 1983.
With Steven Severin on bass, Budgie on drums and the Cure’s Robert Smith on guitar (standing in for John McGeough), this could be considered a musical highpoint in the Banshees’ career, although more hits would appear in the later 80s.
The DVD (full screen) has been beautifully cleaned up, with only the costume changes indicating the switch from September 30 to October 1 gigs at the Royal Albert Hall.
The second DVD, Dreamshow (widescreen), indicates that Sioux’s voice, and physique for that matter, has suffered little with the 20 years in between. With her Creatures (and romantic) partner Budgie on drums, she is supported by the Millennia Ensemble, band, backing singers and extra percussion. The material presented at the Dreamshow concert on October 16 (Royal Festival Hall) and a side show on October 7 (The 100 Club, London) in 2004 is perhaps a more conservative offering of greater hits drawn from across her career.
The lighting was a little disappointing on the Dreamshow DVD, both in terms of effect and in photography, and Nocturne has the edge in terms of vitality, finishing on a manic Helter Skelter.
One thing unchanged, though, is the distinct impression that Sioux is one woman with whom I would never want to have an argument: she is very much the master of her domain, remaining one of music’s truly individual performers.
Nocturne offers a neat tv special, Dear Prudence video and two further television performances. Dreamshow has an interview with Sioux and Budgie, rehearsals.
