Review: Stephen Lynch O2 Academy, Newcastle

Mar 16 2010 The Journal

WRITING a review when the song titles are too filthy for a family newspaper is something of a challenge – but here goes!

From his hilarious opening number about waiting for the results of an Aids test, to his brilliant Purple Rain finale lampooning Prince, New York comedy songwriter Stephen Lynch was on top form for the last UK gig of his sell-out Three Balloons Tour.

With just a guitar and some cleverly constructed lyrics, the crowd got their money’s worth as Lynch rattled through old sing-along favourites and new material interspersed with comedy sketches projected on to a big screen.

Highlights included Queer Tattoo and Dear Diary, which imagines diary entries from the likes of Christopher Reeve and Rihanna. But the biggest laugh of the night was reserved for a catchy Latino tune performed with David Josefsberg. Type ‘Sanchez’ into You Tube if you’re curious (and broad-minded).

So how does Lynch manage to swerve the media pasting endured by the likes of Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle?

Partly it’s because he eschews too much TV exposure aside from Comedy Central and his tours attract hardcore fans, allowing him a cult-like underground status. He also oozes bags of charm, gives the audience knowing looks which say, ‘I know I’m being a bit naughty here’ and turns the song on its head so the protagonist becomes the butt of the joke. Long may he (purple) reign.

Karen Wilson