Beth Hart VIP @ Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam 11/04/2015
On a rainy and rather blustery afternoon in Amsterdam, Mark and I met up with many of the Beth Hart fans who had contributed to my recent blog article in a nearby bar. We were all attending the pre-gig "VIP Meet & Greet" session as well as the concert, and some of the fans had even made Beth a little present, which we all signed.
Problems during the soundcheck meant that things were a little behind schedule, but when the doors finally opened at around 5.30pm, we flocked inside and were immediatley led upstairs for a photo session with Beth Hart. This took quite a long time as there were so many VIP fans at this event - many more than the last one we had attended. Beth's Husband, Scott, and her assistant Bianca were the photographers and they both did a good job of making sure everyone got a chance to be snapped with Beth .
Once we had all got our photo's done, there was a special Q&A session where Beth talked openly and honestly to the fans about her music and her life. We were also privelleged to be able to hear Beth perform two songs from the new album (which were not on the gig set-list) especially for us - Mechanical Heart ( dedicated to Scott) and "Mamma This One's for You".
If you want to see exactly what happens at a Beth Hart VIP Session, watch our exclusive video below!
(PLEASE BE AWARE THAT EXPLICIT LANGUAGE IS USED IN THE VIDEO WHICH SOME MAY FIND OFFENSIVE)
THE VIP MEET AND GREET SESSION
After Beth signed Posters and copies of the new CD for us all, we were led into the auditorium to get our prime spots for the gig at the front of the stage. Despite the fact that it meant standing up for about 4 hours ( which us mature gig goer's are finding a little more difficult these days!) we enjoy being able to be as close to the stage as possible so we can take in every nuance of the evening.
The Dutch support band Sven Hammond Soul got the evening off to a really good start with their highly energetic set and then after another interval, the lights went down and Beth came rushing out on stage to a loud cheer, and got things off to a great start with two cover versions - Tina Turner's Nutbush City Limits, followed by Bobby 'Blue' Bland's "I'll take Care of You" . Then we were treated to really rocking versions of "Skin" "Get Your Shit Together" and "Sick" before Hart launched into "Delicious Surprise" and If I Tell You I love You". Sitting down at the piano, she then slowed things down with "L.A Song" which was followed by 2 more upbeat songs "Bang Bang Boom Boom" & Monkey Back" before she ended this section of the set with a superb rendition of "Baddest Blues".
BETH HART GIG HIGHLIGHTS @ HMH AMSTERDAM (PART 1)
PJ Barth and Bass Player Bob Marinelli then went off stage with the new Drumer, leaving Beth Hart and Jon Nicols to play as an acoustic guitar duo. After Beth had a little joke and chat with the audience, they gave us three beautiful songs whilst sitting side by side at the front of the stage - House of Sin, A cover of John Prine's Angel from Montgomery and Beth's reggae infused ode to her and Scott's former home "Ugliest House on the Block". Then the band came back on stage to accompany Beth on two more great songs - "Might as Well Smile" and the totally mesmerising "Caught Out in the Rain" where PJ Barth played a blinding guitar solo.
BETH HART GIG HIGHLIGHTS @HMC AMSTERDAM (Part 2)
BETH HART - ACOUSTIC NUMBERS WITH JON NICOLS & "MY CALIFORNIA" (Part 3)
After a short time Beth was tempted back on stage for the encore. She treated us to "My California" after which she and husband Scott had a big hug on stage to the delight of all the fans! She then proceeded to deliver a really intimate and emotional rendition of "St Teresa" from the new album - and I can vouch for the fact that some audience members near me were literally weeping out loud as she sang this one.
The penultimate offering for the evening was a very upbeat version of the rabble-rousing "Trouble" followed by what has to be my favourite track from "Better Than Home" - the incredibly powerful blues track "Tell Her You Belong to Me" which was written especially for Beth's father.
BETH HART - "ST TERESA" & "TELL HER YOU BELONG TO ME" @HMH AMSTERDAM (Part 4)
We left the Heineken Music Hall happy and satisfied. Any Beth Hart gig is a rollercoaster experience, where you will laugh, dance and cry in equal measure. Tonight was no different and it was refreshing to hear some songs that are not always on the standard set list at UK Gigs. The Dutch have really taken to Beth Hart in a big way! We left with aching legs but a warm glowing feeling in our heart. Meeting Beth again as a VIP was a great experience despite the increased numbers of fans!
Now we cant wait for the next Beth Hart gig in May at The Barbican - This lady just keeps on getting better and better!
