18.04.2023 at Alcatraz, Milan “Lockdown Hurricane 2023” Tour

You know those artists that when you hear they are in town you immediately say “ok, let’s buy tickets” without even thinking twice for more than one second? Yes, Eels are one those few bands that have such effect on me.

Ten years have passed since when I saw Eels for the first time (it was 2013, it was the same venue, Alcatraz here in Milan) and apart for the time that flew by fast nothing really changed for a great band full of talent that preserved their power to command attention of us the audience not just with wonderful music but also with their unique effervescent personality!

That was my third time watching the Eels live, I have never seen any other artist so many times in my entire life – so that must be true love.

At 9:30 pm I loved that they came on stage super smartly dressed up: bow-tie + pink-ish satin suit the band and midnight-blue velvet jacket + black trousers Mr. E. They reminded me of some early r’n’r band of the ‘50s from some old photos or video.

And us, the audience, we were so super friendly, so super happy to have them back (so many raised their hands – F and I included – when Mr E asked who was there 10 years ago at the very same venue watching them perform (incredible coincidence/anniversary isn’t it?).

The gig started at 9:30 pm and lasted for around two hours of great, liberating rock ‘n roll music and not just for me, as I heard many in the crowd telling good memories of other past concerts of Eels.

A crowd made of waaay over 40s (as I said some rows ago, time flies quicky… for us the 90s teenagers).

Lastly, shout out to the great Indie folk artist that opened up the gig, Billie Marten – with just herself, voice + guitar (heaven to my acoustic ears)

So, without further ado here’s the tracklist:

• Steam Engine
• Amateur Hour
• Me and the Boys
• What’cha Gonna Do About it
• Good Night on Earth
• Anything for Boo
• Jeannie’s Diary
• 3 Speed
• The Gentle Souls
• Peach Blossom
• Who You Say You Are
• I Need Some Sleep
• It’s a Motherfucker
• The Deconstruction
• All the Beautiful Things
• Dog Faced Boy
• Drummer Man
• Novocaine for the Soul
• I Like Birds
• Are We Alright Again
• Baby Let’s Make it Real

Encore #1

• Friendly Ghost
• Last Stop: This Town

Encore #2

• Earth to Dora
• Wonderful, Glorious
• God Gave Rock and Roll to You

Billie Marten

Billie Marten’s setlist:

• God Above
• Willow
• La Lune
• Vanilla Baby
• Arrows
• Mice
• Blue Sea, Red Sea
• Acid Tooth
• I Can’t Get My Head Around You