What better way to spend a Saturday night than in the company of musical legends… Those of us in Las Vegas were treated to newcomer to Modern English’s tour, Alaine Whyte! Whyte joined the tour officially on the 11th making Sin City his second show on the lineup. We were regaled with an acoustic serenade to kick off the night. While one man (with a backup guitarist for part of the set) his presence and sound filled the room. To those immediately unfamiliar with Alaine Whyte’s name, you are likely not really unfamiliar with him. He is the co-writer for Morrisey and has toured with him many times. He is also the songwriter for some of the biggest hits from artists such as Rihanna, The Black Eyed Peas, and the “Material Girl” herself… Madonna.
Set List For Alaine Whyte:
- Irish Blood
- Oblivion
- Baby I’m Strange
- Lost
- Nothing Lasts Forever
- A Higher Power
- Seasick Yet Still Docked
- Sunny Days
- Hold Onto Your Friends
- A Swallow on My Neck
- If I Could Stop the World
Just after 10pm, Modern English took to the stage with a mission to entertain and the certainly succeeded. The energy they gave would challenge many modern bands. Their set took me back to when my friends and I would go to house parties with small local (usually punk) bands playing in basements. The energy was genuine. They were having fun and doing it simply for the love of playing their music.
Many times during the set the band would congregate and jam together as if they were getting together for the first time and just belting out what they had, truly enjoying what the other members had to provide. Fans could be seen dancing and jamming along with them from every corner of the venue. Another observation I made was the diversity of the crowd. I have been to many shows, and it is common knowledge that certain musicians bring crowds that reflect their music. There were fans from all walks of life in attendance to see Modern English. It just goes to show that we all melt with Modern English.
Set List for Modern English:
- 16 Days
- Gathering Dust
- Someone’s Calling
- Long in the Tooth
- Not My Leader
- Not Fake
- After the Snow
- Table’s Turning
- Carry Me Down
- Black Houses
- Out to Lunch
- Hands Across the Sea
- Melt
Encore: - Swans on Glass
Associate Writing Credit: John Bodimer