Bauhaus never managed to achieve real popularity during their brief career
in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By blending glam rock with dark, often
morbid subject matter, they set the stage for what would later be known as
goth.
Following their breakup from internal tensions in 1984, their celebrity
skyrocketed as goth rock became a genre of its own, and their role as
pioneers became appreciated.
Meanwhile, lead singer Peter Murphy struck out on a solo career, while the
other members formed Love and Rockets and had several alternative dance
floor hits. It would be 15 years before they came to terms with their
legacy, and re-form the band for 1998's stunning Resurrection tour.
The old tensions still existed, however, and following the tour the members
went their separate ways. Last May they reunited again for a one-shot
appearance at the Coachella festival, and decided to tour together once
again.
Their performance at the Strathmore in Bethesda, MD showed that they are
still capable of putting out a fine evening of dark music.
Murphy's tendency to steal the spotlight was reportedly a major source of
the band's internal tension. This time around he kept his showmanship under
wraps, keeping the focus on the music.
The band opened with "Burning from the Inside," from their final album.
Murphy was ill for much of the original recording and had minimal
involvement musically. Using the song for an opener was a signal to fans
that he wouldn't be hogging the spotlight this time around.
Sporting a small moustache and with his normally dark hair lightened, Murphy
avoided his trademark dancing and audience interaction, choosing to stand
slightly toward the back of the stage and sing.
Meanwhile, guitarist Daniel Ash and bassist David J showed more energy than
ever, dancing and jumping as the band plowed through a selection of their
hits, including "In the Flat Field," "God in an Alcove," "Passion of Lovers"
and "She's in Parties."
Ash left the guitar to play saxophone on "In Fear of Fear", blowing the lead
melody over drummer Kevin Haskins' commanding beat.
After playing 15 songs, they left the stage briefly, only to return with an
encore of their biggest hit, the gothic anthem "Bela Lugosi's Dead."
For their second encore, they played the Ash-written tune "Slice of Life,"
following with covers of glam rock staples "Telegram Sam" by T. Rex and
"Ziggy Stardust" by David Bowie.
There was none of the showmanship evident during the 1998 tour, but by
keeping the focus on the music and allowing Ash and David J to be in the
spotlight, they delivered a satisfying evening of music to their fans.
