On April 26, 2002 I had the immense pleasure of seeing Gene Pitney in concert at the Burswood Casino Showroom here in Perth. This was the first time that I had seen Gene live and I thouroughly enjoyed the show.
I can no longer remember the exact order of songs but I'll do my best to put them in general order. These are the songs
Gene performed.
Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa - I believe this is Gene's standard start to a show and he performed it well.
Donna Means Heartbreak - This followed Tulsa and was a pleasant surprise. I certainly hadn't expected him to sing it.
If I Didn't Have a Dime - My personal favourite and sung as well as ever
Mecca
It Hurts to be in Love
Backstage
Looking Through the Eyes of Love
Half Heaven, Half Heartache
I'm Gonna Be Strong
Nobody Needs Your Love - Interesting attempt at reggae although in the end I don't think it sounded much different to his
original performance of it.
Scarlett Ribbons - One of two Harry Bellafonte songs Gene sung and played guitar for. This one in particular was very moving
clearly demonstarted Gene can still sing fantastically well (they'd forgotten to put the guitar through his earpieces as well).
Jamaican Farewell - The second Harry Bellafonte song and also sung excellently.
Angels - Cover of the Robbie Williams song. It was in fact the first time I had ever heard the song. Gene sang it with power
and passion and did a better job than Robbie Williams in my opinion.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Only Love Can Break a Heart
Just One Smile - Another personal favourite of mine that I was glad he sung.
I Wanna Love My Life Away - He sounded a little strained singing this one. I noticed the same with the Foxwoods video.
Hello Mary Lou - Anyone know why he changed the chorus lyrics?
Rubber Ball - Good rendition of a song I've always liked
She's a Rebel - This he performed brilliantly and he got a huge applause for it
Heartbreaker - Never been a real favourite of mine.
Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart - Formed the first song of a two song encore.
Town Without Pity - The grand finale. Performed very well.
On the whole the concert gets a huge thumbs up. Gene was in top form and sounded better than on the Foxwoods video.
I was lucky enough to once again see Gene perform in 2003 and 2004. He was simply brilliant on both occasions. The set lists didn't change greatly for these concerts. Just One Smile and Who Needs It were both notable additions. In the '04 concert he also performed some of his country songs which I thought was great. He was a truly phenomonal artist to see in concert.