Video: Portishead: "Wandering Star" (Live 2007)
People miss Portishead enough to start Coachella rumors and relabel other bands' CDs as the band's mythical next release. That's pretty much been the story since their last full-length release in 1998, and anticipation has only intensified since then.
That's why this video, of a song from an album over a decade old, is still exciting. It was shot on February 25 at a secret show in Bristol-- the band's first live performance in two years-- where they also previewed their first new material since the previous decade. Hector Gutierez emailed Pitchfork some of his thoughts on the show, which was part of our news story last Monday:
"Geoff and...Adrian Utley began to play 'Wandering Star'-- Geoff playing bass. A few bars in Geoff picked up the mike and asked 'Anyone here know how to sing?' At this point Beth walked on stage and started singing."
Despite the low lighting (and Gibbons' trademark shyness) it's still great to hear her fragile voice again. [Thanks, Mark Wheatley and Luis Clériga for the tip!]