As no doubt many readers will have instantly recognised, this is the same Alan Fletcher who plays Dr Karl Kennedy in the Australian TV drama ‘Neighbours’. Readers will also recognise Alan Fletcher, the singer/songwriter from AUK’s review of his album ‘The Point’ and interview with him a couple of years ago. Fletcher’s records make very clear his authenticity; this is no frivolous sideline. Fletcher takes his music seriously and keeps it quite separate from his acting career. His first band was Waiting Room, after which he has worked extensively with Lachlan Bryan (here tonight) and his band The Wildes, who are considered the leading Australian americana band. But onstage, Fletcher blends the actor with the musician. His songs range from deeply serious to comical. Add to that duetting with his wife, Jennifer Hansen, an excellent band and the show was high on musical quality as well as entertainment.
The Bedford was packed, its circular room buzzing when Fletcher’s band took the stage and started playing to build up the anticipation for the main man’s arrival. Fortunately, support and guitarist in the band, Riley Catherall, had warned that Fletch likes to greet everyone there, so he may take a while to reach the stage. He was right, like a politician on the stump, Fletcher’s route to the stage involved several handshakes and smiles before a cheery wave and greeting to an audience that were definitely friends. After such razzmatazz, Fletcher went straight into ‘How Good Is Bed’, a rockabilly tribute to his love of kip and associated activities. If on the light side, subject-wise, Fletcher sings with a gravelly old-school country voice. Nothing superficial there.
Fletcher has a new album coming out soon, that he says is dominated by love songs, before admitting that love is what he writes about most. Cue a very loving introduction to his keyboard player and wife of 35 years, Jen. From the new record, he performed the title track, ‘Back To School’, a gentle muse not so much about academic studies, but the school of love and the importance of remembering what sparked that first love. In a duet that harked back to their own early days, Mr and Mrs Fletcher accept there are a “million reasons why you’re wrong for me” but equally there are a “million reasons why we’re meant to be”. Having been learning French, Jen then proceeded to solo with her, ‘Quelque Va En Tombe’ definitely une chanson noire. Vocally, she lights up the stage as much as does her glittery dress.
Over the years, Fletcher has toured the UK extensively (this is the opening night of 34 dates), where Liverpool is a favourite stop. ‘Meet Me On The Steps Of The Bombed Out Church’ is a folky tale of love written by his Liverpudlian pal Chris McIntosh. The first half’s highlight came last with a murder ballad, ‘Him Or Me’, full of fatherly love and foreboding gloom. His voice slightly grittier, he switches between rasp and speech to chilling effect.
For someone used to success, Fletcher has a knack for self-deprecation, but is never without a sincerity that comes across as completely genuine. He acknowledges he isn’t in the first flush of youth but as he says in ‘Ain’t Done Yet’, “every dog has its day and this old dog ain’t done yet”. ‘Hey You’ is about his spiritualist mum. Though departed, he derives comfort in still being able to talk to each other. Once again, what may appear rather corny comes across with genuine affection; similarly his love for Jen as testified by another new song, ‘Memories In The Bank’. Fletcher shows his love in many ways. ‘Somebody’ is about those people who consider themselves always right, but in the end, he can put up with their exasperating habits.
‘The Point’ was perhaps his most poignant love song. Turning across the stage towards his wife, Fletcher really does sing this solo from the bottom of his heart. That quieter break served as a useful reminder of what a tight band he has around him. Catherall’s electric guitars complement Fletcher’s acoustic while Bryan and drummer Mathew Swales keep a firm rhythmic hold. Jen’s keyboards add a distinctly country twang.
‘Neighbours’ was kept until the end when Fletcher enthusiastically admitted his love of the show and his joy at further episodes to come, news gladly shared by the audience. Following a statement of his Aussie credentials with the rollicking bar-room ‘For The Love of Lager’, Fletcher finished with ‘(I’ve Got A Crush On) Susie K’, a blasting tribute to neighbourly love.
In perfect symmetry, the band played Fletcher off the stage to wholesome applause. That was it, no encores because after that final song, none was required. Alan Fletcher and his band left a warm feeling based on the importance of love. He struck this reviewer as a thoroughly honest, amusing bloke who would be great company. Particularly over a lager or two.
Before signing off, a quick mention and applause for Riley Catherall, who opened with a set of thoughtful and carefully crafted songs, ‘Like A River’ being of particular note. Similarly, his deadpan humour was good preparation for the ebullient Fletch, who within minutes of coming off stage had equipped himself with an amber nectar as he threw himself into greeting fans every bit as keen to say g’day back.
