Reviews: Placebo, James Vincent McMorrow, Joe Bonamassa, Keith Urban, Red Hot Chili Peppers

This week’s critiques of performances include Placebo’s gig in Birmingham, England; James Vincent McMorrow in Berkeley, Calif.; Joe Bonamassa in Lexington, Ky.; Keith Urban in Adelaide, Australia; and Red Hot Chili Peppers in London.

Photo: Balazs Mohai / MTI via AP

Budapestarena, Budapest, Hungary

Placebo @ Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, England, Dec. 8 – “A stunning, mesmerising experience from start to end – a show that I never wanted to end. And one that I can only hope fans will have the chance to see again.” – Kirsten Rawlins / Express and Star

James Vincent McMorrow @ UC Theatre in Berkeley, Calif Nov. 29 – “As soon as the upbeat rhythm of ‘Rising Water’ began, McMorrow loosened up, moving around stage, gesturing to the audience. During the punchy choruses of ‘Killer Whales’ and ‘One Thousand Times,’ he stayed behind the keyboard but stamped his foot to the rhythm in a curiously graceful way and bobbed to the beat.” – Andrea Lim / The Stanford Daily

Photo: Tracy Carnejo

William Saroyan Theatre, Fresno, Calif.

Joe Bonamassa @ Singletary Center For The Arts in Lexington, Ky., Dec. 6 – “…Bonamassa was all business, wielding a guitar sound born out of the blues but fortified with an electric stamina that generously and frequently borrowed from rock ’n’ roll.” – Walter Tunis / Lexington Herald Leader / KY.com’

Keith Urban @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Hindmarsh, Australia, Dec. 6 – “The country star found more than a couple of opportunities to share his rock guitar skills, which are among the best in the business, and he also highlighted the strengths of his ridiculously talented band.” – Jill Pengelley / The Advertiser

Photo: John Davisson

Headlining day #3 of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Red Hot Chili Peppers @ The O2 – London in London, England, Dec. 5 – “The Chili Peppers boast a simpatico virtuosity and gladiatorial edge that brought to mind such all-time great live bands as Cream, Led Zeppelin and The Police. They don’t make them like this anymore. They don’t dress them like this very often either.” – Neil McCormick / The Telegraph