Mud Wrestling Is Better Than The Blues

Bluesfest is about more than just the headlining act. But when the headlining act stinks more than five days worth of churned up mud it’s still a big disappointment. Yes, that’s right, Ben Harper sucked.

Harper headlined the mojo (main) stage on Saturday and Monday night of this year’s festival. He opened both nights to a crowd so packed it was just as suffocating outside the tent as inside. It was a crowd that was happy to ignore the continuous downpour of rain and the knee-deep festering mud as they eagerly awaited the arrival of said superstar. Before the set was even half over the enthusiasm had waned. You could walk freely under the tent, and most people were more entertained by groups of people mud wrestling outside. Myself included.

Old Ben is not yet forty and has been on the music scene for over fifteen years now, so I don’t think I can attribute age or ability to the fact that he has totally lost touch with what makes a good live set. There was no 'Shimmer and Shine' to his performance. He looked like a man who didn’t want to be there, simply going through the motions.

What made it worse was he didn’t even play songs the crowd new. It was the same set both nights. There was no 'Diamonds on the Inside', no 'Brown Eyed Blues', no 'Better Way', no 'Both Sides of the Gun', and not even 'Fight Outta You' made a play. The focus was entirely on his upcoming album White Lies for Dark Times. Maybe it’s because he’s playing with Relentless7 now instead of The Innocent Criminals, but it’s news to me that there is a rule stating just because you’ve got a new band you can’t play your old stuff. Wake up and smell the mud Mr Harper, it’s all over your face. You’re at bluesfest, not a promo tour for your latest album that hasn’t even hit the shelves.

Perhaps it should have been expected. Ben Harper has always done things his way. He’s wrapped up in his own world of music, playing what he wants, when he wants, and is applauded for it. I think it’s selfish. Good music is about more than being a talented singer/songwriter/guitarist. Especially when you’re playing live. It’s about being able to share your music with your fans in a way that will resonate with them. Sure you can’t call him a sell-out, but I’m amazed he manages to sell out concerts when he drags himself on stage with no energy or charisma and then plays a full set of songs that nobody knows and nobody cares about.