Live Reviews

The 40 greatest concerts in Boston history: 32

Sinéad O’Connor | Paradise Rock Club | March 31, 1988

By PHOENIX STAFF | October 25, 2006

concerts_32new

Sinéad O'Connor circa 1992

At a pre-show press conference, O’Connor had made some inflammatory remarks about supporting the IRA, stoking the flames of a hugely controversial issue here in Boston. But it was on stage and in the filigrees of her unique vocals that O’Connor revealed the most about herself. When soaring through the crescendo of her radio hit “Mandinka” and scaling the operatic walls of “Jerusalem,” the sweeping peaks and valleys of her voice were breathtaking, utterly unique. Others had experimented with unpredictable stylistic flourishes. But O’Connor’s range, pure sustained tone, and unpredictable turns of phrase immediately marked the emergence of one of the most unique female rock singers of our time. She was riveting, with her pale skin and raiment bathed in blue light, and her understated band allowed O’Connor to burn all the more brightly. The zenith was “Troy.” Standing still, eyes closed, O’Connor delivered her epic tale of love, devotion, fear, want, and abandonment as if it was a prayer to the cosmos. If God can be found anywhere, it’s in moments like that.

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Comments

The 40 greatest concerts in Boston history: 32

I'm glad somebody remembers this woman's talent. I saw what I believed to be an earlier show at Axis on that tour and she blew me away. I was ten feet from her and she was a gangly deer in the headlights 18 or so. She spit on the stage like she was outside, but man did she have pipes. I just loved the show I saw and still think about it from time to time. It's a shame her politics and feminism torched her career because she was brilliant and absolutely radiant on stage. I have seen her several times since, but that first time was the best. I love this town for these types of moments.

By John Farrell on 10/26/2006 at 9:09:19

The 40 greatest concerts in Boston history: 32

I was also at Axis, and recall very clearly those who saw both felt the Axis show was much, much better. She was RAW! I had never seen anything like it. She attacked everything with this fury I can't even imagine seeing from in front. I was middle/center and feeling it from there. Would love to see her again at some point, but now living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, smells like a roadie...

By newsletter_gene@genegrant.com on 10/26/2006 at 3:03:29

The 40 greatest concerts in Boston history: 32

I went home and looked it up. The Axis show was the very next night; April 1, 1988. I agree with Gene, I had never ever seen anything like it either and I loved it.

By John Farrell on 10/30/2006 at 9:22:53

Re: The 40 greatest concerts in Boston history: 32

I too was at the Axis show, and it ranks in the Top 10 shows I have ever seen. She was young, raw and given a gift, her breathtaking voice, that I have not experienced since from a female singer. It should also be noted that the bassist and drummer from The Smiths were her backup band right after they were dismissed by her majesty, Morrissey. They were seasoned enough to know how to support a diva and tight as could be. She even did a cover of "Hand That Rocks the Cradle" that blew me away. I agree that Axis was the best of the 2 shows though I have a tape of the Paradise broadcast from WBCN that is my favorite bootleg. Would love to have a digital version of it for my iPod.

By driver8me on 03/05/2009 at 9:07:06

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