Charles Esten at Capitol Hannover – Hanover, Germany – January 27, 2019

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Spike Porteous

American actor / musician Charles Esten at Capitol Hannover in Germany on Jan. 27, 2019. (Photo: Spike Porteous)

Charles Esten began his early performance career in London’s west end. Since making his debut as Buddy Holly he has become a regular on film and TV and is now also an accomplished musician. Esten is probably best known for his role as Deacon Claybourne in the hit TV show NASHVILLE.

In July 2016 Esten set out on an endeavour that became known as ‘Every Single Friday’. The plan was to release one single on iTunes every week, and a full 52 weeks later with the release the final single Long Haul. Even Esten admits surprise at how well it was received and finds it hard to believe he is now a record breaking recording artist.

Having just finished a sold out 16 date European tour the all-rounder will no doubt reflect on what will have been the best start to 2019 that he could have hoped for. Prior to the end of the tour I had the opportunity to attend a show in Hannover, Germany, I have to admit to being sceptical as to how he would be received. I have been involved in the music scene in Germany for many years now and I am not aware of a large Country music movement. My scepticism was proved wrong as soon as the doors opened. The fans (mainly female, as you would expect) flooded into the venue and staked their claim to a front row spot .

The stage at this venue is more geared more towards a full compliment of musicians than it is a one man show. Even sticking on a grand piano, some guitars and a few guest microphones it remains relatively sparse. From the opening bars of Lonesome, Ester set out to show that he was indeed a showman and could absolutely hold a tune. The further into his set he got, the more lifted the fans got, even at times singing back at Ester to the point where he would stop mid song and let them carry on. I got the impression this took him a little by surprise, receiving a large roar when he declared “I think I like you Hannover”.

This was an impressive performance for a number of reasons. Taking command of such a large stage is no mean feat, to do so with just you, a guitar, a piano and next to nothing in the way of a light show is nothing short of fantastic. Even the covers played by Esten didn’t seem like covers. He has a natural way of making each song his own, In fact both my highlights from the show were indeed cover versions.

Deep into the set Esten made his way to the Piano and played a rendition of Prince’s Purple Rain, which is one of his better known covers. I had seen a few videos of this version prior to tonight but I wasn’t prepared for the crowd’s reaction. Bananas!!! Something else that I wasn’t prepared for was a Ramones cover. After the show Chip explained that he had seen the Ramones mural outside the venue, commemorating the bands concert there in 1996. The fact that he was now playing the same venue had been playing on his mind throughout the day and at the last moment onstage he decided to play “I Wanna Be Sedated”. No rehearsal, no planning. The crowd loved it, the crew loved it, I loved it. Bravo Sir, a great decision!

I can only describe what I witnessed as a five star performance. Charles Esten must be congratulated on his musicianship and his ability to draw on all of his skills to produce a top drawer show.

Set List:
Lonesome, On’ry & Mean
This Town Is Ours
Down At The Lost & Found
Halfway Home
Thunder Road
Sanctuary
Prisoner
This Town
Hell To Pay
Undermine
I Climb The Walls
Slowly Leaving Me
One
Good Rain Or Jesus
Purple Rain
Buckle Up
He Ain’t Me;