BECK BRINGS IT HOME

In celebration of the release of 12th album Colors, Capitol’s alternative troubadour, Beck, played a rather intimate homecoming show last night at L.A.’s Ford Amphitheatre.

The 1,200-capacity venue, which the grade-A performer referred to as “his backyard” multiple times, served as the ideal backdrop, enclosed by trees on the kind of warm October night one only gets in Southern California.

Beck, who has been known for his punk antics and at times blasé attitude, came across comfortable and in control. Traipsing across the stage with ease, he seemed genuinely pleased to be there to share a spirited set—one that successfully spanned his 25-year career, while also managing to weave in new material without strain and to no objection.

Standouts from the setlist included show opener and Odelay hit “Devil’s Haircut," Mellow Gold favorite “Loser,” Sea Change’s “Paper Tiger” and “Lost Cause,” Morning Phase’s “Heart Is a Drum,” Guero's “E-Pro,” which served as the technical closer, and encore leader “Where It’s At,” as well as Colors’ title track, “Dreams,” “Wow” and “Up All Night,” which sounded like an instant classic.

Beck used the majority of his encore to introduce his band, by letting his people show off their skills with a few abbreviated covers. Bassist Dwayne Moore took on Chic’s “Good Times,” and keyboardist Roger Manning dropped jaws with “Taking It to the Streets,” which was solidified by a rather impressive Michael McDonald impression. But it was Jason Falkner’s Tom Petty that had everyone on their feet; his version of “American Girl” proved to be a perfect moment.

After the show, a bunch of “losers” and “lost causes” hit the Frolic Room on Hollywood Blvd. They were “up all night,” and this photographic evidence of their shenanigans is bound to have them muttering, “Wow.” Seen below are Red Light’s Howard Petruziello, Capitol’s Gary Gorman, KTCL’s Nerf, J. Lev’s Tara Interland, Beats 1’s Mike Tierney, KCRW & SiriusXM’s Chris Muckley and Capitol’s Tony Bracy, with HITS' Samantha Hissong and KYSR & KCRW’s Tobi Lynn at the front.


**Beck photo credit: Casey McPerry