MOBY STRIPS DOWN AT THE MASONIC LODGE
PHOTOS BY TIMMY FARMER
The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is perfect for an intimate show. Seating only 150 people, it has high cathedral ceilings and beautiful open beams, making the audience feel more like they're listening to a sermon than a concert.
Lindsay Hicks walks on stage, her little dog Bagel in hand, to explain how the night will work. They will split their time between talking for the podcast and musical performances. Moby walks to the stage, and they begin by talking about Moby’s childhood and what music influenced him early in life.
The first musical break starts a bit rough. Moby plays the first song, “Everloving,” with a mistuned guitar. When the backup singers join for a stripped-down bluesy take on “Southside,” something is slightly off. Moby’s vocals don’t vibrate with the backup vocals.
Luckily, we get back to the topic. Moby talks about his first job as a DJ and his early years in New York City, living in an abandoned warehouse.
The musicians fall into place in the next block of music, and Moby plays a few of his favorite songs, including a beautiful rendition of “We Are All Made of Stars.”
Next, Moby talks about his first record deal and how he was every artist on the label, recording different music under various names. At this point, the mood changes; it feels more like you are sitting around the fire at Moby’s house, listening to him tell stories and play music. The impromptu, unrehearsed feel adds to the intimacy of the performance.
Moby talks about the genesis of the album ‘Play’, especially where he was in his career and how it was a desperate act. He brings out a special guest, Lady Blackbird. And she takes the audience to church. Her performance transforms “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” into a hymn. There is no dry eye in the audience. Her two songs end too soon.
Moby talks about finding a label to release Play and how he was rejected by almost everyone before the album found success months after its release on a small independent label. They close the show on a high note, promising the post-play story the next night. They end the night with a rousing sing-a-long to the song “The Perfect Life.” Everyone filed out of the venue, buzzing with the good feelings generated by good music and great stories.
