Duke Special

Having stood in ninety minutes of awe, there is one fact of which I am certain. Peter Wilson chose his stage name correctly, Duke Special is indeed something rather special. And for this self described "fucked up ringleader of a broken down circus," Cabaret Voltaire was the obvious choice. Where most artists would confine themselves to the stage, our Duke gave the impression that he would have crawled into the walls if he could.

Moments of genuine audience interaction and theatricality punctuated a set of broken love songs, music hall knees ups and astounding poignancy. Some better known classics were delicately executed with the eccentricity of the most celebrated showman, whilst new songs were welcomed with the stylish whip of our theatrical ringmaster.

‘Those Proverbs We Made in the Winter’ was received with loud whoops and cheers, whilst a comedy routine with drum sticks quickly and skilfully punctured the delicate atmosphere created by a series of his better known ballads. Perhaps we have discovered a good rule of thumb for artists to follow: in times of a broken heart ballad, hurl a drumstick.

As his encore sped round, to the delight of the masses he assumed his position in the centre of the crowd. It is the sign of an accomplished artist indeed; the enthralled audience sing along to a time-honoured round of ‘The Old Bull and Bush’. With the simple tinker of a piano, lasers and dry ice were classically shamed by genuine showmanship. Hundreds of strangers singing heartily around a piano – what can this be but the work of a true ringmaster?
Duke Special tells us that he is "the lead dancer in a forgotten ballroom of ghosts, the loudest singer in a midnight choir and the first on his knees in an old time revival tent." Having seen him live, I can simply say, the Duke is very Special indeed.