A cracking performance of An End Has a Start from September 2007 up now, as we find Editors invading US television as musical guests on the Tonight show with Jay Leno. At this stage the band's second album had been out in the States for couple of months, and they were well on their way to becoming battle-hardened in terms of touring it. With that in mind, there's an aspect to Editors that I've talked about before; they are really at their best when they're playing live and this gives a hint of why that is. It's a solid run-through of the track but, unlike the studio recording, there's a certain edge to it. For me, it's the way Tom throws himself into the vocals that sells it this time around. There's no kick drum intro on this run through, just a 4 count from Mr Lay and then they're off.
This appearance was also an extra special moment in Editors history as they got to meet "House" (actor Hugh Laurie who was also a guest on the show) and shake his hand. Well, everyone except Ed who was trapped behind his drumkit and therefore remained tantalisingly beyond reach. If you watch closely you can see that awkward moment where both parties realise that they're out of range, miming the problem to each other with a smile and some typical English reserve. It's not the first time that Mr Lay has been in an off-limits situation on American TV, as Conan O'Brien forgot to shake his hand at the end of the band performing Munich a year earlier in 2006. Awkwardness ensued, and it's a moment you can check out right here at the Archive using this link. Enjoy the music ;)
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brought to you with lots and lots of lemming-love :) x
