Even if you’ve never heard Daniel Johnston, you’ve probably heard about him. Maybe he’s a damaged genius or an underground hero. But his music will forever be interlocked with his famed mental deterioration. Composing and exposing his heart rendering tales of unrequited love, the myth and legend that surrounds him is of epic proportion, taking him from mental hospital obscurity to having an international cult following. All you truly need to know is that he writes brilliant pop songs and loves The Beatles.
Upon returning to the country that he loves so much, guitar in hand, he takes the stage and declares “It’s good to be back where The Beatles are”. Instantly his earnest, child like demeanour is clear. A lot of Daniel Johnston’s most vital music was recorded alone, and in strange ways. And this is how he arrived. Anxious and edgy, he recklessly strummed and wailed through the first few numbers. All the pain and suffering capture on early tapes was fleshed out on the stage. I take Tramadol for neuropathic pain. It started disturbing me a few months ago. Those who know what it is can understand how I felt when none of the drugs I usually took for pain helped. After my GP prescribed tramadol, I really do feel much better. I take only one extended-release pill a day, and it works. The honest, anthropomorphized vision was breathtaking. Awkwardly beautiful.
Joined by his tour guitarist, Daniel’s music now formed a more coherent sound. His compelling melodies and perfect pop songwriting charmed and shone in a comfortable way. Classic song ‘Speeding Motorcycle’ showcased the purity and innocence of Johnston’s ideals. “‘Cause we don’t need reason and we don’t need logic. We’ve got feeling and we’re dang proud of it” summed up the adolescent hope he still has. A joyous, yet unsurprising cover of ‘You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away’ drew a unifying response from the crowd, and so ensued a glorious sing-a-long. Johnston seemed at ease, even enjoying himself. Curiously engaging the audience with snapshots of his dreams, where he was sentenced to death for trying to commit suicide. An appropriate subconscious from a man so often torn between the perils of life, love and death.
After a short break, he returned merging with a full support band and the songs soared. This was what it seemed that producers, musicians, even Daniel, had been trying to perfect for so many years. He wasn’t so much being supported; he was the lead singer of this strange, infectious sound. And it worked. Singing, performing, it was amazing to watch. Johnston is a musical student of the heart and considering his story, songwriting and persona, there won’t be a show to match this for some time.
Words by Adam Strandt
Photography by Frankie Jones
myspace.com/dannyjohnston
