Earlier this month in London, former Oingo Boingo frontman Danny Elfman took the concert stage for an ultra-rare live appearance celebrating his film scores for director Tim Burton that concluded with something even more rare: Elfman took the mic for his first public vocal performance since Boingo’s demise nearly 18 years ago.
The program, “Danny Elfman’s Music From the Films of Tim Burton,” debuted at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and was repeated in Leeds, Glasgow and Birmingham. Elfman is now set to bring the orchestral performance to Los Angeles for three shows at Club Nokia on Oct. 29, 30 and 31.
According to reviews of the London performance, John Mauceri conducted the BBC Concert Orchestra and Maida Vale singers as Burton’s own sketches were projected onto a screen to performances of Elfman’s scores to “Beetlejuice,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands” and more.
The show culminated, though, with Elfman on stage singing the role of Jack Skellingston as the orchestra performed a string of songs from the “Nightmare Before Christmas” score.
Below, thanks to uploader OtterFreak, you can watch Eflman perform in London, singing publicly for the first time since Oingo Boingo’s farewell concert on Halloween night in 1995.
Danny Elfman, “Jack’s Lament” — Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, 10/7/13
Danny Elfman, “What’s This?” — Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, 10/7/13
Danny Elfman, “Jack’s Obsession” — Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, 10/7/13
Danny Elfman, “Poor Jack” — Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, 10/7/13
Danny Elfman, “Oogie Boogie’s Song” — Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, 10/7/13
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- Danny Elfman to sing publicly in U.S. for first time in 18 years this Halloween — tour in works
- Danny Elfman to sing publicly for first time since Oingo Boingo’s 1995 farewell
- Vintage Video: Watch 3 of Oingo Boingo’s epic Halloween concerts from 1987 and 1990
- Johnny Vatos Dead Man’s Party plans Oingo Boingo Halloween tribute in San Diego
I might have to find a way to get my 7 year old to LA to see this. He sings all the songs from Nightmare ALL the time.
I’m going to have another Danny Elfman fan in the family. :)
I have a bit of Congnitive Dissonance watching this.
Here he is today with his hipster version of Bono glasses and an immaculate shiny Italian sport coat; while the last time I saw him perform he was sweating in a wife-beater tank-top, baggy black pants and shiny black shoes.
I think if he can do this he can Oingo Boingo. C’mon Danny!
Uncle Monkey: He could do the old music it’s true but it’s very hard on his ears. He’s nearly deaf. If you look closely in these videos you’ll see he has fairly agressive hearing aids. He Still is full of major talent; I’m just glad he did this performance.
I’m well aware of his hearing problem – part damage and part genetic. He also said he’d never perform and here he is. I think with some care he never took in the 80’s, he and the band could protect themselves (I’ve not gone to a show since 1981 without hearing protection thanks to Steve Hackett). But, he’s the only one who can make that call. I’d never wish harm upon him, but damn. I’d love to see them JUST one more time. Wouldn’t you?