Eels kicked off the Somerset House Summer Series last night (07.07.11).

The US group thrilled the crowd who had braved the rain at the London venue with a hit-laden, career-spanning performance on the outdoor stage that even pleased usually-dour frontman Mark ‘E’ Everett.

He proclaimed: “That was fun!.”

Among the highlights of the two-hour show were a spectacular cover version of Sly and the Family Stone’s ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime’ – which saw each band member take a line from the refrain – ‘Last Stop: This Town’, ‘Souljacker Pt. 1’ and arguably the group’s most famous hit, ‘Novocaine For The Soul’.

The show ended with the rarely-performed track ‘Losing Streak’, with the frontman proclaiming: “You hear me? I said my losing streak is done!”

Support for the evening came from Jesca Hoop.

For more information on the Somerset House Summer Series, go to www.somersethouse.org.uk/music.

For the latest news, information and exclusive offers from American Express – who are the headline sponsors for the Summer Series – or to sign up to the events newsletter that will put you in the know, please visit amex.co.uk/music.