IQ20 - THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Then get this one!!

I have to admit, I have been into IQ from their first album on. This was one GREAT band, maybe not too original since their Genesis inspiration was all too obvious, but these guys really seemed to know what they wanted and they did it! Their music is still more than listenable albeit that some tracks on this DVD are more than 20 years old. And they still play these old songs with an enthusiasm that sends many sparks towards the audience. IQ has been one of my favourite band ever since and they never let me down.

This double DVD consists of a nice film of one of their 20th anniversary gigs, flmed in London, supplemented with bits and pieces from other gigs (performing for instance ABBA's Mamma Mia ..!). The subtitle is "20 years of prog nonsense" which in fact tells the whole story. IQ still gives the impression that they don't quite understand what happened after their first release and they still seem to enjoy the simple fact that people go out to buy their cds and attend their concerts. But guys, your music is great!! It is full of variation, it rocks, it's melodic, it's moody, it's gentle and sharp edged. Their musicianship is beyond doubt and shows most obvious in guitarist Mike Holmes and bassplayer John Jowitt. But never forget Martin Orford on keyboards who is absolute indispensable in the IQ sound although he stands on the background of the stage. And drummer Paul Cook, who unfortunately is mostly filmed from only one angle, has learnt to drum moderately (he tended to beat the drum a bit too hard live...). Probably the weakest side of IQ is the singing by charismatic Peter Nicholls. He is not always right on tone, seems to have trouble to reach the higher notes. But itn't that one of the major things in attending a concert, seeing real people play live? And Nicholls is simply a very nice bloque what's illustrated when the band introduces their former bass player and give him the full stage. Well done!

Then the set list. The twelve songs, playing almost 2 hours, come from all their studio albums released by that time, augmented by one of the former singles ('Just changing hands'). 'Headlong' had never been played live and they did it now, with Tim Esau on bass. It is a more than nice overview of 20 years, very well played.

The bonus features are very nice, expecially the hilarious support act The Lens, being IQ themselves wearing the most horrible 70's outfit you'll ever witness on stage. The playing as The Lens is however flawless, for how many humor these guys may have, the music comes first and is more than well done.

This DVD is a real gem!!

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