Live Performance Reviews - Van Der Graaf Generator, Milan, May 9

Van Der Graaf Generator, Milan, May 9

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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Live Performance Reviews
Forum Description: Performance Reviews by Members
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=129006
Printed Date: May 03 2024 at 09:01
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Topic: Van Der Graaf Generator, Milan, May 9

Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Subject: Van Der Graaf Generator, Milan, May 9
Date Posted: May 19 2022 at 14:40

On Monday 9 May Van der Graaf Generetor performed at the Teatro Nuovo in Milan, after almost two years of post-covid postponement.

The fury with which they showed themselves surprised me. They have played many classics of their golden triad (The Least, H to He, Pawn Hearts), including Refugees, House With No Door and above all the fantastic Man-Erg, which in my opinion is one of the greatest songs ever written.

All three musicians were in good shape and tried to make up for Jackson's absence which, in my opinion, was never quite filled. But Evans and Banton were impressive, truly virtuosos, immense. Hammill is not a virtuoso musician, he is more artisanal, but as a singer ... His performance as a singer was extraordinary and every now and then he had to stop and catch his breath.

And this is precisely the point. Every now and then I thought Oh my God, he's sick. As we know his heart has already given him big problems. Well, a few days after the concert the news of his serious illness arrived, for which he was suddenly operated on. Their European tour was canceled. Great concern.

I just hope Hammill is okay,

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"Happiness is real only when shared"

Replies:

Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: May 19 2022 at 15:26

Didn't know about this. All the best to Peter! I had seen them in Genova, and wrote about this elsewhere. They seemed energetic and good and fresh but I agree that Jackson (or also a bassist) would have enriched the sound.

Posted By: fathomer1963
Date Posted: June 25 2022 at 18:02

Saw VDGG in Manchester this Feb. Been waiting since the early 1980's for a chance to see them, so no pressure! In all honesty, the first part of the gig was 'okay', my socks remained firmly attached, as they went over quite a few newer songs which lack the 'bite' of the 1970's material. Second half, though, as a German guy I was chatting to during the gig, said, 'saved the day' - and it did. I ended up feeling more than grateful for a great show. I agree though with the OP's comment, a replacement sax player is needed to fill the gap left by Jacksons departure, as the sound lacks the low frequency 'heft' his bass sax provided. Sadly though, it sounds like Peters health is now too poor, and live shows in the future are now highly unlikely. Hopefully, he will have a full recovery, and enjoy a long retirement after many years of providing excellent albums, and great live shows.