VDGG as a trio...what do you think???
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Topic: VDGG as a trio...what do you think???
Posted By: CANterbury
Subject: VDGG as a trio...what do you think???
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:03
| VDGG as a trio...what do you think???I'm so excited for the new album that they will release (i hope) this year...but i have a question for you?who have see this tour of vdgg as a trio???they have done only 3 date in germany at momente...no one have see they?how should they play??? |
Replies:
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:04
I don't know but I'll get to see them in 13 days (no I'm not counting  )so I can't help but I'm excited! |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:05
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Has anybody seen any reviews of the German Shows...I'll check PH's site. Won't be a sec'
'' My gear, along with HB's, is now in London. We'll be joining it tomorrow for two days of final rehearsals before an overnight to Nurnberg. How exciting; you're about to find out what the trio's all about. So, in a way, are we - it only gets Real when it's on stage!'' -Peter Hammill- That's all he wrote ------------- 
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:22
| Yes,i've read it 2 days ago...in th vdgg site there is the list of the passed 2007 shows(of 1 and 2 april) with the tracklist and if i don't mistake i see 2 new title....then 2 new songs!!! SPEX or SPECS and A LIFETIME...interesting!!! |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:23
|
^^^
Very interesting ! -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:27
| http://www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk/vdgg_aschaffenburg020407.htm - http://www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk/vdgg_aschaffenburg020407.htm |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:30
|
Thanks!
Wow! (In The) Black Room as a 3 piece. Can't wait for the 16th !  -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:35
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they are my favourite group...i hope they don't give me a disappointment... |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:37
| It should be good no matter what even if the presence of Jaxon is missed |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:38
I'm sure they won't. I've seen them more than 30 times and haven't been dissapointed yet. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
CANterbury wrote:Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 13:39
| unfortunately they don't have planned italian gig for this year...i hope for the new album is more complicated respect the precedent(which is very good album)! |
Posted By: febus
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 14:44
|
What do we have here now?
-a drummer
-a keyboardist
and a sometimes guitarist and eccentric vocals!
Doesn't do much for the music.
 |
Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 14:50
Only a week until I see them so as you can probably understand, that I'm getting a bit excited, particularly since I managed to get a front row seat.  I do think that Jackson will be missed but I'm confident that VDGG can still put on a very good show. |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 14:51
Um you got that wrong. Perter Hammill - eccentric vocals, guitarist, piano Hugh Banton - organ (not keyboards!), bass pedals Guy Evans - drums, percussion |
Posted By: Evans
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 15:06
------------- 
'Let's give it another fifteen seconds..' |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 15:09
Have you heard this line-up then? -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: el böthy
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 17:53
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I thought they would hire someone else, like some violins or another instrument... a trio? well, Hammill does not just deliver crap so I think it will work ------------- "You want me to play what, Robert?" 
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Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 21:13
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I have just recently discovered this awesome band. Hope to see them trio or not |
Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 21:39
I agree. He filled a position quite similar to that of lead guitarist, as he played fills, riffs, licks, and solos over the repeated chords and rhythms played by the other members. Plus, his distinctive method of putting his sax through wah gave quite a recognizable sound to many of the songs. I agree that it will be good though, as Hammill and the boys wouldn't do it if they felt it wasn't gonna be really good. -------------   |
Posted By: ozzy_tom
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 06:41
I will be on their concert in Kraków (in Poland) on 22 April (so very soon :-) and I hope that it will be a great experience. I'm not very sad becuse of lack of Jacskon (in fact I'm ELP fan so this configuration sounds really good for me ;-). But after I've seen what they've played at the Colos-Saal I'm very confused: they played "(In the) Black Room" and "Gog" which (as I read) came from Hammill's solo career so I don't know them at all  . And I also don't know from which albums are "A Lifetime" and "Specs" ! Can you give me some help ?
I'm also suprised that they didn't play "Killer", "Darkness 11/11" or my favorite "Plague of Lighthouse Keepers"  .-------------  
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Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 08:18
In the black room is a lost vdgg song rehersed in studio for an ipotetic album between pawn hearts and godbluf...but they split and this song was inserted in PH solo album Chameleon ecc....trust me..is a wonderful song!!!really!!!Gog is from In Camera and is an apocalittic songs...sound interesting to hear it live!!!Peter hammill is a little bit crazyin that song
 !!!!for Specs and A Lifetime,they're NEW songs...but noone here have hear them!!!For killer and darkness...you must hope for the future!!!PS:Plague is too much articolated and "studio-based song"for a live experience(PH say this)...unfortunately...PPS:who see the shows post here the REVIEWS!!!!!
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Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 08:31
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I was wondering if Specs is a re-working of Two or Three Spectres from PH's Nadir's Big Chance.It would suit the 3 piece set-up as the original is pretty raw and basic.
We shall just have to wait and see (16/4/07,London.Barbican ) -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 12:21
Lee, I'll be right beside you! 
-------------   
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Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 12:24
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You most certainly will,James -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 12:26
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Unless you smell funny (like that Garten). Anyhow... I'm still hoping that the 3-piece band will be a good one. Hammill hasn't failed me yet (except for a few lame '80s bits and bobs). Meurgly's III: The Songwriter's Guild would also work well, played as a three-piece. -------------
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Posted By: ozzy_tom
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 14:44
Oh, yes. I also love that suite. -------------
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Posted By: Greg W
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 15:23
VdGG without Jackson??
It seems to me the sound will be too empty without his sax or flute. Jackson was too much an integral part of the band to go on and play without those instruments.
Why didn't they at least get a session musician to fill the part.?
Sorry if I sound skeptical.
Not that I would be able to see them anyway.
 |
Posted By: RaphaelT
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 15:25
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I just wonder how they are going to deliver "Masks" or "Man-Erg" without that "killer" Jaxon's solos - well, I am about to see in Bydgoszcz, 21st April, I will be greeting the band of millions of years at their first gig in Poland ------------- yet you still have time! |
Posted By: elpprogster
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 18:57
Hopefully the bands sound will be tighter and in a ELP direction 
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Posted By: Filoh
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 19:27
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I´m going to their gig in Krakow (Poland) on 22 April. I think that although they are only 3 (without Jaxon), it will be unforgettable experience. I was in Hammill´s gig in Prague on 14 November 2006. They were fantastic (Hammill of course and S. Gordon also). I really enjoy that I could finally see my favourite band. It must be wonderful feeling to hear song "Man-erg" live and I hope they will play it. My favourite songs are also "Plague of lighthouse keepers" and "White Hammer" and many others(most of them are from first 3 albums) but I´m affraid that these songs I can´t expected. I wish you nice experience.
------------- The killer lives inside me:I can feel him move.Sometimes he's lightly sleeping in the quiet of his room,but then his eyes will rise and stare through mine he'll speak my words and slice my mind inside |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 19:51
The band obviously will sound different but it can also sound very full with this lineup. More full organ tones to make up for the lack of wind/reed instruments. |
Posted By: Frippertron
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 09:56
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I cant wait.. I see them next Weds.
It will be the second time I will be seeing them. Front row seats too!!
I will let you guys know how the trio sounds.
Of course I wont reveal what tracks they will be performing as it will act as a spoiler for those who are going after the Liverpool gig.
I wonder if they will do a nice happy song LOL. ------------- The Cheerful Insanity of Prog Rock |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 10:46
If they got a session musician it would probably sound worse than if the sax was not there because no one could replace Jackson. |
Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 11:12
I wait for a detailed and objective reivews!!!
For infos,photos and tracklist of the previous date of 2007 click here http://www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk/vdgglive.htm#2007 - http://www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk/vdgglive.htm#2007
Infos are added every day!!!!
|
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 13:24
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I've heard Hammill do some solo versions of VdGG songs and they are still excellent. Some of those have been ably assisted by Stuart Gordon too. I have faith in them. Yes Jaxon is a strong asset, but I also know they can rework their old material without him. I just hope they don't sound like E.L.P., 'cause I hate E.L.P.!  -------------
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Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 13:28
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They have had to 'morph' before and were successful in that (VdG)
I have Faith in them...I should do,I....(Man Erg gets pulled away by someone fed-up by his reverence to VdG(G) -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 13:32
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I never get fed-up with your reverence, I... (gets pulled away by someone fed-up by my reverence to VdGG) *kerpow!* Haha, take that! Yes, they've successfully morphed before. I'll try and dig out a YouTube video of Hammill performing a VdGG song. Hammill and Graham Smith - My Room (Waiting for Wonderland) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVNK3asvo6s - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVNK3asvo6s One of my favourite tunes of all time by VdGG, yet this version is wonderful (and no Jaxon flute either!). Note: don't mind the speeding up in the middle. -------------
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Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 13:47
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Jaxon was an important part of the VDGG sound, but I have confidence in them. Peter Hammill is not a person, who releases really weak music. |
Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:17
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James:
thanks for the link. It was interesting, but... far from being successful, in my opinion, to say the least...
which is a pity, since "My Room" is my overall favourite Hammill / VdGG composition......if VdGG ever sound similar to ELP, I'll drop from listening to them...
 |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:23
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Oh, I think it was successful. Bear in mind, it won't be just Hammill and an violinist. It'll be a three-piece, so you'll have the drums and keyboards, plus Hammill's guitar or piano. Ye of little faith, Fass! I really like Hammill/+ violinist combo, actually. -------------
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Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:37
|
I'm sure that the current trio's performance of this song will be successful.
I spoke only of the YouTube link.
Generally, I like Hammill + Smith/Gordon combination, either.
And I just "hate" you all who's going to see the trio... (don't take it seriously...)
|
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:42
Hi Fass Are VdGG not coming to your 'neighbourhood'? -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:45
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Never... I was superlucky, however, to catch them on May the 6th, 2005, at THAT gig, when I was in London, for just a week, by pure chance... |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:46
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Well I'd have preferred to have seen them there, than where I did see them. So don't feel too bad about it.
-------------
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Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:50
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That's why I wrote "hate", and not hate. I have enough reasons to be "hated", myself, because of 6.V.2005.
I won't follow the touring group, even if it's VdGG...
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Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 14:55
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Don't forget, however, to tell me how it was, the trio concert...
And, the most important -- enjoy there!!!
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Posted By: Johnny-The-Fox
Date Posted: April 05 2007 at 17:26
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I saw Van der Graaf Generator yesterday live in Hamburg, Fabrik. Place was nearly filled (~ 1.200 people go in there). They had no support act and started only with a few minutes delay. Can´t remember the correct set-list, but the songs already mentioned here were in there (Gog, Every Bloody Empereror, Spex (It was titled as that on the sheet they had at the mixing desk) , (In the) Black Room, A Lifetime, Man-Erg).
They seem to enjoy themselves, at one time Hugh Banton and Guy Evans started a song (probably a new one) while Peter Hamill still hadn´t put his guitar on, so he stopped them and commented in typical british manner about that.
The sound was great , Bantons organ and pedals sounded very mighty, Evans´ drumming was simply superb (A friend of mine said he was looking like Fester from the Addams Family…), Hamill played alot electric guitar (but to me the best moments were when he played together with Banton on the piano), Hamills voice was also in good condition. But no sax, especially on Man-Erg the sax really was missed because Hamill and Banton weren´t able to fill out the sax solo-parts.
They played for 1,5 hours and came back for one encore of 15 minutes. The crowd was wanting more but they put the lights on. It was a very enoyable concert, but I wish they wouldn´t limiting themselves so much through the lack of other instruments / players.
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Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: April 06 2007 at 00:54
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Man Erg, Geck0, and everybody else,
I want to apologise for the use of the notion of "hatred", which might be interpreted as a serious attitude from my side.
I don't hate anyone, and if I even do, it wouldn't be based on an ability or inability to be present at a certain concert.
Jokes are not always easy to be transferred on paper (a computer screen in this case), especially when they are delivered not in a native language, and that one was also somewhat clumsy.
Pardon again.
Eugene
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Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 06 2007 at 11:50
Very interesting,thanx for your little review!do you want to express some votes(songs,musiciana) from 0 to 10???
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 06 2007 at 12:29
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Thanks Johnny... hmm, sounds interesting. I look forward to a week Monday.
-------------
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Posted By: Johnny-The-Fox
Date Posted: April 06 2007 at 15:03
Giving notes for the songs? That would be too difficult because I would mix up the songs. I´m not that familiar with Hamills solo songs or newer VdGG songs - I know that has to change...
 |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: April 06 2007 at 21:39
Would that mean less people to blame ?
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Posted By: NutterAlert
Date Posted: April 09 2007 at 14:23
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Saw 'um last night in Cambridge. Have to say it was a terrific show, much better than I expected. Banton outstanding, Hammill's guitar OK, vocals great. Highlight of the setlist was Merglys III and La Rossa. Only disappointment was the encore which was NutterAlert (only 5 mins), in 2005 they were encoring with sprawling 20 minute versions of Man-erg. Only really missed Jaxon on Sleepwalkers. Still on to Wolverhampton tomorrow. Yippee.. ------------- Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005 |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 09 2007 at 14:29
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Did you say you'll be at Barbican, NA? If so, it maybe possible to meet myself and Man Erg. Let us know. Oh and I'm glad the gig was a success. Meurgly's III eh? I always thought that was one of the more exciting live tracks (and can be played without Jaxon). It seems their setlist has varied so far, so it'll be interesting to see what they play at Barbican. Keep us reported on Wolverhampton.  -------------
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Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 09 2007 at 14:35
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I'll be at the Wulfrun tomorrow aswell, I'm looking forward to it, but not the train journey to get there (Norfolk - Wolverhampton) I originally bought tickets for the Wulfrun gig as I was at uni in coventry so I could get there easily, but I dropped out, still I'm not going to let a £40 train ticket and £50 hotel room get between me and gigs I've been looking forward to for months (I'm also going to the PT gig at the same venue). |
Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 11 2007 at 11:32
i'm happy for the results of this little tour of vdgg..
|
Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 11 2007 at 11:39
| The gig at the Wulfrun last night was fantastic, for me the highlights were Every Bloody Emperor, Gog, Man-Erg and Lemmings. Jaxon's presence was missed at times but it wasn't to the detriment of the performance or the actual music. |
Posted By: Frippertron
Date Posted: April 12 2007 at 14:36
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Well.. I went to see Van Der Graaf Generator last night in Liverpool. Definately do miss the sax and it shows in places.
Banton plays some of the sax parts, but it doesnt feel right, especially on "Black Room" the eerie flute part is now replaced by keyboads which I feel loses the feel of that part completely.
Hammill does not seem to cope well playing and singing, his guitar was very low in the mix most of the night.
The two tracks they played from their forthcoming album has brilliant potential though, and I cannot wait to hear that.
The main surprise of the night was "Meurglys III", a true highlight! ------------- The Cheerful Insanity of Prog Rock |
Posted By: NutterAlert
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 09:00
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Back from up North (no Internet access in the North of England it would seem!) I have seen 4 gigs this time round and saw 6 of their shows in 2005, and have to say I prefer them as a 3 peice. (shock horror, i'm an idiot, etc etc). Hugh Banton has so much more room and really is the star, Guy Evans drumming is superb and PH guitar veers between fluid and chaotic, but his vocals are superb. I missed Jaxon at Cambridge, but I have not missed him on the last 3 shows. Wolverhampton gig... good, but at least 3 'car crash' tunes when Hammill was playing a different tune/different parts of the tune to the other 2. Gog was magnificant. Liverpool show. Really together, all three in harmony, best of the 4 shows so far. Loved Merg II and Refugees. Leicester, Gog magnificant again, sleepwalkers fabulous, Hammill guitar fluid. Highlights for me so far: Hugh Banton - the man is a genius, feet and hands all over the place. quite incredible Spexs - forgot proper name of it but I love this new tune, Gog - bloody amazing and quite scary (just wait till they play it at the Barbican, you'll see what I mean)Merurglys III - they played it each night and I love it. Last night at Leicester I met both PH and Guy Evans before the show as they went out for a pre-concert walk. I shook hands with PH and gushed random words at him..how do you have a proper conversation with your idol. He was nice smiled and gave me thumbs up, but probably thought that's why I wrote NutterAlert/Eneregy Vampyre .
I did have a nice chat with Guy Evans, and he told me how he tried to
keep in sync with Hugh Banton and that they still hadn't decided the
setlist for the show (and it was only 2 hours before the show started!).James/Geck0 - it would be good to meet up at the Barbican. If we fail to meet 'the least we can do is wave to each other' So onto the Barbican.... ------------- Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005 |
Posted By: Paradox
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 09:09
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I saw them at the Cambridge gig, thought it was brilliant! Spex is called "All That Before" ------------- 
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Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 12:54
Wow! The gig sounds fantastic! I can't wait for The Barbican.I shall be going with James and Ben will be there. I'm envious of you meeting PH & GE. If I meet PH I shall ask him to autograph my copy of his book,Killers,Angels and Refugees.I've trying to get him to sign it for over 20 years. I've never had the pleasure of meeting him since I got the book. I met him at the Roundhouse in 1977 at the first VdG gig. I was a 17 year old who probably grunted inanities at him. See you there maybe. Lee (Man Erg) -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 14:01
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Yes, it would be wonderful to meet you, NA! I forget where we'll be sat, as Lee has my ticket, but I think it's row F in the Circle or something. Ben will be in seat C68 in the same area.The gig rundown sounds great, I look forward to seeing and hearing them again (saw them at Shepherds Bush Empire as a 4-piece). You're even welcome to meet for a pre-gig bevvy. I'm not sure what pubs we'll be in, but message Lee over the weekend (I'll be away until Sunday) and I'm sure he'll fill you in. I will bring some CDs with me, just in case I meet the band somehow. -------------
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Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 14:10
Were in J 41/42. Ben, C 64 (All circle seats) We're both doin' the fan boi thang -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 14:33
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No, Ben's in C68.
-------------
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Posted By: Zargus
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 22:41
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As long Hammill is in the band np. I wish i culd see em yust once in my life. Well im looking forward to buy the new live album real time ! ------------- 
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Posted By: NutterAlert
Date Posted: April 14 2007 at 16:34
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I'm in the stalls seat S16. see you there guys. ------------- Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005 |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 15 2007 at 08:16
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Well, are we coming to you, or are you coming to us? Indeed, hopefully we'll see you there. I've actually no idea what Lee looks like, but I'm meeting him at Waterloo (not the one in Merseyside) and go for some beverages on our travels. Maybe we'll bump into pH, HB and GE! -------------
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Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 16 2007 at 07:56
| Don't forget to post your reviews of the barbican show!!! |
Posted By: NutterAlert
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 03:44
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Sorry guys that I did not meet up, got there late, and couldn't even wave as I didn't know what you looked like.
For my money this was the best of the lot i've seen. I am amazed it was not totally full, a couple of rows of empty seats, but it was the most enthusiastic audience.
Started with Childlike faith then Lemmings, Lifeforce, In the black room linking into every bloody emporer. Then Spex, that I now really like, but keep forgetting what it's called.
They finished with GOG (PH still reading the lyrics for this one), Meruglys III, Sleepwalker, Man-erg with encore of Still Life.
Gog, Merug III and Man-erg were the highlights for me again.
I really am convinced I like them as a 3 peice band and can't wait till the new album and to follow them round on the next tour. ------------- Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005 |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 07:19
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I saw them last Sunday East of Liège, and it was an incredible concert.
It took the trio a while to get settled in: They started with Hammill on guitar for the first two tracks (something they should really avoid, Hammill is so much better on piano than guitar) which were Mask and Childlike Faith. Thanfully the crowd was convinced even before the concert started, because this was not good.
Than he sat down and Undercover man started, much tomy amazement (I was sure they wouldn't do it because of Jaxon's flute and sax parts being too important) and this was the first real clic with the crowd. But Banton was picking up the Jaxon lines as much as he could.
By the time they had down Scorched Earth and Still Life (the second clic, this resuted in a two minutes ovation), the band was playing without a care for the sax and the crowd had come to forget about it too.
They finished with Lemmings, Man Erg and played as an encore Refugees. But these were the only three pre-Godbluff tracks they played all night. They concentrated on Godbluff (except Arrow), Still Life (three tracks) and World Record (three tracks including Meurglys) ------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 11:02
We got there late too (well, got there at 19:45), because we spent to long in The Red Lion.  We didn't miss any of the music though.
Great gig though! I missed Jaxon in a few places, but I think they're a tighter band than they've been for years.
Sorry I miss you, N.A., maybe next time, eh? -------------
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Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 13:30
| It would be great to see them even as a trio(feedback so far is mainly positive), but that's not going to happen this year either. |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 13:43
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I got to the gig early unlike NA and James and Lee (Man-Erg) in fact I got there 40 minutes early It was cool and I liked how Hugh Banton got more room to play than on the few records I got. It was a very cool sound and I can't wait for the album. |
Posted By: bucka001
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 14:10
I saw them over the weekend in Amsterdam and Limbourg (Belgium). They were quite amazing, and Hugh Banton in particular really shined.
I think that the absence of Jaxon freed up a lot of space for HB and he responded by playing more than he ever has (as far as solos and filling in the gaps, etc). At times, he really flashed and did some Wakeman / Emerson-type stuff, proving that he's their equal when it comes to that sort of thing. But then you look at what he's simultaneously doing with his feet (playing these monstrous bass lines) and realize that he may be the greatest prog keyboardist of them all.
He certainly is in my book! The guy's a genius. ------------- jc |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 16:23
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I am starting to think the same way, Jim. As much as I hate to say it, I think Jaxon was flailing a bit in 2005 and I think some of their performances suffered because of it. I therefore believe it wasn't just the issue of the DVD that upset the band, but possibly because they weren't totally happy with his output. Last night they were tight and fluid. Banton stole the show for me, he was better than I was expecting. The changes they made to The Sleepwalkers were not bad either and certainly surprised me. Gog was a wonderful highlight too. Evans was all over it and certainly proved to me how amazing a drummer he is. One mustn't forget Hammill of course. His voice is better than ever, as far as I am concerned. Lee and myself met up about 3:15 in the afternoon and went straight to The Red Lion (a pub next to The Barbican and the College) and due to our chatting and our beers, we didn't go into the venue until 7:45 or so, but as I said earlier, we didn't miss a single note. The performance was better than Shepherds Bush, that's for sure. Lee also says it was better than R.F.H. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, that's for sure. I cannot wait for the new album. Jim, I hear you met Falling Flower (aka Debby), she's a cool lass she is. Sounds like VdGG were on form in Belgium too. -------------
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Posted By: bucka001
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 18:46
Yes, I met her and several other people from 'cyberspace'. Good fun! And the trio really amazed me. I knew they'd be good, but they were better than I dared hope for. I was happy to see that they absolutely packed the legendary Paradiso in Amsterdam, and they also looked to have a capacity crowd in Limbourg. Both concerts were filmed and both film crews captured a couple of extraordinary concerts in terms of performance, crowd reaction, etc.
How was the crowd size at the Barbican? I know it wasn't sold out but was it a pretty respectable showing?
------------- jc |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 18:53
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It was a very respectable showing from where Lee and I were sat. There were a few empty seats, but the crowd were much noisier than they were at SBE and rightly so, because they played amazingly. Is there any chance of a DVD being released, do you think, Jim? That would be great if there was. I didn't notice cameras at Barbican, but I was too busy watching Banton's hands and feet as well as Evans' hands. My thoughts exactly, re: being better than hoped. As you said yourself, Banton was much more fluid and he stole the show for me. What are your thoughts on the new songs? -------------
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Posted By: bucka001
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 19:03
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I don't know about a DVD, but I sure hope so! I think there's a lot of red tape and things tend to get bogged down in legalities, etc. But hopefully something can be sorted out.
I liked the new songs, and I can tell you that in talking to and hanging out with the band both nights after the shows, they're very excited about the trio and look forward to recording the new CD... all of which is great news for VdGG fans.
By the way, in a few days the Paradiso show will be able to be seen at http://www.fabchannel.com/ - http://www.fabchannel.com/ ------------- jc |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 17 2007 at 19:07
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Thanks for that link, I'll look out for that! Alas, I was not as lucky as Nutter Alert and didn't actually meet any of the band. I'll try harder next time (if there will be one). So I presume that's official about the CD then? Great news! -------------
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Posted By: NutterAlert
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 05:33
I totally agree with you. At one stage HB was playing synth lead with one hand, organ with the other and bass with his feet. It was amazing! he seems such a modest and unassuming person as well.
What I really love is the way HB and GE hold it all together when PH (occasionally) veers off into random guitar chord or key change or random lyric teritory. They recover so well and so quickly.
------------- Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005 |
Posted By: NutterAlert
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 05:34
certainly, if they tour again I'll be there ------------- Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005 |
Posted By: bucka001
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 07:11
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The Paradiso show can now be seen at www.fabchannel.com ------------- jc |
Posted By: NutterAlert
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 08:58
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^ thanks i'm not going to be doing much work this afternoon now
------------- Proud to be an un-banned member since 2005 |
Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 09:47
| Thanks for the link, that's my entertainment for this afternoon sorted out |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 13:14
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I'm going to check this now... how long is it going to be up for? Hmmm, Lemmings is a bit meh, Hammill's guitar isn't that tuneful. Shame. -------------
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Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:18
| Yes Lemmings is a bit of a disappointment but the rest of it is still very good. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:20
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I've had to give up watching it, my connection is slow and it keeps stopping. I'll try again later, when all the Europeans are in bed. How long is it up for? -------------
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Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:21
| No idea but it looks permanent. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:23
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Hmmm, maybe I'll be able to get a quicker connection later then. I cannot watch a VdGG video that keeps stopping, it's annoying!
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Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:26
| I know my connection decided to bugger up in the middle of Man Erg which was very annoying. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:30
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Mine buggered up during Lemmings! There's no way to pause the broadcast and wait for the feed to catch up, like on YouTube. That's 'cause it's Flash... meh.
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Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:31
| What speed connection do you have? Even the slowest broadband shouldn't have problems with that video. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:34
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1 meg Broadband methinks... I am running it through my wireless from the router upstairs though. I'm getting about 90% signal. 54 mbps apparently. My wireless is a Netgear 108 Mbps... hmm... I'm thinking I should get a faster connection than this... maybe it's only 1/2 a meg... -------------
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Posted By: N Ellingworth
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:37
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It's probably interferance between the wireless router and your PC that caused the probem. Wireless signals really don't like walls and floors. the best thing you can do is get closer to the router. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:41
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Hmmm, good point. I could try it on my mother's PC in a minute, whilst she's out. She has rubbish speakers though. Infact, my connection is pointing downwards... I'll try pointing it upwards, so it can penetrate the ceiling (oooer missus!). -------------
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Posted By: laplace
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:45
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video can also skip if your computer is doing a lot, especially if you're running firefox. just kill your porn ftp and stop downloading bootlegs for a minute ------------- FREEDOM OF SPEECH GO TO HELL |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 14:50
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I wasn't downloading anything and I even closes some Firefox tabs and closed WinZip. Meh.
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Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 15:52
I'm pretty sure I saw you behindthe counter selling your book (at alesser price than I ordered it for   ), but I couldn't stop for a chat, because I had promised the guys I came with, they'd be back in Brussels before 11. ------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: CANterbury
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 16:33
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I'm seeng Fabchannel:AMAZING!!!Simply amazing!!!the Paradiso concert is really really really good!!!IMHO...better than the royal festival hall concert...seems theyhave a more fluid and powered sound...(they have a lot of time for rehersal now...i think is normal...)PS:in real time...i have ear a little bit weak Jackson...no???(but i haven't listen the album very well at moment...)
PPS:Banton is....the best!!!and i'm no kidding...I'm an organ player(novice) and i love is style...
PPPS:i like lemming
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Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: April 18 2007 at 16:35
| Yeah Hugh Banton is an amazing organist (I plan to learn to play the organ sometime in the future) and I was really glad to see him live |