LIVING PROOF

IQ did deliver two great studio albums, and released a studio live / rehearsal one ("Nine In A Pound Is Here") and this true live one. This was the occasion for Peter to say goodbye to the fans. The charismatic lead vocalist from IQ had decided to concentrate on his side project (Niadem's Ghost) and left IQ. Fortunately, he will soon come back. He was also responsible for the design of the album covers, and quite successfully, I must say.

This album was recorded during the supporting tour for "The Wake" and will feature not less than six numbers from it.

Two non-album tracks will appear here : "It All stops Here" and "Just Changing Hands". The later was recorded during the sessions from "Tales" but did not make the original album (it will be featured as bonus track on the CD release). Both numbers will sit on "Nine In A Pound Is Here", but since Paul Menel was in charge of the vocals on that one, it was quite interesting to compare both "live" versions.

I like Peter quite a lot. I have seen IQ twice on stage recently and I must say that he is a good showman. Of course, some will argue that he is only a clone for the other Peter; and in a way they are not wrong. He is even pushing the similarity in doing some song introductions in French while having a French audience in front of him (in this case in Belgium). You know like...I just feel that first of all, it shows a great respect for the fans who might not always speak English but globally, I am sure he has also the deepest respect for PG (whom I also see with Genesis durng "The Lamb" tour, a looooong time ago).

So, yes; the similarities that are noticeable on their studio works is pretty much vivid in their live appearances. But I have no problem with this. It is probably pure nostalgia, but again : I am a nostalgic person of these remote times. I am grateful to IQ to perpetrate some of the magic of those days.

As far as this live album is concerned, we will be orphan of "The Last Human Gateway". We will need to wait very long years (about twenty !) to finally get it with Peter on the vocals in its entirety on their 20th years anniversary DVD "IQ 20". Another version, (again offering the possibility of comparison) isalso featured on ""Nine In A Pound Is Here" with Paul Menel on the vocals. But Peter remains my fave.

All tracks are well played on this live effort. There won't be much difference with the studio versions, though. The overall sound quality is not the greatest one, I'm afraid. Very little communication between the band and the audience but I assume that Peter was not as comfortable as he is now when in front of an audience.

Of course this CD is more a live version of "The Wake" than anything else. But honestly, why the hell do we need to suffer the presence of the infamous "Corners" here ? I have expressed my feeling while reviewing "The Wake". This live version won't change my mind, by any means. Absolutely AWFUL again. The band might have some fun while playing this reggae-ish joke, but when you listen to this in the back of your seat, I doubt that the joy is shared. Not by me. It is the only blunder of this live album (but it is also their unique blunder on those two studio albums).

Three stars for this live effort. This will be the only true IQ live album till 1996 and the better "Forever Live". But this is another story.

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