IQ20 - THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Actually I was suprised this DVD was not yet included in the archive. Thanks velvetclown. I want to be the first one who submits a review on this "jewel". This DVD, includes the 20th year anniversary show, held in 2001 in London, and some nice parts taken from various soundchecks held during the whole tour. Starting with energic Awake and Nervous, going through various hits such as The Seventh House, Capricorn, Headlong (together with former bass player Tim Esau) the first part ends with an integral version of The Last Human Gateway, which alone worths the buying of this DVD. Disk 2 includes 5 encores and a nice part of old songs by The Lens (group which then has generated IQ) with the 4 musicians Paul,Martin,John,Mike (no vocals during this part of the show) dressed as seventies groups, with long hair (even the serious Martin Orford!). In spite of the limited budget which is showed by a very simple scenography , what is outstanding in this DVD is the excellent sound quality, and the warm atmosphere created by the band in relation with the audience.. A must for IQ fans, and for those who wanted to be part of that show and for different reasons, could not (just as me!)

Want a bit of typical British humor? Want a bit of five very nice guys taking themselves no too seriously while playing like hell in the meantime? Want a real gem, great value for money?

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!!

Stunning Neo Prog Live Performance!

I should have reviewed this excellent DVD right away after I watched it last year when a friend of mine bought me the DVD during business trip to London. To me it was valuable gift because I have been a fan of IQ. Oh yes, I love the band since they released "The Wake" album and I got the cassette version which, finally, I upgraded to CD sometime in 1997. To me, IQ is very important because the band has successfully created music with many memorable segments in nearly every song they write. The memorable segments typically come out from the soft guitar work of Mike Holmes or keyboard solo by Martin Orford or vocals of Peter Nichols or it could be combination of both or three of them. Martin and Mike were previously with the band, called The Lens, before they formed IQ. I remember vividly that from The Wake album I got memorable melodies from songs like "The Wake", "Widow's Peak", "Headlong" and "The Magic Roundabout". Since then I always purchased albums (live and studio) of IQ until the last one "Dark Matter".

This concert commemorates the band's 20 Years of Prog Nonsense (that's how exactly the opening screen welcomes us!) at The Mean Fiddler, London, 15 December 2001 (exactly the 12th birthday of my daughter, Dian). The DVD comes out with double disc with disc one contains material from the show and disc two contains special features (Encores, The Lens, Photo Gallery, etc.). Everything is packaged in deluxe cardboard with printed history of the band. Phisically, it's quite good packaging - especially for those who love the band.

Disc One: The Show

The opening scene contains evolution of a band which includes how IQ logo has evolved. Personally, I like this portion because I followed the band since The Wake album so I could feel how the change has impacted the fans. The scene then focuses on stage where Martin Orford comes out to the stage and stand at his keyboard equipment. His pulsating keyboard which sounds the intro of "Awake and Nervous" provides entrance for guitar, bass and drums to take their parts. Peter Nichols takes his microphone stand to sing. Stage-act wise, these gentlemen do not seem very good in stage act. But it's okay, their individual performance is great. The music flows naturally to "The Thousand Days - The Magic Roundabout". All melodies sound familiar to my ears and I really enjoy this track. On "Erosion" the band plays excellent and memorable melodies and so the audience enjoy the songs featured.

The medley "State of Mine" (Subterranea) - "Leap of Faith" - "Came Down" (Ever) bring the music into uplifting mood as this medley offers wonderful melodies and harmonies. "The Seventh House" is also performed with practically no mistake at all. On "Human Nature" the band invites Tony Wright on stage to play saxophone. Well, this song means a lot to me as it was part of my favorite songs with good melody. I like Tony Wright's contribution at "Capricorn". Just before the saxophone work, Peter Nichols and Mike Holmes made some jokes between the two and a bit disturbing Nichols's singing. It's okay as it indicates the band looks more fun.

Right after "Guiding Light" the band provides break for Peter Nichols to communicate with the audience on the changing personnel throughout the band's career in the early years. What a big surprise when Nichols introduces previous bass player TIM ESAU to come on stage playing the bass guitar. "This is the first time ever that the five of us on stage together to perform the song we have never played together on stage.. and this is HEADLONG .." [Nichols' introductory words] Wow!!! Man . this is "the" thing man .. because I love this song very very very much! The melody of this song is really killing me man! I always repeat this song whenever I play "The Wake" album. And sorry .. I have to tell you the lyrics of this song because I always sing along when I listen to this song:

"I'm here. The ragged burden come to nothing. Comfort go. We drift. I talk with you and hear you though you're never here. Hovering above me like a net. I'm terrified to look beyond the threat. I kill ambition while I can". Oh my God what a melodious music segment this one is!

The music which combines keyboard solo and guitar riffs is really nice. Overall performance of this song is perfect with each player contributes the subtleties of sounds and nuances perfectly the same with studio version. It's an awesome performance and I always repeat it many times. Quite ashamed to tell you that tears almost flow in my eyes hearing how melodic this song is. It's so memorable and so legendary that this track is finally performed live by the band. Thanks IQ!

Disc Two: Special Features

The producer of the concert is brilliant putting the encores under bonus disc. It's like another show in itself and it starts energetically with "Subterranea". At this Encores the band members look more relax with their performance. John Jowitt does a lot of movement on stage. The crowd sing along "Subterranea" with Nichols. Tony Wright comes on stage again to give his sax work in Subterranea. Paul Cook's drumming is excellent. Right after Tony Wright's solo the music turns into reggae music where Peter Nichols introduces each member of the band. It's really friendly and dynamic in nuance.

The other track which I also love is "The Wake" and the band plays it live with original bass player Tim Esau. This track is performed much more dynamic here at live version than the original studio version.

The disc also includes the performance of Martin Orford and Mike Holmes band before they formed IQ - The Lens. The music of The Lens was very influential to the music of IQ. All backstage activities also featured here and quite entertaining.

Overall, this is an excellent live set DVD and its special features worth collecting for those who like neo progressive music. It's a must for IQ fans. Highly recommended!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

This DVD is the best IQ's DVD so far. Just imagine, for celebrating their 20th anniversary show in The Mean Fiddler, London, IQ presented their best tracks from their first album "Tales From The Lush Attic" until their latest album at the moment, "The Seventh House". This could be a special Christmas gift for all of the audiences who watched the show.

My favorite tracks from this DVD are "Leap Of Faith", "Came Down", "The Seventh House", and "The Last Human Gateway". Unfortunately, you can't find any song from their first recording ever, "Seven Stories Into Eight" that was digitally remastered in 1998 under the title "Seven Stories Into '98". I know that the album didn't become a highly acclaimed album, but however, there are some great tracks from there, such as "Intelligence Quotient", "Fascination", and "It All Stops Here". For overall, I rate this DVD with four star. You can collect this DVD because there's still less Neo Progressive Band who produced a high quality DVD, beside Arena "Smoke & Mirrors", Marillion "Recital Of The Script", and Marillion "Live From Loreley". Even IQ themselves just could produce two great DVDs from their three DVDs so far.

I´d like to write these lines just to add some features to Salmatics excellent review. The first CD is absolutely great and was very well covered. Any prog fan should check this out. The second DVD is also very much interesting, since the idea of puttint the encores and extras on it was very well done. The band plays some good tracks of their own like Subterranea and The Wake. It´s good to see ex bass player Tim Esau here, along with John Jowitt (who seemes to be enjoying himself a lot!). On the other hand they also prove they have a good sense of humor, even with a twist, and throw in some very unexpected covers like Jet (Paul MacCartney), Crazy Horses (The Osmonds!) and even some parts of Mama Mia (ABBA). All did in a very relaxing, almost party-like manner. After that the band comes back dressed in a parody of the late 70´s afro hair and flashy clothes. Presented as The Lens, `a great influence in IQ´s music´, they are in fact IQ themselves (minus Nichols) and perform some old instrumental songs they had written when the band was still known (ou mostly unknown) as The Lens. Musicaly speaking I was very pleased to hear those songs and confirm this group was good and orginal from the very start. Excellent prog instrumentals!

The extras are well done and show a band that seems to never get old.

A must have to any prog fan, even if you´re really a neo prog lover. Highly recommended!