TUBULAR BELLS II & III LIVE (DVD)

This is a pretty decent DVD to own, recorded in 1998/9. Tubular Bells II recorded in Edinburgh Castle and Tubular bells III at the Horse Guards Parade in London. Both concerts recorded on one DVD ( Flip sides). Musically I would have to say Tubular Bells II is the definite highlight and a great venue with the castle backdrops adding a fitting mood to the ambience. For me TBII has always been a superior work from Mike Oldfield as in it being in his top eight best albums. The musicianship is spot on here and Mike Oldfield seems pretty relaxed too. I would recommend his live version of Weightless and the brilliant Tattoo where The Royal Scotts Dragoon Guards get into full swing with the Pipes and Drums

TBIII has some glitches or feaux pars, a couple of times from the female vocalists and the weather was appalling, which does not help especially if you are playing outdoors to thousands of people. It was interesting to also see Richard Branson in virtually front row seats enjoying the evening.The duo must have made their peace. Whilst TBIII is not as strong a body of work it was still a decent album. The Tubular Bell brand had peaked here I think! Highlights here would be Jewel In The Crown, Outcast and the climactic Secrets. Pay special attention to Jody Linscott on percussion and Catherine Rockhill on piano.Overall a very pleasant couple of hours and nice to see Mike Oldfield in a relaxed mood particularly at Edinburgh Castle.