Part 1 - 17 April (Turks Head, Twickenham) to 22 Apr (Glasgow)
Part 2 - 24 April (Robin 2, Bilston) to 6 May (Burgess Hill)
Part 3 - from 8 May (Belfast) to the end of the tour
Heavy Disguise (replaces John's "Together Apart" as of Burgess Hill) Just Say No
The Ten Commandments
The Winter And The Summer
Benedictus
Witchwood
The Flower And The Young Man
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Turn Me Round
Tears And Pavan
New World
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Josephine For Better Or For Worse (omitted at Bilston, seems to have been replaced by Simple Visions)
Ghosts
Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)
Heartbreaker
Simple Visions
Lay Down
Part Of The Union
The River/Down By The Sea
Will Ye Go (special request at Bilston only)
Hero And Heroine
WORCESTER, EXETER AND GLASGOW
At last back at my PC after a great week in England including three gigs in four days. I'm also glad to see so many of you have reported the key points, as I've a very hectic life at the minute and can confine myself to some other points.
Firstly, I'm pretty sure John's hair is just dyed. In fact the whole image I have of John from this tour is very HF-esque, though that's also partly because I finally got round to buying 'Love Is A Highway' and really enjoyed hearing it first on my new Sennheisers
Dave C, meanwhile, produced a different shirt for the second half last night - the £3.50 gem from the Paris souk with the red sunflowers that buttons up the wrong way, which I've christened the "Flower Power Prize". Last night's had red roses (lightly streaked with white) on a deepish blue background, though it looked from where I was standing that most of the roses were pointing downwards. But apart from that it could almost have been an official Tory party shirt!
Of the three, I'd rate Exeter the best. I think Blue was a bit back in the mix at Worcester, and as one might expect at the start of a tour they were also noticeably more in the groove the following nights. The mix there was certainly the best too - I could hear Blue clearly and Dave C's vocals were clear and powerfully strong whilst not diminishing the instruments. At Glasgow they'd set Dave L's guitar too loud and what is meant to be a comforting melodic guitar part on Remembering became a loud call. In the meanwhile Dave C's mike struggled to assert itself above the others.
But what a delight to hear 'The Flower and the Young Man' played live. It's a track I used to play over and over from GNW as I related to the sadness of inevitable decline and death it portrays while, in those days, presumably only appreciating sunconsciously the hope it also projects as in that final repetition of the opening chorus.
Of course the expanded Ghosts/Remembering/You and I sequence was marvellous to hear too. Another recollection from Worcester and Exeter was a bit of friendly rivalry between Brian and Dave L: just in one or two places, Brian would imitate Dave's style while play a few notes, as if to say 'I can do that too!' and Dave would smile and play a few notes with a particular emphasis as a response!
I took some photos at Exeter and should get them developed shortly, but it'll be a bit longer before I can scan any in as I'll be away again later this week. But I'm looking forward to Leicester and for those yet to meet me, I'm more hirsute even than JF and have the beard to match and John Lennon specs.
And, contrary to the two of you who accused me last night of being 'Ghandi', no me not Ghandi! I certainly haven't worn any form of sandals for years and years, and it's only at Drugstore gigs - and then only one - that I've been observed noting down things against every number. That, actually, was who was playing what instrument, as they change round quite a bit with at least three playing bass at different times. But it certainly wouldn't be without interest for Strawbs: Brian has a caddy of three guitars he switches between, Dave L has an interesting black acoustic with a red pattern around the sound holes which are not in the usual place underneath the strings, as well as his main axe. And of course Blue can choose a number of different voices on his keyboards, from organ backgrounds across to the harpsichord for 'Tears and Pavan'. I'd have thought a table with all that information for each number would be an interesting addition to Strawbsweb!
Keep shining, and thanks guys for three really great gigs!
KING TUTS, GLASGOW,22 APRIL 2001
Attended the gig in King Tuts Wah Wah Hut,Glasgow. All I can say is..........Brilliant !!!!!!
Have been a big fan for years,since my early teens. I have now just hit my 44th birthday,so it has been a little while now. I remember seeing the band perform at the Kelvin Hall,Glasgow, in the seventies. Not the best of venues.........But a memorable gig none the less.
I went to King Tuts not sure what to expect although I did expect to be disappointed. After all the guys are knocking on a bit now and I wasnt sure they still had "it". To further complicate matters I took my 18 year old son along with me..........He's into metal......Metallica etc. He had never heard of The Strawbs but was willing to indulge his old dad and come along.
Would I overcome these hurdles ?..........You bet !!!!!!
Firstly,my son Alan,was "Well impressed" High praise from him indeed !!!
Secondly,The Strawbs still have "it".........No Doubts !!!!!
Dave Cousins was in tremendous voice. The acoustic set was superb. Dave Lambert's guitars were immense. John and Hud were excellent (but a couple of songs from Nickelodeon would have been nice !) The only fault was that I didn't recognise Blue Weaver.......He's changed so much from the cover of Bursting at the Seams, but haven't we all, so I suppose I can let that go.
All in all, a great night. Thanks to all concerned.
Incidentally, My son Alan suggested that I listen to a Metallica track called "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" from the Master of Puppets album. Dare I suggest that the guitar intro is very similar to "Down by the Sea"...........Might be money in this one.........Go for it guys !!!!!!!
Come back to Glasgow soon !!!!!!
I took seven in a mini bus from Alloa to King Tuts in Glasgow , ( three of whom had barely heard of the Strawbs.) After the first two songs they were all converted.
The band were stupendous - sounded like I was back in the Usher Hall in 1976. ( I still have the ticket - £1.25. - plus another at 75p with no date on it.) I would have liked to have seen a bigger crowd for the band, but for us punters it was great - eye ball to eye ball. In my opinion the reason for the poor attendance was lack of advertising. I knew about the gig a month ago through the web site and was watching for notice in the press etc. There was one small ad. in the Daily Record & King Tuts chalk board and that was it! Come back to Cottiers lads - or the Old Fruit market. More atmospheric.
In reply to Adrian the Rock, I must apologise for the Ghandi patter. It was ( in my defence) the other chap who put me up to it.( You know who you are!!!)
Hope to see the band back in Scotland soon.
Hi from wet Scotland. I went to the Strawbs gig at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow on Sunday night and I was blessed with hearing The Strawbs. I am ashamed to say that I don't even have a record of the band but what a night. The intimate atmosphere created something of a novelty whereby a band of world renown was playing so close to their devoted fans. Their performance was phenomenal from the start to the finish, their lovely songs were a treat to hear live and the band members were so pleasant signing programmes etc. after the gig. I thank the band for coming to Glasgow and sincerely hope that they come back soon.
Just back from the Strawbs gig at King Tut's in Glasgow. ABSOLUTELY SUPERB! Well done to all. Dave Cousins said at the end "see you all in another 20 years". I sincerely hope they're back up in Scotland sooner than that! Every song was absolutely faultless, with 'Tears and Pavan' particularly good. Haste ye back!
Women don't usually complain about being too young, but I wish I'd been around when The Strawbs were doing their thing the first time around. I'd never even heard of them until my hubby (a full decade older) spotted that they were playing at Cottiers Theatre in 1999. What a brilliant night that was - I was completely bowled over by the band. The following year I even arranged our holidays around the Glasgow date - what a disappointment that the gig was cancelled!
Although King Tut's is perhaps not quite as quaint a venue and possibly doesn't allow the "performer" of the band quite enough room, the music was fantastic. It's a shame that a lot of the up and coming bands/performers that are around today don't have even a tenth of the style, panache and musicianship that these guys have. I'd love to have seen them in their youth - they must have been electric. All the band seem to be wearing well, but it does have to be said (sorry guys) ........... John Ford still very much has it in every way!!
Hopefully we'll make it to Edinburgh in August, but meantime .... keep the music coming!
ROSEHILL THEATRE, WHITEHAVEN - 21 APRIL 2001
What a show! I can't say that I've ever particularly been a Strawbs fan although I've collected a few of their albums over the years and have always liked the "Sandy Denny and the Strawbs" album. I think I'm a fan now.
This is a tiny wooden theatre half way up what the car thought was a mountain! The rain was coming down sideways outside. The band were already on stage when we arrived. We walked into a wall of guitars and harmony singing. We were in time to see Dave Cousins take the stage to considerable applause. The first session was folky. Tight harmony vocals and lots of guitar. The second half was much more rocky. And this was the best rock I've heard for years. I would compare them to Bernie Marsden's band who I saw a while ago. Some excellent guitar. They did what seem to be the usual concert standards and of course ended with "Lay Down" [which sounded great live] and "Part of the Union".
This is another show that's definitely worth seeing. [King Tut's Glasgow tonight and Robin 2 Bilston on Tuesday.]
The Strawbs had travelled up from Exeter, the weather was typically Cumbrian - rain and wind. The Rosehill is perhaps best described as an intimate venue, and wasn't full. It's still early in the tour and there was every excuse for the concert to be a huge disappointment. IMHO the Strawbs were AWESOME.
My son reckons it was worth going to the gig for the version they did of New World alone. The rest of the set list was pretty much as previously posted for the Turk's Head gig except we got Benedictus (in the acoustic set) and Simple Visions instead of Josephine. It was nice to meet fellow Witchwooder Alison Brown in the bar afterwards, and it's really great of the band to come into the bar to meet the fans after the gig. I didn't tell any of them how much I enjoyed the gig - mea culpa [you have now Graham - DG]. That is the only blot on the best evening out I've had in ages.
Amazing performance at the Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven tonight. Thanks for visiting Cumbria again. "A Glimpse of Heaven" was preceded by heartfelt comments on the foot and mouth crisis.
The whole family decided to make a weekend of our trip to the Whitehaven gig and we travelled across the Pennines on Friday afternoon. After settling into our Travel Inn we went on a reccy to find the Rosehill Theatre. As Sylvia mentioned, it was halfway up a large hill, overlooking the sea and looked like a cross between a wooden scout hut and a church! There was nothing on the outside indicating that there was anything about to be performed at any time in the future. We decided to reserve judgement until the following night (remembering the Beverley venue last year).
Spent a pleasant Saturday touring the area and riding on Steam trains. We emerged after tea to find the rain blowing in from the sea horizontally. A quick check of my cameras revealed that my new digital one (which I had hoped to bring you instant pictures with) and my trusty SLR BOTH had flat batteries. Luckily I had another two cameras with me and was close enough to the stage (3rd row back) for these to, hopefully, take reasonable pictures.
We arrived at the theatre and just walked in - no-one bothers checking tickets out here! I headed straight to Sandy on the merchandise stall to get my T-shirt (are those my strawberries Dick? [yes, one of them - DG]) and program and enquire of any fellow Witchwooders. She denied any knowledge of the Internet and as we were too far north for Gandhi, sorry, Dick to be our focal point and not seeing any suitable Witchwood candidates, we took our seats.
The theatre turned out to look like any other theatre, only in minature (10 seats wide).I enjoyed the two Hudson Ford numbers and the new Dave L song, and were a nice gentle introduction and forced me to listen (much to my daughters' relief) as I couldn't sing along. My night was made when Dave C walked on carrying his dulcimer for "Benedictus" (the 1st album track I ever heard). The rest of the first half was stunning and the atmosphere on stage was definitely relaxed.
Half time arrived and I thought about getting a drink from the bar but the queue was enormous and I needed my hands free for the second half. I thought I spotted a likely candidate for fellow Witchwooder Graham, but decided to leave any approach until the end of the concert.
I can only describe the second half as the best set I have ever heard. The depth of sound on "New World" was incredible, Ghosts was just magic with Dave C bowing in between this and "Remembering and You and I" to allow us to applaud. Dave C referred to their Glam Rock days in his "Simple Visions" introduction along with Brian dressed in "interesting" items of clothing! "The River/Down By The Sea" was totally mesmeric and "Lay Down" was definitely the best I have heard it played live.
One song in the encore is not enough guys!
Standing in the queue for the bar afterwards it was a pleasure to meet fellow Witchwooder Graham and his family (the first one of you I have met apart from Dick - but he doesn't count 'cos he gets to far too many gigs!) and it proves we can spot each other without the need for badges. Most of the band came out for a drink afterwards and I and my daughters had a lovely chat with Dave C (without me clamming up and going weak at the knees). My eldest was gobsmacked to find out that he thought the Sex Pistols were excellent (she's a big fan) and I think he's now gone up a little in her estimation and he chatted to my youngest about S Club 7! After a goodnight kiss on the cheek for me (my knees gave up at this point) and a handshake for the girls, we left for the hotel. I went to bed with "Simple Visions" running through my head along with other visions of Brian in fishnet tights and stiletto heels!
This is by far the best I have heard the Strawbs playing live - they were truly AWESOME - and I can't wait for South Shields and Leeds to come next week.
I look forward to meeting a few more of you there.
PHOENIX THEATRE, EXETER, 20 APRIL 2001
Second of the four dates of the tour for me, first being Southampton. First date was immensely enjoyable, but Friday's performance level surpassed that of two days earlier. Same set with the welcome addition of "Simple Visions." As we have come to expect, the second half set " rocks" onwards, with the usual power and energy of a "Strawbs performance. 2000 was great, but 2001 will bring delight to a new dimension. With such a huge repertoire it is difficult to decide what the ideal set is, but resurrection of "Ghosts" after such a long time has been an unexpected, but welcome pleasure. The encore of Hero and Heroine was played with such gusto and enthusiasm, it summed up the overall performance and it was real shame it had to end there.
Still, hoping for a repeat of "Burning For Me" to bring the set to a close, including extra long intro,and a change of shirt ( a la Dudley 2000), perhaps later in the tour ! If anyone reads this and is trying to decide whether to catch the tour, or not, don't miss out, it's not to be missed.
I went to see the group in Exeter (always exciting trying to negotiate new, unfamiliar highways and byways and then park, and then forget where you parked!).
The set was great, first half folk roots second ,more electric orientated (including the odd track which I have not heard live for some time). Great musicianship matched by as strong a vocal delivery as I have seen - someone should tell them they are supposed to be getting on;but they seem to be getting better. I am so pleased that Dave L is back (I missed his vocals as much as his guitar work) and with B.W. the two guitars give a richer depth to the sound, as well as enabling D.C. to perform just as a vocalist.
Two galleries of photos from the Phoenix, Exeter gig by Chris Walter, Gallery 1 Gallery 2.
Two galleries of photos from the Phoenix, Exeter gig by Adrian the Rock, Gallery 1 Gallery 2.
(Hudson/Ford) Together Apart
(Hudson/Ford) Just Say No
(Dave Lambert/Brian Willoughby) The Ten Commandments
(Lambert, Willoughby, Hudson, Ford) The Winter And The Summer
(full band hereafter)Benedictus
Witchwood
The Flower And The Young Man
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Turn Me Round
Tears And Pavan
New World
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Josephine For Better Or For Worse
Ghosts
Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)
Heartbreaker
Simple Visions
The River/Down By The Sea
Lay Down
Part Of The Union
Hero And Heroine
HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER - 19 APRIL 2001
Got there late, so missed the first few numbers of the acoustic set - difficult to find venue for anyone who's never been before, but wonderfully atmospheric when you get there. I came into this converted church just in time for Dave Cousins start singing "Benedictus" under the words engraved immediately behind and above "In God We Trust". Perfect.
Also, great to see "Simple Visions" coming into the show for the first time on the tour - I spotted it on the Setlist at the Turks, and was sad it didn't come out then. Brian delivers a solid acoustic rhythm, Lambert is note perfect on lead and John' Ford's bass pounds out the rhythm, with Hud on bass drum and tambourines. Dave Cousins really lets rip on the vocals. Excellent - living up these days to its deserved status as a classic Strawbs "trademark" song.
Overall, last night's show, for me at least, would have been hard to top, and it seemed a little looser. The flipside (and upside) to that is that everyone seemed much more relaxed - Dave Cousins in particular was talking more, telling a great story about being on the Julie Felix show with Jack Jones (who recorded "Josephine"), and Jones having cue cards for his songs, which were mixed up (reshuffled by wicked people ??) with hilarious results. Lots of joking about on stage particularly at Cousins and Lambert's expense. Dave C had on the red sunflower number, which he delights in recounting that he discovered had shoulder pads and buttoned up the wrong way when he got it home. Lambert had on a blue satin number - very 70's rock star - prompting Dave C's comments in the band introductions (see Peter's review below).
Wow. Great gig.
For those of you who don't know the Huntingdon Hall in Worcester, it's a converted chapel with many of the original features still present (organ, pew boxes, uplifting texts on the wall). From where I sat, there appeared to be very few empty seats. The audience was obviously made up of the faithful (Strawbs variety of course). During the first half of the set, each number was listened to with full attention until the last note had finally faded and was greeted with prolonged applause.
"Together Apart" is a good song but would benefit from the full band. "Just Say No" had many people nodding and smiling. "The Ten Commandments" was excellent:- Brian's playing was brilliant, and DL's song appeared to be well appreciated by the audience, particularly considering it was new. "The Winter And The Summer" was a brilliant rendition. Then DC appeared with dulcimer and played and sang "sweetly" on "Benedictus". "Witchwood" was magical.
The high point of the night for me was "The Flower And The Young Man". There was repartee between DC and DL about DL having been intimidating when DC met him (huge beard and wild hair, gruff voice): DC vowed to get DL to sing "Folk" someday, and this was it. The accapella start and end enchanted a silent audience. For me, time stopped. An awesome rendition. "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus" built brilliantly and was everything that the vinyl version was and more. "A Glimpse Of Heaven" ended the first set in impecable style.
Then came the raffle. The MC promised one good prize and several "crappy" ones. At the conclusion, he introduced the band. DC quipped the this was the only venue where "the raffle is better received than the band".
The electric section was ........ electric. Every song was performed brilliantly, creating high point after high point. The selection of songs worked perfectly, and changed the atmosphere from reflectional awe to heightened ecstacy. DC came on wearing a shirt with red "sunflowers". He said he'd bought it in Paris from a Moroccan shop for about £4, and when he got it home he discovered that it had shoulder pads and buttoned on the wrong side. Between "Lay Down", and "Part of the Union", DC introduced the band and referred to DL as a "big girls blouse" (NB DL was wearing a blue 1970's style top). Much merriment in the band and DL kept laughing through the song.
Then the encore (a vibrant "Hero And Heroine"). As they returned, the comment was made "Sorry we've been so long, we've been fighting in the dressing room", to which the reply was "yes, about what we wear". Overall a brilliant evening.
On chatting to members of the band after they seemed very pleased by it. Blue Weaver had seemed lost in the mix to me, and I asked him about it. He said the guitarists always were given preference. Someone else asked about him missing some of the gigs in 2000 due to his wife's illness, and how was she. Blue replied that she died three weeks ago, but she had wanted him to go ahead and to do the tour. What a brave lady and what an excellent memorial. My sincere condolences go out to Blue.
Last night the Strawbs put on a show which can only be described as stunning. This was evidenced by the knowing glances exchanged by the band members after almost every song. Dave Cousins, that habitual taskmaster, was for once glowing with contentment, his enjoyment conveyed to a packed audience who responded in kind. Each rendition of the familiar classics was exceptionally tight with new touches; some subtle, such as novel vocal treatments and some not so subtle guitar duelling, which no doubt will become known as 'The Lambert and Willoughby Experience'. Highlights for me were too many to mention and it would be an insult to single out any one performance from such a sparkling set. But, just one comment: Dave Lambert's vocal on "Flower" contained a previously unappreciated and delightful sensitivity, his Hooperesque harmonies throughout also convinced. Has he been taking lessons? Time to stop the self effacing comments Dave, you've cracked it.
See them soon.
An audience member stated *brilliant* in the brief silence between the end of "Benedictus" and the ensuing gracious clapping.... In a word, that described the entire evening of Strawb jewels; all still shining brightly! My school days were brought back in perfect preservation. The Strawbs music that meant so much to me as a teenager was presented, amazingly, with all voices still in mid-70's form!
The Strawbs magic is still there and has aged like a fine wine, but without the mellowing part!
(Hudson/Ford) Together Apart
(Hudson/Ford) Just Say No
(Dave Lambert/Brian Willoughby) The Ten Commandments
(Lambert, Willoughby, Hudson, Ford) The Winter And The Summer
(full band hereafter)Benedictus
Witchwood
The Flower And The Young Man
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Turn Me Round
Tears And Pavan
New World
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Josephine For Better Or For Worse
Ghosts
Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)
Heartbreaker
The River/Down By The Sea
Lay Down
Part Of The Union
Hero And Heroine
THE BROOK, SOUTHAMPTON - 18 APRIL 2001
Not a capacity crowd at The Brook (we've seen better) but a very good showing nonetheless - quite a few familiar faces from the previous night: Anyway, we were treated to probably the best Strawbs gig I've been to. And so early in the tour - how can they keep on getting better like this. A couple of glitches (nice bass solo from John Ford in "Lay Down") but nothing to detract from a storming gig.
Hud and John started off tonight, and the presence of a dulcimer on stage was a sure bet that "Benedictus" would get an airing, which it did, as the first of the acoustic numbers with the full band. Majestic as ever.
Quite clear also that the band were having fun! Dave Cousins had problems getting his guitar in tune for "Jesus", started then stopped to get it right: Quipped Lambert "You should do more of that one on stage Dave"; retorted Cousins "I know it's my only solo."
Get on a train, boat or plane. You have just got to catch this line-up - simply the best Strawbs outing yet.
So there I was, sitting at home, 7.45pm. Painful case of thumb-twiddling coming on until, hey presto, it's 8.20pm, I decide 'What-the-hell' and drive 45 miles to find a pub I've never heard of. But boy was it worth it........
I arrived late (but happy to arrive at all), and walked in to find myself three feet from four Strawbs. Left to right, all on stools, were Brian Willoughby, John Ford, Dave Cousins, and Dave Lambert. Hud was ensconced behind his kit (But still on a stool). Two things immediately struck me. Firstly, was this a 'New Direction'? Were the band doing a Crosby Stills and Nash on us? Or were they so old that they could no longer stand?! And whilst we're talking of sitting, one must mention the semaphore arms of Dave Cousins. During 'Turn Me Round', and especially 'Tears and Pavan', when he was without his acoustic guitar, he was a human octopus. He should sit on those hands of his. Coupled together with one of his typically awful flowery shirts, he was a cross between Joe Cocker and John Inman (Or maybe Emo Phillips). But great news, the voice is still there.
And so is the playing of Dave Lambert. I'm not a particular fan of D.L., but I take my hat off to him. Not only were the notes played a near perfect replica of the album tracks, but the sound of his electric also blended seamlessly. He played a blinder, and only blotted his copy book during 'Lay Down'. He went for the power chords prior to the last verse to find 'What No Volume'. He quickly turned the 'pot' up but his grinning sheepish glance up towards a scowling 'Headmaster' Cousins, saw that he was not forgiven. A sort of 'See me after' look, if ever I saw one. And another thing about D.L. - that face his been 'lived in'. He looks like Ronnie Wood!!
I don't know about anyone else but at gigs, I do have a look around the audience from time to time. Tonight we had everything. 80% of the audience were middle-aged men, out for a quantum leap of an evening. And then there was a youngish couple (Early twenties)- He was standing behind his good lady with his arms around her waste. He was swaying around to the music, totally taken with it, but his good lady was obviously just there because she loves her man. My wife (then girlfriend) stood exactly the same at the Tithe Barn gig around about '82. Notice I travelled alone. Maybe it's a new quite for all this Schultz 'Love Is' captions...... 'Love Is.....going to see HIS band when you should be doing your bikini bare'. Also, the celeb. lookalikes were out in force. I swear I saw Mick Fleetwood, dozens of Yul Brinners, two Grizzly Adams', and Ghandi. The 'Ghandi' chap was most unusual. He was sat in the corner, totally surrounded by little bits of paper, Dictaphones, colouring pencils and paper etc. etc. Everytime they played a new track he would tick off various lists like a manic cricket scorer. I actually managed to get a picture of him for anyone who's interested.
Anyway, more favourites were played, and played very tightly too,. until I shuffled off home alone. But spare a thought for the funny little Ghandi-man I mentioned. I watched him quietly tightening his open toe sandals, wrapping his papers into his broken-handled Tescos carrier bag, before leaving quietly into the drizzling darkness. And then a voice shouted from the Pub, bidding him farewell......"Goodnight Mr Greener".
[DG - Mr. Claridge is receiving treatment for his ailment (this is actually quiet lucide for him). Mind you, that won't stop me setting loose the lawyers on him for the allegation about open toed sandals! More such lunacy on Witchwood, the Strawbs Discussion Group, of which Mr. Claridge is a notable stalwart!]
Response to Mr Claridges review last night as think he mentioned us in it!
I was first introduced to the Strawbs thanks to a friend of my Dad who'd kindly plugged the space at the end of a Jethro Tull tape with 'Part of the Union' (apologies).But it was not until many years later that I went out and bought my first album and became truly hooked. At college I was delighted to note they were headed for Fareham and thus began a search for a willing colleague to accompany me. Sadly she was foolishly put off when I did the generous thing and lent her the Best Of; she changed her mind, describing them as singing Elves. So it was not for several more years that my patience was finally rewarded on a cold a bleak night at Southsea's Wedgewood rooms when I finally found a partner in crime. I could remember that it was one of the most memorable gigs I'd ever been to, made all the more atmospheric with the Wedgies candlelit tables. Since then I've been anxiously wishing for another visit or appearance at one of the big folky festivals but all to no avail. Then with joy I noticed an ad for their current tour and immediately rushed to my diary to book the event in.
My partner this time knew nothing of the band other than my recommendation, which surprisingly for once she respected. I have to confess that when the first two guys hobbled out for some acoustic numbers I was still of the belief that this was some sort of local support! Albeit of some quality. I started to become suspicious when they became a foursome and started sounded very Strawbsish, but for me something still wasn't right. It was of course only when Dave Cousins strolled on to stage that I finally understood what was happening, and any further doubts were allayed when they roured into the classic "Benedictus" that immediately took me five years or more back and a shudder down my spine. They continued through the first have with many more known wonders before the stools were cast aside for a second half tour de force which included the truly spellbinding 'Down By The Sea'. The only sound my partner knew was 'Part Of ..' of course but she nevertheless claims to have enjoyed it all, and if that wasn't joy enough, could that really be us my reviewing colleague was writing about – the couple in their twenties with the loving partner? Could be!
Caught the Southampton gig at the Brook. Strawbsational!!! Come back soon. Folk/rock needs you.
Brilliant web coverage of the tour so far. I'm really pleased to see that others felt the Brook was the best we'd seen the band in years. They were brilliant and Dave C was in best voice I've heard on many concerts. I loved "Down by the Sea" again of course and could hear it all night, but it was a rare treat to hear "The Flower and the Young Man" with Dave L doing the high bits. I really enjoyed the live version and friends who had never seen the Strawbs before said it was the best of the gig.
I remembered Elton John on Radio 1 being critical when reviewing "Turn Me Round" all those years ago. He should have been at the Brook. Eat your heart out Captain Fantastic !! It was again wonderful to be able to say to the guys afterwards how much we enjoyed the gig. When you are face to face with your all time musical heroes its difficult to say what such an evening really means. Once again, Strawbs fans old and new had a fantastic night.
(Dave Lambert/Brian Willoughby) The Ten Commandments
(Hudson/Ford) Together Apart
(Hudson/Ford) Just Say No
(Lambert, Willoughby, Hudson, Ford) The Winter And The Summer
(full band hereafter)
The Flower And The Young Man
Witchwood
The Man Who Called Himself Jesus
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Turn Me Round
Tears And Pavan
New World
Out In The Cold/Round And Round
Josephine For Better Or For Worse
Ghosts
Remembering/You And I (When We Were Young)
Heartbreaker
The River/Down By The Sea
Lay Down
Part Of The Union
Hero And Heroine
TURKS HEAD, TWICKENHAM - 17 APRIL 2001
An interesting new song from Dave L (a worthy successor to last year's "Live Inside Your Hell Tonight") as the opener, with Brian Willoughby providing twiddly bits. Then John Ford and Richard Hudson with two new songs, John's "Together Apart" (which may be the title of a new album project from that team in due course - nice idea) and Hud's anthem to the British Pound "Just Say No", on sale as a single during the tour. The latter a good singalong whether or not you agree with the underlying political sentiments - obvious comparisons to be made with "Part Of The Union" both in that respect and - given the right breaks - in terms of hit potential. Rock'n'roll on the General Election.
With that, the two early duos combine for "The Winter And The Summer", before Dave Cousins joins them on stage. "The Flower And The Young Man" is the first of the night's joys - resurrected from Grave New World by the Cousins/Willoughby/Lambert trio it was pretty good, but now complete with accapella from all four singers in the band is wondrous. Blue turns in a nice "harmonium" sound from one of his two keyboards. I thought Lambert's lead vocal worked very well indeed -Tony Hooper was in the audience - we chatted before the set but I didn't catch him afterwards to see what he thought.
"Witchwood" a welcome retention from last year's acoustic set, then - wow! "The Man Who Calls Himself Jesus" - the first time I've ever heard that song done by the band. It occurs to me that Cousins is in particularly good voice - obviously relishing the opportunity to get back into this one. The first set closes with "A Glimpse Of Heaven".
Raw power of the opener for the second set "Turn Me Round", a hell of a start! Cousins delivers the raw vocals with obvious enthusiasm. False start for "Tears And Pavan" - well it's been a while, but second time round it was as good as ever. They've done something to "New World" - that's the most powerful version I've ever heard of that song, Lambert's flailing power chords, some nice echo on Dave's vocals. "Out In The Cold/Round And Round" another keeper from the 2000 set and then "Josephine" takes the tempo down a bit, but soon picks up with some fantastic guitarwork from Willoughby - cheers from the audience.
Then, Cousins announcing a song "we haven't played on stage for over 20 years": organ break from Blue, intricate guitar intro from Dave C, and we're into "Ghosts". Lots of nodding heads and appreciative looks from the faithful. Good harmonies with Lambert on the first section, then a bridge into the slightly atonal second part, before picking up for the guitar dominated third section with Lambert spitting the vocals into the microphone. Last section and the lengthy coda synthesiser/guitar instrumental, bridging into the next two-parter. Here, a nice touch: instead of the obvious keyboard instrumental "Remembering" (written by John Hawken), they've arranged it for the two guitars. A little loose maybe on this outing, but a gig or so in and it'll be stunning. Nice piano from Blue on "You And I" building nicely to the Lambert-vocals third verse. After a reprise of "Remembering", then yet another segue into Lambert's "Heartbreaker", with Cousins really letting rip on the backing vocals "I want her". Only possible criticism was that we had to wait ages to cheer the welcome return and superb execution of "Ghosts" into the set.
"The River/Down By The Sea" with the now-customary two lead-guitar wizardry, then hits to finish - "Lay Down" and then intro for the band and John Ford takes the vocals for "Part Of The Union". Encore was a racy run through of "Hero And Heroine".
Overall, much better much tighter than the warm-up gig last year. A faint suspicion of one, maybe more numbers still to be added into the set. "Simple Visions" was on the soundboard setlist but was omitted, probably to comply with the Turks' curfew.
If they're this good now, they'll be awesome by the time they hit Bloomsbury.
Well, I went to the Turks Head last night having been a fan of the Strawbs for many a year. To put it mildly, it was fantastic. £6 to see and hear such quality, what a treat. Having never seen/heard the band live, I was sceptical on what I would hear. I needn't have worried. Such musicianship and Dave Cousins' energy along with the rest of the band just won me over. "New World" was amazing in its intensity, the power of the song and its rendition were spot on.
I talked my future son-in-law Roy in to seeing the band and although he didn't know 99% of the music, as he wasn't resident on this planet when they formed, also ended up waxing lyrical by the close of play.
At such an intimate venue as the Turks Head, the band performed as though in front of a vast crowd, nothing was held back. Such professionalism has to be applauded. I know how difficult it can be to pull all the stops out, as I'm a professional drummer. The feedback from the audience is always half the battle, and that victory came early on as Dave Lambert and crew did some duos, setting the scene for some masterful fireworks across the frets for the remainder of the evening. Hud's drumming was a delight to witness, the power and timing along with using brushes early in the first set carried the band along with such ease.
I hope that I will be around at the same time next year for more of the same as I work in the Middle East. To while away the time, I'll be taking two CD's back with me, Witchwood, and my favourite, Grave New World. That of course, along with the memory of last night. A year can be a long time!
Highlight for me was hearing "The Flower And The Young Man", "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus" and Ghosts/When We Were Young" played live. They have never played them at any of the gigs I've been to before. The four part harmonies on "Flower" were excellent, "Ghosts" sounded really good with Blue's keyboards filling the sound quite nicely, though I have to say I wasn't too impressed with the guitar intro/end to "When We Were Young."
The last five songs really rocked along, particularly "The River/Down By The Sea", the guitar work between Dave L and Brian is seamless, they play like they've been playing together for years. The only gripe was Blue's keyboards seem to have been turned down to far for the start of "Hero." Lastly the only other thing of note was the new vocal intro by John Ford to "Tears And Pavan". namely "sorry we'll do that again" after Hud completely screwed up his drum intro. DC's comments after, "I wanted to break his bloody neck".
'Twas an even better gig than last year, the sound system looked a lot more impressive than last year's (I know because I helped shift it after a roadie went missing). If you can see them DO IT you won't be disappointed.