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Josephine For Better Or For Worse (omitted at Bilston, seems to have been replaced by Simple Visions)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
GENERAL COMMENTS
I'm not going to try to add to the detailed comments that people have already posted as for the most part I'd merely repeat what has already been said. Suffice it to say then that my wife Gill and I immensely enjoyed the gigs we went to (both of us to the Turks Head and Maidstone; and together with a friend I also got along to the penultimate gig at the London Bloomsbury Theatre).
This band is absolutely magnificent! As a relatively recent convert (I first saw them on the Silver Jubilee Tour eight years ago) I can hardly believe that such a good band passed me by in the first place nor that they seem to just get better and better and better! I've now seen them nine times (this lineup six times) and this latest tour has been the best yet ! Every member of the band is so accomplished - and what a repertoire of songs upon which to draw. Always a varied set for each tour with so much light and shade and variety of styles and tempo - yet all unmistakeably Strawbs-hallmarked.
It's really difficult to select one or two favourites - there were so many to choose from ! I certainly liked two of the new songs - "Together Apart" by Hud and John; and "The Ten Commandments" performed by Dave Lambert and Brian; while of the old favourites "Witchwood" and "The Flower And The Young Man" stood out from the acoustic set; I loved the dramatic style and showmanship employed for "Turn Me Round", "Ghosts" was wonderful; but I think my special favourites were "Heartbreaker", "Simple Visions" and "Hero and Heroine". (I think I've selected almost half the set !). It almost seems wrong to single out any one of the musicians from the rest, they were all so good but I think most people were awestruck by the duelling and complementary guitar-work of Brian Willoughby and Dave Lambert. Blue's keyboard work throughout was prodigious but he excelled on "Ghosts". I always enjoy John's bass-strutting style and I love the bass lines on "Simple Visions". Hud, the power drummer - and singer too! And DC ? In such good form despite suffering from a heavy cold ! His unique vocals, humour and presence! As someone else remarked, the the whole is greater than the sum of the parts!
OK, you guessed. I'm hooked. When do I get another fix guys? I really hope the band will want and feel able to continue touring for years to come. That they can draw crowds is beyond doubt. I've watched their audiences grow substantially since I first saw them in '93 and am sure that there is a sizeable untapped fan base out there - people just need to know they're appearing and perhaps the level of promotion could do with some review.
Another thing that is so appealing is their willingness to mix with their fans. It makes such a difference to feel able to participate a little, even if for most of us that is on the fringes, exchanging an occasional word with a very special group of musicians. Thanks guys. Really appreciate that.
To round off - can we expect to hear "The Ten Commandments" and "Together Apart" recorded and available on CD ? (Someone told me "Together Apart" was on one of John's albums, but I couldn't see it on the track listings). Also - if the band tours again, how about a new video compilation ? It seems such a shame not to have a lasting audio-visual record and memory of some of the finest moments in rock music. Obviously I'd love to see a new Strawbs album, but I realise this may be asking a lot - most of us couldn't put together a one-track CD single, much less the number of albums-worth of material these musicians have composed and recorded - but it would be nice!
Whatever the future holds, thanks to all the band members and to those who help make it possible to stage these shows. You've all given me and many others much to enjoy. Best wishes and good luck for the future. Hope to see you play together again in the not too distant future.
PALACE THEATRE, NEWARK, 14 MAY 2001
The grand finale of the tour, couldnt have been in a better venue, comfy seats, excellent view, large stage and great acoustics. Hudson-Ford started with "Together Apart" then "Just Say No", Hud cracking up with laughter at various times due to Soundman pulling faces at him! Dave Lambert then joined with Brian for "Ten Commandments", dedicated to Graham [the husband of one of Dave's relatives, who came to the Newark gig last year, but died a week or so back - DG] As before, marvellous guitar interplay between the two.
Dave C. joined next, started to play "Benedictus" then realised he had a collar stiffener still in his shirt, and ripped it off!! Promptly got the giggles, (and everyone jumped skywards at the most GIGANTIC monitor buzz mid-song, [apparently that's the sound an amp makes when it catches on fire! - DG]). After John Ford asked if he had "taken the cloth"? Dave said whether he had or not, the "next song is from the Devil himself...." and straight into a suitably eerie "Witchwood", fabulous vocal harmonies from Cousins/Lambert/Hudson/Ford on this one, also on "Flower and the Young Man" sung beautifully by Dave L., interspersed between songs a hilarious Cousins monologue about the Strawbs early days.
"Glimpse Of Heaven" was preceded by some heartfelt comments from DC about the UK countryside being ravaged by Foot and Mouth disease, how some places will be changed forever by it all etc....then off for a break.
The Electric set was started in fine style by Dave Lambert's chugging powerchord intro to "Turn Me Round", delivered from backstage initially as he strolled into position followed by the band, very Rock n' Roll! Highlight of the set followed for us, "Tears and Pavan" is perfect, with magnificent Elizabethan-electric harmonies between Dave L and Brian, even a handshake and bow at the end! The other highlight for me is the now-traditional segue of "Ghosts"/"You and I"/"Heartbreaker", an unlikely combination on paper that actually works superbly. Particularly like Blue's new modified "Ghosts" starting riff, fits in nicely.
Of course, the "Sea/River" combo is as immense as ever, with brilliantly matched Lambert/Willoughby parts, swapping between lead and rhythm, Dave's biting Marshall sound against Brians stinging Telecaster pinched harmonics....for us, this gig was the best of the four we have seen, everything worked great, venue, performance and sound.
Of course, no-one would have left without "Hero".....as frantic as ever, if I have to be ultra critical, it's missing a Mellotron, but you can't win them all.....and as a bonus, second time on tour for "Will You Go" to end a cracking set, with much singing along all round. here's hoping they tour again soon......Dave C commented at Burnley whilst we chatted that touring even at this scale was a costly exercise, hope it doesn't put them off.
BLOOMSBURY THEATRE, LONDON, 13 MAY 2001
Just knew that this was going to be a good gig as sitting in a watering hole, early evening, some way from the venue I suddenly became aware of the number of patrons sporting "Strawbs " shirts of one sort or another. It seemed everyone was up for the gig in the hometown. (or should this be City).
The first thing to report from the concert itself was that it appeared that DC's health had been restored to good order. (I'm definitely going to try port and brandy, rather than benelyn, next time I get a cold, if its going to have this effect!) The acoustic set was well interspersed with his anecdotes and stories as he built up to introduce each number.
I almost forgot! DC's entrance for "Benedictus" certainly threw a puzzled Dave Lambert. DL looked to his right expecting to see the other Dave sporting his dulcimer, not knowing that his entrance had been from the other side of the stage. Triumphantly, DC's first words of the evening were " works every time Lambert" (or so my memory tells me). The first of two memorable entrances that evening.
The first set was back to the usual set list of the tour with John and Hud reverting to "Together Apart" in place of "Heavy Disguise". The highlight of the first set on the night was a stunning rendition of "The Flower and the Young Man", with superb unaccompanied sections. Appreciative applause greeted the opening chords of a number of songs during that first half.
The second half started with the most sublime piece of showmanship. Off stage and out of sight of the audience Lambert broke into the opening raking riffs of "Turn Me Round" , playing as he strode onto the stage from the left followed by the rest of the Band. All except DC, who again chose the other side, slightly delayed, but wearing his pale yellow jacket and a black and silver shirt. As he turned to face the audience at the front of the stage he had managed to compliment the outfit with a fashionable pair of dark "shades". Totally unexpected, this just about brought the house down as his serene appearance was in direct contrast to the power of the song as he stood to the front with arms outstretched in usual pose, before launching into the powerful vocals. A real sight to behold. Needless to say, the glasses did not last beyond the end of the song, but the mood had been set for a storming second half.
As the tour developed, the mix or whatever have allowed the quality of Blue's keyboards to have more influence on the overall sound. This, together with the duelling and mimicry of Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby on guitars add so much to the overall enjoyment.
The second half was full of its usual power and energy and had the crowd clearly demanding more as the set ended with "The River/ Down by the Sea". The encore of "Hero and Heroine" finished the evening's entertainment with verve and aggression. A final bow by the Band , hand in hand and the show was over.
Before this year's tour, there was a poll amongst fans as to which songs should be played on tour, just for a bit of fun. Well maybe for next year we could vote on venues to be played. Any votes for Worksop?
FLOWERPOT, DERBY, 12 MAY 2001
This was the review which gave the name for the Acoustic Strawbs first CD - congratulations Les and Sue - DG.
For our third gig of the tour (!) we visited Derby. It's a strange venue, part pub part, well, not very big concert room. Almost not enough room for our heroes onstage, Dave C came perilously close to sticking his head through the stage ceiling when he became animated and jumped up and down! It was the now-standard set, with the changed first number, "Heavy Disguise" now opening with Hudson-Ford, then Dave Lambert joining for "Ten Commandments"/"Winter and Summer" with Brian also. The sound crew worked wonders to get a great mix (VERY loud) in such a confined space, managing to silence the incessant babbling of a section of crowd.....why DO they pay to attend then talk all through?
Dave C entered to a cry of "What's that you've got, Dave?"....he replied (dulcimer in hand..) "A piece of wood......beatifully carved......"!! Great version of "Benedictus", a stunning "Tears and Pavan" (Baroque n' Roll??!!), great chugging Lambert power chords on "Turn Me Round", I could list them all, but you have heard it before. Much hilarity when Blue missed a note in the "Ghosts" intro....."Nice tune innit??" quipped DC. The heat in this venue was stifling, Dave L had an ever present Guinness/Murphys, as DC put it "cunningly disguised as his own hair"!
A blistering "Hero" rounded things off, with DC screaming the lyrics "for he had yet to....." excellent, and we are off to Newark tonight for the Finale (that will be four gigs for us and about 700 miles....)
EXCHANGE THEATRE, MAIDSTONE, 11 MAY 2001
I last saw the lads here last year, so I thought I might compare performances. We also dragged our teenage daughter along who doesn't really know their music. As I expected they were even better than last time around. The biggest improvement was the lead guitar work between Dave Lambert and Brian, simply out of this world. Also Dave L. gave some quite superb vocal performances. In fact I've never liked "Heartbreaker" on disc, but last night it sounded truly great.
There were too many highlights to mention, but I particularly liked "When we were young" as it fitted the way they'd really grown up and matured individually as well as a band. The choice of material was excellent, but they've such a huge catalogue of material they could hardly go wrong. And boy did they rock.
Finally Dave Cousins; his cough has been well documented this week and he is still seems far from well. However being the true pro that he is, he gave an outstanding performance and sounded in as remarkable voice as ever. Not to leave out anyone, John and Hud were in usual top form, and Blue sounded better than any other keyboard player I've heard. Oh, my daughter, she loved every minute of it, although thought John a bit scary!
The last time I saw the Strawbs was during their Silver Jubilee tour at Folkestone. With THE 'classic' line up plus Brian Willoughby on show at Maidstone I was keen to see if the Folkestone show would be as good. After what I would consider to be a regrettable inclusion of "Just Say No" in the otherwise excellent opening acoustic slot, I can only say that this was a brilliant concert in front of a rather restrained but full house Maidstone audience. Dave Lambert's influence was significant and gave the sound a significant rock edge together with Brian Willoughby. At times their dual guitar interplay was like Wishbone Ash.
Above all, however, was Dave Cousins whose performance was just class. It was great to see the dulcimer out for "Benedictus" and the vocal masterclass in the rendition of "Out In The Cold/Round and Round". Highlight in a show of highlights was "The River/Down by the Sea" which captivated the guitar prowess of the above mentioned. If I had any criticism it would be the absence of the mellotron on such tracks as "New World" and "Hero and Heroine". Thanks to Dave and Brian for signing autographs. And Dave, keep nagging Rick Wakeman for a get together!
Despite being a Strawbs fan for nearly 30 years (when I listened to Noel Edmunds playing Grave New World on his Radio 1 Sunday morning show) I have never seen them live. So it was with great anticipation, I turned up at Whelans last Wednesday.
Whelans is a small venue with space for about 300 punters and a statue who stands at the bar, so when John Ford and Hud came on and did "Heavy Disguise" I could not believe just how good the band was. The standard of musicianship was superb, Dave Cousins sang and played like he did on my Grave New World album. They played a load of my favourites, "New World", "Benedictus", "Flower and the Young Man", "Glimpse of Heaven", "Witchwood", "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus" as well as other tracks like "Grace Darling", "Part Of The Union", "Lay Down", "Round and Round" and a load of other stuff which I canÕt remember. My favourite Strawbs Album is Antiques & Curios and a few tracks from that (ie. "Martin LutherÕs King's Dream" and "WeÕll Meet Again Sometime") would have really made my night but my night was already made. Brilliant !
WATERFRONT, BELFAST, 8 MAY 2001
Well, Hud's birthday went off very well in Belfast with the audience singing 'Happy Birthday' and Hud extolling the virtues of the local Guinness. The Strawbs have never played Belfast before, although the Strawberry Hill Boys did play the Belfast Folk Festival around the time that the Troubles were starting in the late 60's. One of the 'peace dividends' is that most bands now include Belfast on their circuit, and I for one am very grateful that the Strawbs made the effort to come over.
Although I've been a big fan for many years this was the first chance I've had to see them live. The band seemed genuinely chuffed to be here and played an excellent gig. The venue was one of the small theatres in the Waterfront Hall and, while it wasn't full, the audience was a fairly good number and was enthusiastic. Blue mentioned afterwards that there had been some discussion as to whether Part of the Union would be appropriate to play in Northern Ireland but they needn't have worried! I took a Strawbs virgin along for the gig and he thoroughly enjoyed it, his only gripe being that the vocals were a bit muddy in the mix and not really decipherable. Apart from that the sound was excellent and the musicianship superb. The only shame is that, with them playing so well (better than ever says Dave Lambert) there is no chance of new material in the foreseeable future.
The setlist was largely as previous gigs on the tour except that the acoustic first half kicked off with "Heavy Disguise", then "Together Apart", followed by "The Ten Commandments" (cracking song!) and "The Winter And The Summer" etc. My own personal highlights in the electric set were "Out In The Cold/Round And Round" and "Hero and Heroine". I can die happy!
I wish the band all the best in Dublin tomorrow and hope that Hud gets the chance to compare the relative merits of the black brew north and south of the border. Slainte.