Peter Hammill - Montreal, Oct 16

Just got back from an intimate Peter Hammill gig. This was my first chance to actually see one of the premiere prog vocalist/legends live and in person, and I did not leave disappointed.

 

In an old 19th century church basement-cum-stage/theatre (called the Gesu), Peter wowed a crowd of about 400 faithful VdGG nostalgic types. I arrived just as the lights were dimming and the crowd was clapping. I could not see anyone, but guessed (correctly later as I found out) that the crowd was probably made up of middle-aged men with the odd random companion (read: wife, girlfriend, daughter, son, etc) Par for the course when it comes to VdGG I presume (or any prog for that matter ...)

 

(Enter Peter, taking his seat at a baby grand, with his acoustic guitar nearby)

 

The faint sounds of My Room (from Still Life) begin, just piano sans sax...

 

"Searching for diamonds in a sulphur mine, leaning on props which are rotten."

 

This man can sing! Nowhere is this more evident than in a live venue, even at 60-ish years old. Listening to VdGG or Peter's solo albums can be a powerful experience, but seeing him live! Wow, the man looks like he weighs about 165 pounds, but that voice...indescribable. When he speaks he sounds like a proper English School Headmaster, but when he sings, his voice, where does it come from?!?

 

Safe to say I can die a happy man now that I have finally seen a live performance of the VdGG front man. Even without the rest of the band, it was a memory I will cherish dearly.

 

Some other highlights from the 1 hour 45 minute gig (including 1 encore): (In the) Black Room/Tower (from Chameleon), something from In Camera, as well as a healthy dose of newer solo stuff (from Singularity and Incoherence)

 

No Man-Erg unfortunately, but none of us left unhappy. Hopefully Peter will return with the band soon, bringing that booming voice with him...