I have been a fan of IQ since the very start but this was the first time I'd seen the band in a hell of a long time. As such I was very much looking forward to this: I was not disappointed.
The Met is an excellent venue, small and intimate, and there was a crowd of about 300 which created an excellent atmosphere for the gig.
Peter Nicholls' recent problems are well known. Despite recovering from pneumonia earlier in the year, he had been laid low by a nasty flu virus, and in fact missed the bands previous gig in Germany due to ill health. However, shortly before the start guitarist Mike Holmes came on stage and announced to the throng that Peter was ok to perform, but only at about 70%.
The band were excellent, and though Nicholls struggled with the higher notes, he was ably assisted by the rest of the band. It really didn't detract from the gig at all for me. I am pleased to announce that IQ have lost none of their zest, and were as good as when I last saw them, many years ago.
THE SETLIST
Frequency
Erosion
Sleepless Incidental
Stronger Than Friction
Darkest Hour
The Wake
Closer
Widow's Peak
Last Human Gateway (middle section)
Guiding Light
It All Stops Here
Out Of Nowhere
A highlight of the set for me was the opener Frequency, the title track from the forthcoming album. It's typical IQ, with loads of mellotron. The classic Widow's Peak was also aired, a particular favourite of mine. However the standout for me was Guiding Light, with all the band in top form. Several new numbers from the upcoming album were played and whilst it is difficult to judge fully on first hearing, Stronger Than Friction and the aforementioned Frequency sounded extremely promising, and very much in the territory of the usual IQ sound that I and many others have come to love over the years.
The set was a little shorter than expected, probably due to Nicholls' recovering voice, and unfortunately my favourite track The Seventh House was omitted
. However, in the grand scheme of things I can't really complain. If the gig had been a few days earlier, Peter Nicholls probably wouldn't have made it.
Holmes showed himself to be the top class guitarist he always has been, his solos full of emotion. The rhythm section of Andy Edwards and John Jowitt provide the perfect base for the rest of the band to work their magic. This was also my first opportunity to hear new keyboard player Mark Westworth. Filling the shoes of Martin Orford will not be easy, but he seemed to fit in seamlessly.
This has really whetted my appetite for the new album. In addition, I resolve it won't be as long as this before I see the band again live.
Regards to all.
Roj.
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IQ - Bury Met 29th November 2008
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Jim Garten wrote:
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that's an excellent review!! I couldn't add anything except to say that I was there too and it was my first time seeing IQ live. I certainly intend for it not to be the last, as I thought they were superb and I too am looking forward to the new album.
