Camel at Harrogate Royal Hall
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Live Performance Reviews
Forum Description: Performance Reviews by Members
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=95627
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Topic: Camel at Harrogate Royal Hall
Posted By: Hercules
Subject: Camel at Harrogate Royal Hall
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 08:12
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I suppose the first question was: after 10 years away and with no new material issued in that time, would there be any Camel fans left? Well, the concert was a sell out and, from the moment the band walked on, Andy Latimer and the band had the crowd enthralled. They even got a standing ovation just for walking on and had to wait for it to end to start playing. At several points, Andy seemed choked with emotion at the reception and the waves of goodwill emanating from the crowd. The tour was promoted with news that they would play the entire Snow Goose live, featuring some small rearrangements and additions as in the re-recorded version. They started with this and the entire first set was devoted to it. This was an experience few will forget, except for a few who arrived late and missed part of it, but disrupted the enjoyment of the rest of us who had to move to let them in. After a 15 minute interval (for me, spent mostly in the colossal queue for the toilets!) they came on and launched into a set which covered the time span of their massive discography. Never Let Go and Mystic Queen (much to the delight of one guy at the back who had shouted for it at every gig in history, according to Andy Latimer, and did so again here on cue) featured from the debut, Song within a Song and Air Born from Moonmadness, Tell Me, Echoes, The Hour Candle, Watching the Bobbins, the ever amusing Fox Hill (Colin Bass makes this song memorable) and the exquisite For Today were all highlights. Colin Bass and Andy shared vocals and acoustic guitars, with Denis Clement stepping off the drum stool to play some extremely impressive bass guitar. Guy LeBlanc played most of the keyboards and sang backing vocals, ably backed up by Jason Hart (Renaissance) who played keys, sang and played acoustic guitar. The most obvious thing was that they, encouraged by the audience's reaction, relaxed and began to enjoy themselves, gently poking fun at each other. The main set ended and they launched into Lady Fantasy for the encore, which was just wonderful. They finished with another song titled Never Let Go - this time an unrecorded song dedicated to Peter Bardens. And, as we all walked out, it occurred to us what thay had NOT played. No Ice, no Lunar Sea, no Stationary Traveller - for many bands, those songs would be the highlight of their careers, yet Camel could leave them out and still send the fans home happy. If anyone thinks that Andy Latimer's serious illness has diminished his powers, forget it - he's as good as ever and actually more energetic than the last time I saw him. If he has one irritating habit though, it's turning his back on the audience to face the back of the stage when soloing so you can't see what he's doing. The sound quality was generally excellent and not too loud (I wouldn't have said that 30 years ago!). I'm sure that others would have preferred, like me, to get to the front and stand instead of sitting, but that apparently is forbidden at The Royal Hall, as is taking photos/filming (and one guy in front of me was duly given a major rollicking right in my line of view!). There were a few minor errors in both mixing and playing (it was the first night after all) but these were trivial compared to the big picture: Camel are back, Camel are still brilliant and I'm quite sure that we will see them again. I for one can't wait. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Replies:
Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 08:41
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^ Fantastic feedback. Great to hear the energy is all there and hopefully a new studio album next year ------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: aapatsos
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 09:26
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^^Great feedback Anthony, can't add much to it - I was impressed by the overwhelming welcome and so did the band as it seemed. First time I saw them live and felt that "Watching the Bobbins" and "Fox Hill" were the highlights, as of course was the entire "Goose". Unfortunately I had to miss the encore (tears for Lady Fantasy) as I would have never got home if I did not. Agree with the few low points, which did not really spoil the show. I noticed that people were allowed to take the odd photo (I, for one, took a few undisturbed) but recording was indeed not allowed and a few people were told off. I just hope you were not seated at M30...  |
Posted By: andrewp
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 09:57
| The review was spot on. In the front of the Grand Circle, the view & sound was excelllent, I agree about the volume, for once my ears didn't hurt all the way home.. Andy L still lives every note he plays with passion. I thought the last night of their farewell tour in Sheffiled was emotional, but seeing them walk on stage last night was more so and by the end of the evening Andy looked emotionally drained too. The fans on the other 10 days are in for a real treat. Looking forward to some more live sessions in 'intimate informal venues' and hopefully some new material, the back catalogue still sounds good though. |
Posted By: Nickslikk2112
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 10:02
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Can I just echo all that Hercules has said. I didn't know what to expect, but all expectations were well exceeded! Andy Latimer is such an underrated guitarist he should be mentioned in the same breath as Gilmour.
I did manage to get some sneaky clips filmed from the front row by wedging my phone in the folds of me chin - which explains much 
Gig of the year for me. Here's what I shot: http://youtu.be/BUpPTSQ-f9E http://youtu.be/_xSeOy7hBaI ------------- DEATH TO FALSE PROG!!! |
Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 10:42
No, I was down near the front - you might have seen me (big bloke with long blond hair and a beard). Shame - if you'd lived anywhere in the area I'd have happily given you a lift home (if you could cope with my driving and my hairy car!). The encore was not something to be missed without a damn good reason (like sleeping in the street!). ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
aapatsos wrote:Posted By: Manc56
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 13:44
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Agree with all who were at last night's Harrogate gig - incredibly emotional night. I'm a 57 year old bloke and had tears (of joy I hasten to add!) running down by face several times last night. Camel's music, and in particular Andy Latimer's guitar playing connects with something deep in my soul - technically brilliant and full of feeling in his playing.
Was an outstanding gig - got ticket for tomorrow in Manchester as well and have a feeling it'll be just as memorable! Easily the best gig of the year. |
Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 13:49
Glad I'm not the only one who was in tears!! Camel stir emotion like no other band. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: PaulE
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 17:41
Hercules, you're obviously unaware that there was an error in the printing of the tickets bought through the Eventim and See agencies. They had printed on them: "Doors Open At 7.30pm" implying that the band were due on at 8. In fact, the doors were at 6.30 and camel due on at 7. Those of us who travelled across the country to be there were gutted to discover that we were an hour late through no fault of our own. As the last fan to leave Sheffield on the occasion of the last Camel gig in 2003, I was utterly heartbroken to have been robbed of the chance to welcome Andy back on stage in Harrogate and to miss most of The Snow Goose through someone else's error. Please be aware that the latecomers, of whom there were many, weren't being rude, we were all terribly upset by what happenned. The venue told us they only found out about the error when late fans arrived and they could do nothing but suggest we complain to the agencies responsible. |
Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 18:00
I do apologise - my ticket clearly said 7.30pm start (they came on at 7.35) and the theatre website said doors open 6.30. It was clearly a great shame for you that your agency screwed it up and caused you to miss the most memorable return I've ever seen this side of Jesus returning to earth, if he ever does. I would want their collective testicles to be delivered to me on a plate, personally. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: PaulE
Date Posted: October 20 2013 at 18:40
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Thanks. It was heartbreaking to have missed that moment. I've complained very vociferously to Eventim via their "Customer Service / complaints" form online, for ruining an utterly unique and important moment for lifelong fans of the band. I'll let you know what kind of reply i get. |
Posted By: Pugwash
Date Posted: October 21 2013 at 07:00
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I too was one of the unfortunate late comers due to the error on the ticket so apologies for any disturbances to anyone seated on row J. This wasn't helped by discovering our seats had been occupied, presumably by someone seeking better seating thinking they were not going to be occupied.
I have also complained to Eventim regarding this. What should have been a momentous occasion was almost ruined by the incompetency of the ticket agents. Fortunately, the rest of the evening was amazing. 
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Posted By: aapatsos
Date Posted: October 21 2013 at 07:12
| Sounds really unfortunate, I got an e-mail from the organisers saying clearly that doors were 6.30 and show at 7.30. See what response you get. |
Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: October 21 2013 at 08:35
I envy you all  Sounds like the place to be.
Anybody knows how many people were there?
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Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: October 21 2013 at 08:55
The Royal Hall seats 1000 and it was a complete sell out. They had a considerable number of enquiries after it sold out, too. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: October 21 2013 at 08:58
Wonderful review I wish I'd been there! So nice to hear that Andy is back in shape and ready to play his heart out. ------------- “The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” - Douglas Adams |
Posted By: Manc56
Date Posted: October 22 2013 at 06:21
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Another great performance in Manchester last night and brilliant to see the band enjoying themselves so much. Not perhaps quite as emotional as the reception when they walked on stage for the first night in Harrogate but the crowd was buzzing all night.
Looked as though there were more ticketing problems - a group of 5/6 people expecting to sit in the front section arrived to see all the seats taken and the theatre staff were still trying to sort it out at the interval. Don't know what was going on there. Looking forward to a new album and tour next year .... ------------- Music is the only way to tell me how you feel..... Tell Me (Camel) |
Posted By: Paul Bradley
Date Posted: October 22 2013 at 15:48
| I was at the Manchester show and the welcome Andy recieved was touching. A great concert. The new Snow Goose album is excellent. It is an updated version sounding a little more modern and crisp with slight changes here and there whilst retaining the charm of the original. Some may feel it loses its rustic charm and is a little clinical but I think this may come from comparisons with the original. If it is just considered as an update it works really well on those terms. I really love it and havn't stopped playing it. Great to have Camel back. |
Posted By: Pugwash
Date Posted: October 22 2013 at 16:14
I totally agree about the re written Snow Goose. I had my doubts about whether it would work or not but work it does. Marvellous and seems to get better with every play. Was there a ticket issue at the Manchester show? I heard that some seats were double booked. |
Posted By: Junges
Date Posted: October 22 2013 at 19:16
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What are they selling in their shop before and after the concert? New T-Shirts? Does the new album come in vinyl (the re-recorded Snow Goose)? ------------- 
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Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: October 23 2013 at 05:04
Various T shirts/other apparel including one with the new Snow Goose artwork (lovely -wearing it now!), Moondances and The Last Farewell DVDs, The new Snow Goose and A Nod and a Wink CDs. There may have been more but it was pretty packed, so hard to see. The new album is not in vinyl as far as I know. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: Pugwash
Date Posted: October 23 2013 at 10:49
Just had a response from Eventim. "Dear xxxxxx xxxxxx, Thank you for your email regarding order number xxxxxxxxxx. We are sorry to hear you did not have a good experience at the Camel Show in Sheffield. Our terms state that ticket purchasers should check tickets to ensure they are correct since "if a mistake has been made by us or you have made a mistake it cannot always be rectified" and we do not accept any liability to reimburse customers. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused. If you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind regards, Caroline EVENTIM UK Customer Care Team Tel: 0844 376 0021 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Eventim UK Ltd is registered in England under number 6804119 with the registered address: 10-18 Union Street, London SE1 1SZ. Please note that any customer query regarding a current or past booking cannot be dealt with through this address. If you have an enquiry please contact our Customer Services team at www.eventim.co.uk. Guess I won't be using them anymore. 
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Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: October 23 2013 at 13:32
Especially since they don't seem to have a clue where the gig was! Bunch of cowboys. ------------- A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life. |
Posted By: Pugwash
Date Posted: October 23 2013 at 13:39
Exactly! My response. "Thank you for your response however I feel I must disagree. Having checked the ticket for date, venue (you even got that wrong in your Email) and artist, it seems reasonable to assume any other information is accurate. Needless to say, I will not be using your services in the future and will be advising others not to do so. Please remove my details from your mailing list. Regards. |
Posted By: Paul Bradley
Date Posted: October 23 2013 at 13:41
| hi-I didn't notice double bookings, just the usual late arrivals disturbing the show for others!! My own seat number didn't actually exist and I noticed during my search that the numbering was all wrong. Still, I got a seat with help from the staff and was thankful. |
Posted By: Pugwash
Date Posted: October 23 2013 at 13:51
Apparently, ushers tried to sort out people (over-) booked into orchestra pit area and it wasn't resolved until the intermission. |
Posted By: Paul Bradley
Date Posted: October 24 2013 at 14:03
| I've just looked at the tour dates etc for BJH. Thought I'd go and hear their new album North. But they arn't playing up North !!!!!!!!! |
Posted By: smallcreep
Date Posted: October 24 2013 at 14:30
| I believe Andy turns his back to get feedback from the amps. |
Posted By: Manc56
Date Posted: October 25 2013 at 02:30
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Did anyone out there go to the gigs at Wolverhampton or Salisbury ? ------------- Music is the only way to tell me how you feel..... Tell Me (Camel) |
Posted By: Matthew1
Date Posted: October 27 2013 at 08:35
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/172042346324090/" rel="nofollow - https://www.facebook.com/groups/172042346324090/
The Unofficial Camel Facebook Group please feel free to Join.
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Posted By: PaulE
Date Posted: November 01 2013 at 13:40
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I got a word-for-word identical reply from Eventim as Pugwash did, except that they also offered me Ł15 as a "gesture of goodwill". Pathetic. |
Posted By: AlanB
Date Posted: November 04 2013 at 01:50
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Posted By: yam yam
Date Posted: November 06 2013 at 14:41
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There is an absolute ton of new Camel live stuff on YouTube following these concerts - here are a couple of long 'uns from the Barbican gig: I think this must be a new song for the next album...  |
Posted By: Matthew _Gill
Date Posted: April 27 2015 at 06:58
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Seeing Camel in July at York, can't effing wait!!! For well over 20 years of listening to prog I haven't decided if Gilmour, Hackett or Latimer is my man and this concert could sway it! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpOoJ0OTLg0&t" rel="nofollow - Click here to see a mind-blowing Flashlight |
Posted By: Flight123
Date Posted: April 27 2015 at 07:20
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I'll be at York too - my first Camel gig since, er, 1981! |
Posted By: Matthew _Gill
Date Posted: April 27 2015 at 10:17
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I was 3 in 81! First concert was Genesis, Leeds, in 1992! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpOoJ0OTLg0&t" rel="nofollow - Click here to see a mind-blowing Flashlight |
Posted By: Pugwash
Date Posted: April 28 2015 at 03:06
Front row ticket for York.
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Posted By: Tuzvihar
Date Posted: April 28 2015 at 12:11
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I will see them in July as well! Poland, Kraków! ------------- "Music is much like f**king, but some composers can't climax and others climax too often, leaving themselves and the listener jaded and spent." Charles Bukowski |
Posted By: Tuzvihar
Date Posted: April 28 2015 at 12:14
Lucky you! When I went to buy the tickets in March the gig was already almost sold out and I had to be content with 13th row seats... But I don't complain anyway!  ------------- "Music is much like f**king, but some composers can't climax and others climax too often, leaving themselves and the listener jaded and spent." Charles Bukowski |
Posted By: Tuzvihar
Date Posted: April 28 2015 at 12:15
In 1981 I was... 1! My first gig was Roger Waters in Warsaw in 2002. ------------- "Music is much like f**king, but some composers can't climax and others climax too often, leaving themselves and the listener jaded and spent." Charles Bukowski |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: April 28 2015 at 15:10
| never seen Camel, somehow. But I;ve seen enough live clips to know how great they would be. They just never seem to play anywhere close to me |
Posted By: Matthew _Gill
Date Posted: April 28 2015 at 17:58
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For Guy LeBlanc... ------------- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpOoJ0OTLg0&t" rel="nofollow - Click here to see a mind-blowing Flashlight |