CONCERT AND DOCUMENTARY - EUROPE 1997

This DVD takes place during their 1997 European Tour. The lineup of the band was: Doug Ingle (Keyboards/lead vocals), Lee Dorman (Bass/vocals), Ron Bushy (Drums), Erik Barnett (Lead Guitars/Vocals), and Derek Hilland (Keyboards/vocals) The song selections are as follows:

1. Introduction (The group says "hi" while grabbing a bite to eat). 2. Iron Butterfly Theme 3. Unconscious Power 4. In the Time of Our Lives 5. Flowers and Beads 6. Silent Screaming 7. Butterfly Blue 8. Whispers in the Wind 9. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

As one may notice there are two unfamiliar songs on the setlist (Silent Screaming & Whispers in the Wind). Thoses songs were written in 1997 with the hopes of recording a new album before the Millenium, well we all know what happened there. The songs are very prog (if anything they would probably be best catorgorized as Cross-Over prog). Unfortunately they did not perform one other newly written song: Interactive Man (which is full of organ, piano and a little bit of synthesizer. Again very prog indeed! That song can be found on bootleg format).

The concert footage is simply the best and the music is just amazing! The DVD also includes interviews with the 1997 lineup: which included Doug Ingle, Lee Dorman, Ron Bushy and Erik Barnett. (by the time they did the interview Derek Hilland had already left the group) The interviews quickly reveal that Doug Ingle is a down to earth and very goofy guy! Ron Bushy and Lee Dorman are very well spoken and think very highly of each other and aren't too afraid to make fun themselves. Erik Barnett mainly expresses his love and respect for his fellow band mates and the band as a whole. And of course Steve Howe who reminisces about the time Yes opened for Iron Butterfly.

This lineup of Iron Butterfly is definitely one of the most solid lineups they have ever had in my opinion and the sound they have proves it! If this lineup had released an album, like they intended to, it would most likely be very highly regarded here on ProgArchives. It had so much potential just based off those three new songs.

They play each song as if they've been playing together for decades even though at this point (1997) they had only been playing together for 2 years! This is a must have for all Iron Butterfly fans, whether new or old. They play songs from their first four albums (Heavy, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Ball, and Metamorphosis) plus two new songs (Silent Screaming, Whispers in the Wind). The band sounds just as great as the classic Vida/Ball lineup but still sound modern and fresh without sacrificing the quality of a live show they are famous for.

An Excellent DVD By An Excellent Band! 5 Stars!

-AP