Groundhogs, Wishbone Ash and Focus, 02/11/08

 

 

On the edge of Shepherd's Bush Green lies the famous Shepherd's Bush Empire, a historic venue, recently refurbished and hosting tonight's leg of the " Classic Legends of Rock" Tour,  namely "The Groundhogs", "Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash" and "Focus".

 

Inside the place looks very tidy indeed, a boozer's dream with two well stocked bars flanking the stage, along with two "no surfing" notices - seems they are used to hosting a somewhat younger clientele, they won't get much trouble from a crowd of middle-aged punters, surely? I got ticked off by "Security "for "sitting", though later in the evening when a real drunken fracas was brewing right beside me no-one from Security was around when needed - another story,  just the hazards of the Mosh Pit

 

First band on the Groundhogs tore into their set, blasting out  well known numbers from "Split", "Thank Christ for the Bomb" and blues number "Natchez Burning", it was evident the band were totally at home here following weeks on tour - Tony's style is totally unique, to hear him play made me imagine he was wrestling with an  angry wild  hog, twisting and screaming to be set free, and at times placid, and suddenly jumping off the stage at you! Tony's band has been debated within these pages as to whether they tick enough boxes to be included in PA,  but the general concensus is that although they have Prog leanings on some albums thay are basically Blues, and their inclusion would open too many "Blue" doors....

 

Twin lead guitars (Martin Turner on bass and vocals) , two Wishbone Ash's, two amazing bands who over the years despite numerous line-up changes have faithfully preserved their original gems, tonight's being from "Argus" (a newly recorded Argus album is now out on CD) "The King will come", Warrior", "Throw down the Sword", "Blowin Free" and "Phoenix" from the first Ash  album, "Blowin'" being the biggest crowd pleaser and had the place rockin'!

 

Never having seen Focus live before tonight i was not sure what i'd hear, but the band stole the show -   larger-than-life  Thijs van Leer is a real character, a big man resplendent in a mass of beads, keyboard design decorated jacket under his huge leather coat and cowboy hat - and an amazing performer to watch - he had the crowd laughing at his bizarre antics, an owl mask and a variety of hooters, hunting horn but above all his mastery of the Hammond Organ and the flute - yes, both at the same time!  Most of the songs were well known perfectly played  versions of  most notably "The House of the King", Sylvia", "Eruption", all leading up to the big number "Hocus Pocus".  Thijs' sense of humour and the brilliant musicianship of each band member shone through, the music perfectly represented. I always thought these songs were magical, but having them played a few feet in front of me absolutely amazing, their beautiful music still ringing in my ears this very morning - this is what live gigs are all about, and if Focus appear again i'll be there.

 

Fabulous Prog night out,  venue only 5 stops on the toob, and all for 25 quid - lucky boy what more could one ask...?

 

Venue rating - 6.5/10

 

Though the SB Empire gave a good impression of being clean, the air conditioning was poor, as it got quite hot and i'd hate to think what it would be like in July! The stage lighting was fair to adequate, the dry ice effective in the lights, but i must praise the sound quality of the PA system and the hall acoustics which was top notch.

Too many bars causing some to drink too much and cause problems, security was light (many congregated around the Foyer) and much went unnoticed, but if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the Mosh Pit!  Small venue so you 're never far from a well marked fire exit.

Toilet facilities were good but became unbearable as the evening wore on due to poor air circulation and no vents.

 

 

Trouble is, only the upstairs ticket holders were allowed to meet the band afterwards . The downstairs ones got shoved out on the street.    Most unfair.

 

Still they're coming back soon (Focus) -next month I believe, for another tour in their own right. In smaller venues so they should be more approachable.