Yes Bruce did seem a little underdressed but that in no way detracted from his performance and they all seemed to enjoy themselves immensely, especially Ian who danced down the aisles on more than one occasion
Anna Phoebe was not there, she had started contractions earlier that day apparently. John O'Hara was also missing having just had an unexpected hospital visit. Ian also paid tribute to Jon Lord who had originally signed up for this but had been taken ill with pancreatic cancer, he wished him well.
Interestingly, when one of the clerics introduced the opening of the show he said that Ian had specifically requested that he note that this was in no way a Jethro Tull show (but added that Ian runs a rather good tribute band).
I found the whole gig spellbinding from start to finish. I sat about 10m from the stage, the venue was just awesome, the musicians all excellent - maybe not rehearsal-polished but personally I feel that the odd slips by the guest performers just added to the uniqueness of the night. Both my friend and I were speechless by the end of Locomotive Breath and Bruce's powerful vocals made my hackles rise more than once during the evening.
'My God' coming straight after the prayer was a masterstroke IMO
Having taken notice if the 'no photographs/mobile phones' instruction on the ticket I didn't get any pictures but there were plenty ignoring that thankfully - a few videos have been appearing on Youtube as you have seen. Someone did come round once telling off the people with cameras but they just carried on a few minutes later
Given the various factors involved I had anticipated that this would be a special experience but it waayyy exceeded my expectations. More please
Thank you for this excellent review from Canterbury. It takes more than a video to feel the energy of a live performance. Was this the first time "My God" was played in a Cathedral?
What are the odds that this was possibly a test gig for Brucie and Justin to be the 'guests' on the TaaB tour? Shared vocals?
That would be a trip! I love Maiden and Bruce still has full command of his vocal prowess after all these years of touring. Singing down lower in Ian's range would be a piece of cake for him.
Spin me back down the years and the days of my youth
Joined: Sept 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 2,176 Location: From down the smoke below...
Re: Ian Anderson Christmas Shows 2011 « Reply #42 on Dec 16, 2011, 7:31pm »
Steph Thanks for posting the review, it's much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the show and wasn't disappointed.
I wish the circumstances were better and that Mrs Q and I could have been there to share the experience of the gig and to meet up with a fellow member of the best Tull chat board around.
If anyone wants any posters, programmes or tee shirts from the gig PM me, I have a special relationship.
What are the odds that this was possibly a test gig for Brucie and Justin to be the 'guests' on the TaaB tour? Shared vocals?
That would be a trip! I love Maiden and Bruce still has full command of his vocal prowess after all these years of touring. Singing down lower in Ian's range would be a piece of cake for him.
I thought that Ian would opt more for vocalist guests rather than instrumentalists other than the odd violinist possibly.
However, having said that I've never considered TaaB to be the sort of composition that would easily accommodate or have been written to allow scope for several vocalists in the same way that maybe other "concept" albums such as The Wall, Tommy or Quadrophenia or some other pieces would.
Re: Ian Anderson Christmas Shows 2011 « Reply #49 on Dec 18, 2011, 4:51pm »
Thank you, a, for the reviews, photos and videos. It was an incredible experience, worth the effort and expense many times over. Having been out and about all day, I had my camera with me. However, I'd been told that there would be no photography allowed, so I didn't have my telephoto lens with me. Before the event began, they announced that the artists had requested no flash photography, and at that point out came my camera....along with many other cameras. Sorry about the quality of the latter photos, but I did try to respect the people behind me by not blocking their views. A quick photo snapped above my head or with camera held to my side in the aisle was all that I coud manage. And most of them ended u with a curious tilted image despite my best efforts.
Just back from the Manchester show..Wow stunning performance..... Ians voice best I have heard in years
Band were superb I think this ranks as a really good gig amongst the 50 plus I have seen since 74
To pinch a quote from "The life of Brian"
"you lucky, lucky, lucky bastard!"
Glad it was a good one, looking forward to reading the review, seeing the pictures, and experiencing the 5.1 surround sound, blu-ray video you made for the board..........
Re: Ian Anderson Christmas Shows 2011 « Reply #54 on Dec 20, 2011, 3:39am »
Thanks for sharing the article. I can confirm information about the article. I was fortunate enough to bump into and meet Ian for a brief encounter before the show. I asked about the new album ...he said that he had been speaking with EMI that very day and that artwork was being finalised and that it would be out in April.......I dont think he was referring to TAAB as I emphasised the word new in my question.
Highlight of the night Change of Horses..... but Aqualung , My God , Loco ,Holly Herald , We five Kings , Another Christmas Song and A Christmas song were alll well done
Thanks for sharing the article. I can confirm information about the article. I was fortunate enough to bump into and meet Ian for a brief encounter before the show. I asked about the new album ...he said that he had been speaking with EMI that very day and that artwork was being finalised and that it would be out in April.......I dont think he was referring to TAAB as I emphasised the word new in my question.
Highlight of the night Change of Horses..... but Aqualung , My God , Loco ,Holly Herald , We five Kings , Another Christmas Song and A Christmas song were alll well done
Wow, I certainly hope so as we all do! I hope it's true this time.
Stationmaster in his wisdom, told the guard to turn the heating off.
Re: Ian Anderson Christmas Shows 2011 « Reply #59 on Dec 21, 2011, 12:19am »
Thanks for sharing! How awesome to have front row! Following is a link to a YouTube video that a friend was able to get in Canterbury. Her view was partially blocked, but the sound is very good. http://youtu.be/Jxb71TWUM-E