GETTING BACK THE PASSION
THE 2005
LIVING OUT OF TIME TOUR
THIS SECTION IS QUITE EXTENSIVE.
BY THIS TIME I HAD BECOME FRIENDS WITH ALL OF THEM. WE HAD TALKED REGULARLY AND MY FIRST WIFE AND ANDREA HAD BECOME FRIENDS AND BURNING UP THE PHONE LINES AND SWAPPING ALL KINDS OF PICTURES AND STORIES. AS MY SITE WAS GROWING I WAS ALLOWED TO GO TO SOUND CHECKS ( SOMETHING I DON'T BELIEVE WENT ON BEFORE) AND FOR SHOWS THAT WERE ELSEWHERE, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WERE ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES FOR MY SITE AND SUBMIT SHOW REVIEWS.
IT GOT SO CRAZY THAT THE BAND USED TO GET UP THE NEXT MORNING AFTER A SHOW AND READ ALL ABOUT HOW IT WENT FROM THE FAN SIDE.
i WON'T BE POSTING EVERYTHING BUT WILL GET AS MUCH ON AS I CAN .
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JUNE 11, 2005 SOLVESBURG SWEDEN FESTIVAL
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2005 TOUR PICTURES
The Irish Centre
LEEDS,
November 22,2005
I was overwhelmed by the following review, not because of the content, but because of when I recieved it. I know I mention it a lot but one of the reasons this site exists is because of the honest and never ending support fans have toward the music of Robin Trower.
this review came in at 7;00 pm my time which makes it 1:00 AM in the UK. This reviewer, after the show, wanted to write in to contribute to the people who visit..... this is a great review!!
"" hi, not a review as such by any means but just got back from
Trower in leeds and they were...... FAB ""
janey
This next review from Ronnie Kerrigan is unique in that the last show he went to was on his birthday and it appears he got the full treatment from the band. . Thanks Ronnie.
The Irish Centre Leeds November 22, 2005
Review from Ronnie Kerrigan, Northern Ireland
This was special - why? - it just happened to be my birthday, so tickets, flights and accommodation were booked well in advance! My wife Sylvia and I flew from Belfast the day before the concert. I must admit I still felt slightly exhausted following the Bristol concert - but hell it was worth it. On the day of the Leeds concert I regained my energy and as the clock ticked by my eagerness to witness once again the finesse of the Robin Trower Band in concert heightened by the minute.
There has been immense hype in the media regarding the purported musical highlights of 2005: the reunion of ‘Cream’ (tickets selling beyond face value for as much as £1,500; no room for genuine fans unless immensely lucky - mostly corporate sycophants sitting in the front stalls, as with other major music events held these days), and ‘Live 8’ (worthy cause - all form but modest musical substance). For quite a few music fans in the UK the main highlight has been the return of one of its unsung heroes to the live circuit in the personage of Robin Trower on the ‘Living Out Of Time’ Tour. However, you wouldn’t know it to read the music press including guitar magazines. This tour has confirmed, in my view, Robin should be recognised as one of the top guitar players of all time (up there with Hendrix, Clapton, Green, SRV, and the much underrated late Rory Gallagher et al). A guitar master with a unique and distinctive sound and inspired song writing ability.
Sylvia and I went by taxi to the venue and when the doors opened made straight for the front of the stage and met Laurie, Sound Engineer for Robin Trower, and Steve (Mostin), Backline. These guys have been instrumental in ensuring Robin, Dave, Davey and Pete have achieved the sound and success this tour has generated, and it has been a pleasure meeting them; their friendliness and banter at each venue I attended has been greatly appreciated. Prior to the show we went to the dressing room and had a picture taken for posterity – whoever Prosperity is?
I noticed Robin’s amplification had been augmented on stage with the addition of two Leslie Cabinets to enable Robin to hear his guitar clearer, and to facilitate a better sound balance for the whole band. I felt he had played too loud at the Cambridge gig and this had impacted on the overall performance on the night.
Shortly after nine the band took to the stage and the crowd moved forward to the front of the stage. The atmosphere was electric and it was obvious from the opening chord progression of ‘Twice Removed From Yesterday’ that the sound balance was superior to the Cambridge and Bristol gigs I had attended lately - also the tone of Robin’s guitar. The crowd was totally mesmerised from the start and each instrument could be heard clearly, even Robin’s voiced parts during the song were audible. I must admit I prefer the band opening with ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ as it enables the crowd and the band to get into a hypnotic groove early in the concert. But everyone has their favourite songs . . . including Robin. ‘Hannah’ again proved superlative with Robin playing beautiful arpeggios during the chord sequences supported by Dave’s ‘stellar’ bass lines (sounding Newtonian at times!), strong drumming from Pete, and great vocals from Davey (which tonight could be heard clearly). This definitely made the gig more moving and enjoyable.
I was slightly disappointed ‘What’s Your Name’ and ‘Living out of Time’ had not been included on the set list again – perhaps more flexibility with the set list would be a plus for the group and the fans on any future tour(s) . . . only planting seeds; The Fool and Me; Alethea; Secret Place. This, however, has been compensated by the inclusion of ‘Fine Day’ (dedicated to me on my birthday!) - song writing at its best and incredible lead playing during the solos. The version of ‘Bridge of Sighs’ tonight was breath-taking and the solo fully highlighted the formidable vibrato, awesome string bending, and tremendous guitar tone which Robin possesses - truly emotional with melodic phrasing. The experience is augmented by the smaller type venue which, on this tour, has proved intimate for Robin, his band, and the fans, giving the atmosphere an electric charge not facilitated at larger venues.
Next was the instrumental ‘Islands’; a melodic masterpiece which enabled the trio of Robin, Dave and Pete to take the concert to a different emotional level.
Another great song live is ‘Rise up like the Sun’ which allows Robin to solo over a great rhythm provided by Pete and Dave. Robin’s soloing once again reaching heights of raw emotion and soulfulness simultaneously - a joy to behold.
Other highlights included ‘Victims Of The Fury’; ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ ‘Go My Way’; and ‘Another Time Another Place’ which highlighted Davey’s excellent vocals and Robin’s beautifully placed fill-ins. The encores included ‘Lady Love’ and ‘Daydream’. On the night Sylvia and I agreed ‘Daydream’ was in a class of its own due to the crystallization of the band emotionally and musically - something I am sure Robin appreciates – it enables him to let his guitar soar ever higher in search of that ‘buzz’ which somehow bonds with the audience. A truly memorable night. It is obvious Robin likes to play live and hopefully this band will tour in 2006 . . . just keep the fingers crossed.
Afterwards I bought the DVD and had it signed by the band. A lot of bantering, humour, and laughing on the night after the gig as evidenced by the subsequent photographs. A big thank you to Robin, Dave, Davey and Pete; also Laurie and Steve, for making my birthday special, and also the concerts I attended in Manchester, London, Southampton, Cambridge, Bristol and Leeds. It has been an adventure full of great memories, and fantastic music played by superlative musicians.
FANS COMMENTS ON THE SHOWS
The Komedia
BRIGHTON
Nov 7, 2005
The first show on the November leg was destined to be an experience for those who were lucky enough to get to the show. First review in by Alan Howard speaks for itself.
More to follow.
" What an absolutely fantastic show! ‘Hannah’, ‘Roads to Freedom’, ‘Fine Day’, what a combination, truly awesome. I don’t think ‘Roads’ has ever been played live before. What a terrific song it is. Secret Place’ has given way to ‘Islands’, last heard live in the UK at the Marquee shows in 1985. ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ moves into the second half of the set and is all the more funky for it with the band finding a more flexible, freer groove particularly in the solo section at the end. There are welcome returns for ‘Victims of the Fury’, ‘Go my way’ and ‘Another time, Another place’.
We get two marvellous encores tonight: ‘Lady Love’ together with ‘The past untied’; then later, an impromptu ‘Daydream’. The Brighton crowd loved it, next stop, Cambridge. This is Alan Howard reporting for ‘Steve’s Place’.
The Junction
Cambridge
Nov. 8, 2005
A great story and review thanks to Ian Ellis
I first became aware of Robin Trower and his music when he rocked up at Braintree College of Further Education in Essex in 1974. The posters around the campus said the band members were ex Procol Harum, Stone The Crows and Quiver. Such a combination of talent seemed quite intriguing and well worth a look, especially as Bob Harris and the BBC's OGWT crew had arrived to film and record the show for posterity. However, the Principle of the college, in his
infinite wisdom, had other ideas and refused point-blank to allow this on the grounds that it may disturb we poor students - how times have changed!
A year later a chance encounter with a guitarist in a Chelmsford pub band led to a rather interesting meeting. The guitarist told us he was a personal friend of Robin's and he'd introduce us to him if we turned up the following week, we were initially dubious to say the least, but took him at his word and duly showed up again seven days later. Sure enough Mr Trower was there and we had our introduction; he was charm itself. As an added bonus he jammed on a number with the house band - well, we stumbled out at closing time absolutely stunned. Not only had we met our favourite guitarist, but we got to see him play as well, at close quarters, absolutely free! What you need to remember is at this time, summer '75, his star in America was rising at a phenomenal rate, with gold albums and massive stadium tours on-going. It was quite extraordinary, because the man we met was so humble and unassuming. Over the course of the next few weeks we got to see him several
times in that pub, each time he acknowledged us - and happily jammed whenever invited to do so - shortly after that we were invited to be his guests at the Reading Festival.
Reading in the mid seventies was brilliant, 100,000 sell-out crowd and a very guitar-orientated bill to boot - that Sunday afternoon we got to see Soft Machine (featuring a then, virtually unknown, Allan Holdsworth), The Climax Blues Band led by Peter Haycock, playing some lovely slide on a
beautiful black strat, John McLaughlin in a trimmed down Mahavishnu Orchestra - they'd dispensed with the violinist by then - and eventually Mr Trower. Not surprisingly Robin stole the show; received an amazing response from the crowd and then made the front cover of SOUNDS the following Wednesday. Allied to all of this I got to meet and have a long chat with Robert Fripp, who'd turned up just to see Robin's set, as he (Robin) didn't arrive till mid afternoon and Mr Fripp didn't wish to sit in a trailer on his own, he hung around outside and spoke at length to those of us wearing Trower T-shirts, guest passes and badges... and what an interesting man he turned out to be! I still have some photo's from that afternoon (as well as my guest pass and the 'THINK TROWER' badge which were both supplied by Robin's brother, who was at that time his
road manager).
(just to show you the button here is one that was given to me by good friend John Rewind
I can also vividly recall Mr Dewar and Maggie Bell, deep in conversation, as they strolled
around the backstage area together...heady times indeed!
So Tuesday night found me at The Junction in Cambridge, I'd only found out about the show a couple of days before via TELETEXT, I never saw any other ads for it at all! I'd only caught Robin once between Reading and Cambridge and that was at Hammersmith Odeon (as it was then) during the Victims Of The Fury tour in 1980. I must admit I was slightly apprehensive, I'd recently
seen a couple of other sixties/seventies guitar hero's (not mentioning any names) who, on reflection, really shouldn't be out and about any more, they cut rather tragic figures as they plodded about the stage, relying heavily on their names and past glories, their laurels and playing ability well-and-truly worn out by the passage of time. I needn't have worried though - as soon as the opening strains of Twice Removed From Yesterday and Hannah burst from Robin's guitar it was clear everything was going to be all right, as this inspired and unexpected coupling from his first album was as much a surprise as it was a revelation. The rest of the set was just what any long-standing Trower fan could have hoped for, a large helping from Bridge Of Sighs, and careful attention to the other major tracks from his early back catalogue, as well as some of his latest songs.
During the course of the evening it was clear his signature tone, staggering vibrato and soulful fretboard eloquence were every bit as wonderful as they had been in his heyday, in fact, I'd go as far as to say he is actually playing better now than at anytime I can remember.
The band were incredibly tight, well rehearsed and extremely disciplined, giving Robin time and scope to improvise where necessary, or just accurately recreate (with a tonal and technical expertise that were astonishing) important solo's that some classic tracks simply demand (Little Bit Of
Sympathy being one of them). The maturity and control that governed his playing at The Junction were a joy to behold, and his primarily middle-aged audience simply lapped it up.
At the end of the show I blagged a set-list from one of the roadies and both Robin and Davey happily signed it. I had a brief chat about watching him 30 years ago in that pub in Chelmsford and the wonderful memories of Reading and then it was away into the night.
A little later I looked at the set-list and noted that they had deviated from what was written down. The last song we heard at Cambridge was Daydream, which, surprisingly, was omitted from the set-list entirely. I wonder if it was the demands from his audience at the end of the first encore, Lady Love, that made him change his mind and include, what for me is undoubtedly, his finest and most beautiful song.
In conclusion it was a wonderful night, to see such a major guitar talent in such an intimate setting - giving his all - was truly amazing. It was as if time had momentarily stood still, if I'd closed my eyes I could have been back in the main hall of Braintree College, listening to messrs Dewar,
Isadore and Trower powering their way through the assorted highlights that made up the majority of both Twice Removed From Yesterday and Bridge Of Sighs...Priceless!
Ian Ellis
Birkenhead Pacific Road Arts Theatre, Wirral, UK.
November 12th 2005
Thanks to Pete Allen for this review
Pacific Road? Well, firstly, I want to take some credit for this. I have struck up an email link with Derek Sutton in the past few years having found out he was born and bred not too far from here, so I’ve bombarded him with emails for about 5 years asking him to get Robin to play the Wirral International Guitar festival which is held annually. Reading Trower-Power back around May time I noticed they were soliciting dates for an Autumn tour so, again, I sent Derek a link for Pacific Road. He forwarded this to Robin’s European Management and next thing …. Hey presto ! Robin’s booked to play here.
Pacific Road is a fully modernised old docks warehouse building, a couple of hundred metres from the River Mersey opposite Liverpool. It’s a great venue, one of the best venues in the UK for this type of gig. Abd it’s my local venue … my home gig if you like. So, being a Trowerhead for some (cough!) 30 years plus, this was like a dream come true.
I’d gone there with a number of different groups of friends, but I had arranged to meet Alan Howard and his mates, who again had made a mega-journey to see Robin. From his photos he was easy to find and we hit it off straight away. So after a beer with some other friends I spent the entire gig with Alan. They’re great, fantastic people and this made the evening even better.
Alan’s seen Robin loads of times on his UK sojourns this year, but what was to come turned out to be the best gig he or I have witnessed on the RT trail this year. The track listing was as posted for other gigs, except just the 2 encores of Lady Love and Daydream. But Robin and the band were on fire, knowingly smiling at each other that this gig was proving to be something special. Pacific Road has great acoustics, and with Robin’s guitar to the fore this really was a hot gig. It was great to hear
Twice Removed…, Hannah, Roads To Freedom and Fine Day … all timeless songs from his early catalogue, but again for me Bridge Of Sighs brought the house down. Another 10 minutes plus, but possibly the best version I’ve ever heard as the guitar was right in your face. Stunning !!
I told Robin after that I had been instrumental in getting him here, and asked him to come back one day. He said he enjoyed the gig and would love to return.
So, I said goodbye to local mates, sought out Alan and we said our goodbyes … but we added that we would meet … Another Time, Another Place.
Dartford
Mick Jagger Centre
November 16, 2005
Tonight’s show at Dartford’s Mick Jagger Centre is another steamy affair with 550 packed-in punters facing the tastefully lit stage. But it takes the band some time to bring their audience to the boil. ‘Bridge of Sighs’ (again!) is the turning point with Robin’s outstanding, soulful guitar-playing at the end of the number. This Trower anthem has definitely enjoyed something of a revival on this tour.
I don’t think I’ve heard ‘Rise up like the Sun’ played as well live as I’ve heard it tonight. Davey’s vocals, Pete’s drums, Dave’s bass lines and Robin’s lead breaks combined for what was a truly great rendition, played with unusual gusto too.
Whenever I hear ‘Too Rolling Stoned’ I always imagine that Robin has four or five guys with trumpets, horns and saxes playing behind the stage curtain. The vibe on this number is decidedly funky tonight with Robin adding great new harmonies and counterpoint to his extended solo at the close of the number.
Tony C tells me afterwards that he thinks Pete was absolutely brilliant on ‘Daydream’. Mrs Walters may well join husband John on the road to Norwich on the strength of tonight’s performance. Dave Smith from Strathclyde is here too and is next off to Bristol, Newport, Leeds and Norwich.
Wow! Please cover the concert review writing chores for me folks as I can’t get there! The incomparable Martin Hughes has managed to get Robin to sign (in white pen) a rare collector’s item, a 1976 issue of ‘Beat Instrumental’ magazine. Priceless.
I think I said it last time, back in April, the more shows the band play, the better they play.
Robin is on a roll tonight but he’s the first to acknowledge the invaluable parts played by Pete, Dave and Davey.
The Fleece and Firkin
BRISTOL
November 17, 2005
Review from Ronnie Kerrigan
To escape the freezing dark air of Bristol I had a few drinks in the ‘Seven Stars’ - a pub blessed with warmth and character, pleasant bar staff, and fellow Robin Trower fans’ seeking heat and refreshment prior to the gig being held literally next door. It was great to meet fans from South Wales; sadly I forget their names - great conversation about Robin, his guitar playing, his music and contemporaries. As the crowd waited to gain access to The Fleece I talked to Laurie, Sound Engineer for Robin Trower (always has a warm welcome) about the recent gigs.
The venue had character and intimacy, and an appreciative crowd assembled as Robin, Davey, Dave and Pete took to the stage shortly after nine. From the opening chord sequence of ‘Twice Removed From Yesterday’ it was apparent the sound was superior to the gig I had attended in Cambridge. Every instrument could be heard clearly, including Davey’s vocals, and Robin’s guitar tone sounded smoother - less harsh - and definitely not as piercing. The song ‘Hannah’ has proved a crowd favourite on this part of the tour with Robin playing in his usual soulful manner, supported by Dave’s harmonious stellar bass lines, great drumming from Pete, and incredible vocals from Davey. The change in tempo mid section enabled the band to descend into a great groove along with the audience.
It takes a live gig to see and hear how the members of the band crystallize, emotionally and musically; something I am sure Robin appreciates. It obviously elevates his playing as evidenced by his playing on the night. ‘Fine Day’ sounded great with its beautifully struck chords and rhythm which enabled Robin to solo with intensity and passion. Shame Robin wasn’t using the Mu-tron II . . . ‘Victims of the Fury’ is another song which has proved popular; a stronger rhythm; great harmonies during the chorus from Davey and
Dave; and Robin using the wah pedal to great affect during the chorus and leads.
Other highlights were ‘Another Time Another Place’ which highlighted Davey’s
passionate vocals; ‘Too Rolling Stoned’; Bridge of Sighs’ and ‘Go My Way’. The encores included ‘Lady Love’ and ‘Daydream’. I must confess I missed ‘What’s Your Name’ and ‘Living out of Time’ which were not included on the set list - but maybe another time another place. To summarise - great musicians; great music; great sound; astounding guitar playing and a great night. A big thank you to the group and crew for delivering the goods on this tour once again. I was drained at the end – where do these guys get the energy from? See you in Leeds.
The Red Room
NEWPORT CITY
November 18, 2005
(Davey Pattison's 60th birthday)
Review thanks to Steven Meek
I was fortunate to catch the Gloucester show in April having missed my local "Welsh " gigs at the start of April ( out in Florida having fun!! ) , so a November tour date back in Wales was a must.
A few weeks before the gig I met an old schoool friend who was amongst a gang that last saw Robin on the 1980 " Victims " tour in Birmingham. He jumped at the chance of a reunion 25 years on, in that time he had only occasionally played his vinyl copies of the "Live" &" In City Dreams" albums.
So its off to Newport we go the temperture well below freezing and not much warmer within the "Red Room " venue. Being the only gig held in Wales the numbers within the venue were disappointing but the temperture soon rises when the band hit the stage.
What an opening " Twice Removed " & Hannah - Davey's vocals are supurb on this one. Roads to Freedom & Fine Day are absolutely fantastic, what a great instrumental
Islands is live.
The moderate sized crowd ensure that the atmosphere is good within the venue, and the band are in top form.
My friend who knows his stuff on music & is a huge Rolling Stones fan keeps repeating "This man is the master ".
Day of the Eagle & Bridge of Sighs are classics in their own right & go down really well with the crowd. Rise Up like the Sun is first class & then Victims Of The Fury which takes us back 25 years !!. Daveys vocals on this are brilliant & its good to hear Dave Bronze on background vocals on this classic. Too Rolling Stoned goes down a storm, Go My Way, Another time & Sympathy conclude a tremendous set.
After continued applase the band reappear & Dave Bronze makes an announcement that its Davey's birthday ( but hes not telling anyone his age!! ) he gets everyone to sing Happy Birthday , then its on with the show - two further classics - Lady Love & Daydream.
What a set, this tour should most certainly be on DVD, Robins playing is out of this world, & the rest of the band are first class.
My mate not having heard any trower music for many years is amazed by the quality of this band, his quotes -
" Robin is most certainly the master totally under rated"
" The drummers so laid back but what a great drummer "
" The bass player is so tight "
"The singer is excellent, not easy to fill the place of the one & only late great Jimmy
Dewar "
We were fortunate to chat with Pete Thompson after the show what a really nice guy he is, really down to earth and taking time out to speak to people. Robin appeared for
some quick autographs & we got a great photograph with him. My friend said to him as
he was leaving being a mad Rolling Stone fan " Why didn't you replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones in the seventies ? "
Robin replied instantly " Cos my music is better than theirs !! "
On tonights evidence he could'nt argue !!!!
A great night.
Durham
The Gala Theatre
November 25, 2005
Review from Ray Martin
Wow!! Now I do believe in Magic as I saw the Wizard on Friday night.
I flew over to Newcastle on Friday afternoon and hired a little car to bring me the 20 or so miles south to Durham City and "THE ROBIN TROWER GIG".
I had arranged to meet up with Alan Howard at our chosen hotel. Alan was instantly recognisable with his Living Out Of Time T-Shirt proudly on display. We had a drink at the bar (the first of what was to be many) then headed out of the hotel to make the short 5 minute walk to the Gala Theatre.
After 3 or 4 more pints we eagerly took our seats for the start of Robin's set. I was instantly transported to another time and another place when Twice Removed From Yesterday began. I think I've travelled here before but it was a long long time ago. Robin has IMHO never sounded so fresh. Hannah, Roads To Freedom, Victims Of
The Fury, Fine Day, Daydream ( I cried like a baby again ) they were all there in their glory and sounding like they were released only yesterday. Davey would be the first to admit he is no Jimmy Dewar but he most certainly brought these older songs to life and Go My Way with it's new funkier feel is his song. The band quite obviously enjoyed playing these favourites as well as the audience enjoyed hearing them. The set list (which I got from the stage) is like you can see here
This was quite simply the BEST ROBIN TROWER GIG I have ever had the pleasure to attend. Ever.
Following the gig Alan and I picked up a few beers to bring back to the band's hotel and jumped in a taxi. After a little bit of detective work we met up with Robin, Davey, Dave and "Pelican Pete". (That's a great story, later) Robin politely excused himself and retired to bed and Davey who had a long trip home also decided to hit the sack.
Alan and I sat and enjoyed a good chat and a few beers with Dave and Pete. Time got lost somewhere through the night but I think we got back to our hotel at around 1am.
This is yet another Trower experience emblazoned on my mind and soul.
I will never forget this concert.
Review from Alan Howard
There really is nothing quite like seeing and hearing The Robin Trower Band playing live. It is, for me, just about the best experience on the planet! Tonight’s show at Durham’s gleaming Gala Theatre was a real treat for everyone in the house.
Robin and the band were in awesome form. The music was incredible and the audience absolutely loved it despite having to show their appreciation from the vantage point of reserved seating.
The set list on this tour, a stroke of sheer genius by Robin, has delved deeply into back catalogue with the emphasis very much on the first two studio albums and a little bit of ‘For Earth Below’ and ‘Victims of the Fury’ thrown in for good measure.
Tonight, with 11 shows under their belts on this second batch of 2005 UK dates, the band really hit the spot. They put their all into the show, playing every note effortlessly, right down to the very last semi-quaver. It was the most perfect show.
Will there be a live CD release arising from this tour to rival the rocking Ruf Records release from the first tour? We can but hope! I have absolutely no doubt that UK fans would buy such an official release were it to be made available.
‘Twice removed from yesterday’ opens the show with a loud thump and with heartbreaker ‘Hannah’ following in swift succession the stylish playing of Mr Pete Thompson on drums is very much under the spotlight. SteveShail tells me that dear old ‘Hannah’ is probably the one song from Robin's back catalogue that Davey Pattison has been looking forward to singing live the most.
Robin’s carefully chosen combination of songs has proved to be an extremely strong selection, not least for Davey. His vocals on ‘Hannah’, ‘Roads to Freedom’ and Robin’s sunshine rocker ‘Fine Day’ are absolutely ‘top-draw’, as Andy Gray would say!
Pete adds a magical offbeat cymbal ride on the chorus of ‘Roads to Freedom’, a sensational embellishment for this superb song. Dave Bronze, tonight trading in the traditional sound of his Fender Precision for the more expansive tones of his blue Lakland bass, gets to have most of the fun on ‘Fine Day’ with his endless fills and runs, heaven!
Dave is the main man on instrumental ‘Islands’, a song revisited from the first times he toured with Robin sometwenty years back. Robin’s jazzy lead on this feelgood anthem simply knocks you back in the chair. Wow! The music has almost a cinematic feel to it, particularly so towards the end.
‘Day of the Eagle’ and ‘Bridge of Sighs’, played as one continuous number, are The Robin Trower Band’s signature tunes. Take what you need, you’ll find everything you could possibly ever want from here.
‘Rise up like the Sun’ has Dave Bronze running up and down the fret board in a frenzy going the full distancewhile managing to introduce more notes. This blues number, faster than as heard on ‘20C Blues’, is another song which has travelled extremely well on this tour.
‘Little bit of Sympathy’ brings the audience to its feet. Robin's blistering lead breaks on ‘Lady Love’ and ‘Daydream’ round off proceedings to thunderous applause. Robin is soon out front meeting the fans, signing autographs and posing for photos. Thank you so much for this!
The 500 plus seater theatre looked well over 75% sold to me. Amazing when you think this tour hasn’t really had the oxygen of publicity safe for the promotional work by the venues concerned and various websites, probably all the right places but I’m sure the fans can and will do more to spread the word. Yes folks, the Robin Trower Band are back in the UK for good and appearing at a theatre near you soon! Best wishes to Laurie and Steve for all their hard work and professionalism also to the excellent support provided by Mr Jon Amor.
One last thing, promoting the remixed ‘LOOT’ at the March and April shows was definitely a good move. On this November tour, albeit with the release of the new ‘Live’ and remixed ‘Another Days Blues’ in the offing, I think the success for many of us diehard fans was seeing and hearing this band playing the songs perfected by Robin, Jimmy, Reg and Bill.
Sadly, it wasn’t possible for us here in the UK to see the current line-up until 2005. But, Halleluiah, thank goodness we did! I know I speak for many UK fans when I say it would be terrific for us to hear here just a few of the songs synonymous with this band’s trail-blazing tours of the USA in the mid to late 80s.
Top of my personal wish-list has to be ‘No Time’ from the ‘Passion’ record but I’m sure numbers such as ‘If forever’, ‘Over You’ and ‘Tear it up’ would all be equally very well received. Either way, it’s an absolute joy and pleasure to see Robin and this band back ‘on the road’ in the UK after all this time.
This is Alan Howard on reporting for ‘Steve’s Place’ and hoping there may be more Trower shows to come in the UK, in which case Mr Shail, you’ll just have to get back here too!
After all these years of emailing that other correspondent, Northern Ireland’s finest Mr Ray Martin and following the disasters which had prevented us getting together on several previous occasions, it was a veritable joy to meet up with him. Cheers Ray, ‘twas a great night. Greetings also to two other true ‘Trowerheads’ David Smith and Tom Connor. Gentlemen, keep in touch, see you next time!
Thanks also to everyone who gave me such a hard time on this tour about my website
www.robintrowerlive.co.uk and the fact that I’ve failed to keep it updated. This ticking off is both entirely justified and much needed so I promise to and will do better in the future!
In the meantime folks, least we forget, all hail Steve Shail!
