Very good show overall like Andy says, despite some technical problems! The gig was due to start at 8.15, and by 8.30 no one had been let into the auditorium. After bouts of slow hand-clapping, it finally got underway at turned 8.50. The 150 minute running time meant a mad sprint for my train back to Amsterdam, which I just missed (cheers again to Colin and Gary for the loan of their hotel room floor!!)
Apart from four vertical strip lights (which didn't do a great deal) there was no real light show, and no lasers. The visual accompaniment was the usual large screen with a typical selction of motion graphics (stars, abstract patterns, etc). Iris's contribution was really notable I thought, she really added a lot to the music (and she looked damn good all in black and a shorter haircut!).
Like Andy described, Bernhard had a really frustrating 10 minutes shortly into the gig. Leads were replaced, switches checked, and brows were scratched. The guitare tech ran offstage, only to return to try again. Nothing. Bernhard crouches by his monitor searching for life. He tries his guitar. Nothing. A whole track passes by. Still nothing. was he supposed to have been involved in it or not? Finally, he smiles and normality is restored. The relief on his face is palpable, and Edgar offers a thankful smile in return. Bernhard receives a round of applause for his endevour and persistence.
Good selection of new, old and ancient material, all sounding pretty consistent and seamless. TD went off after the 90 minute main set, only to come back, leave, come back again, leave again, and finally come back one more time (did I miss another one out?) In all we got the full two-and-a-half hours, and the show got better as it progressed. It had some great highs and a few passages of aimless, meandering nonsense (usually with sax over it). But all in all, a really good show and well worth enduring the nighttime 'Caerphilly Wind' , eh Colin?
