This Excellent Report From Bob Gregory...Well what can I say, having seen all the previous reports I was anticipating a good show. Well the audience was not disappointed; what we had tonight in Oxford was simply the best. From their first entrance onto the stage, when they were given a superb ovation, with an “electric” atmosphere, full of expectation, the evening simply took off. I don't recall seeing anything better. There's no doubt that as individuals they are at the top of their profession, but together superlatives run out. They were simply magic for the whole evening. The selection of the music, which covered their entire 45 year career was superb; we had the early 60’s right up to their premature retirement in the 90’s: even the Marvin Welch and Farrar period was covered along with a selection of hits, written by the Shads for Cliff Richard. The overall sound for each period was well balanced. Even the Burns period was covered, with Hank commenting on the fact that they were changing guitars because a number of their 60's tunes had been played using Burns. A rather nice touch I thought, which was well received by the knowledgeable audience. To accompany the superb music it was clear from the banter and the occasional impromptu exchanges that the group were extremely at ease with one another with the performance conducted in a relaxed and exceedingly accomplished manner. To think we had to wait 14 years for this farewell tour and 15 years for a new recording. I can tell you all yet to see them that the wait is well worth it. A truly memorable occasion to savour, still basking on the evening's performance. - I just wish I had a ticket for the Palladium! BG, 2004 |
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