Just saw the "Power Trio" version of Van der Graaf Generator in London...

silvermachine

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Sat Apr-21-07 03:10 PM
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Just saw the "Power Trio" version of Van der Graaf Generator in London...

...and they were brilliant. Didn't miss David Jackson's sax and flute as much as I would have thought, and the the power and emotional impact of the band was as potent as ever. Hammill was in fine voice, while Hugh Banton filled in Jackson's contributions very nicely. Highpoints were "Childlike Faith in Childhood's End" as an opener, "Gog" (monstrous, possessed version) and a towering, monolithic "Man-Erg".

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HughBeaumont

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Sat Apr-21-07 03:15 PM
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1. You watch. They won't play the states.

In the meantime, here's "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" in three parts. The third one, albeit with screwed up dubbing, is one of the most mindbending live performances I've ever seen televised. Just awesome. Note the "Wrapped Around Your Finger" design in part 1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv9DouGSXW8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duTwxgxndJQ&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q1wfmTiA94&mode=related&search=

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silvermachine

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Sat Apr-21-07 03:31 PM
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2. They probably won't...

...because it hasn't been financially feasable for them to do so. At least that's what Hammill said in 2005. I know some people who talked to the band's agent about booking them over here, and they wanted too much money. It wasn't that they wanted an unreasonable amount of $$$, it's just that they wouldn't draw the crowds in the US that they do overseas.
Thanks for the clips, I have those on DVD, they've just been released.

Here's something for your viewing pleasure...

http://www.fabchannel.com/van_der_graaf_generator

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HughBeaumont

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Sat Apr-21-07 03:33 PM
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3. Right. Even if they toured small theaters it would still be costly.

I still think they'd get a sizeable crowd no matter where they played. There are far more VDGG fans than one would believe. They could easily draw 500-700 at the Beachland Ballroom here.

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silvermachine

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Sat Apr-21-07 03:44 PM
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4. Possibly...

...but Cleveland draws very well for that type of music, as does Philly, Detroit, Boston (at least in my experience). Other places wouldn't be so great, though. The last 2 times I played Cleveland (with a UK musician of similar age, popularity, etc.) was at the Phantasy and the Grog Shop and each time we drew a great crowd (300-500), but previous evenings in Pittsburgh, DC, Baltimore, New Jersey were a fraction of that...

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mr blur

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Sat Apr-21-07 04:55 PM
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5. Hi, had to miss this one!

Sorry not to have answered your PM about this (had lousy flu for two weeks). Seen different line-ups over the years, so no reason why it wouldn't be interesting without Jaxon. Guess it meant that PH's eccentric (but rether exciting) electric guitar playing got an airing.

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silvermachine

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Mon Apr-23-07 09:21 AM
Response to Reply #5

6. Yes, Meurglys got a workout...

...but the playing was sharper and more focused this time around. I've always enjoyed the chaotic element of his guitar playing. They performed the best version of "Still Life" I've ever heard or seen that night.

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