First night of this UK tour, the throng gathered. Probably the same throng that gathered here the last time. Familiar faces, faces strange? A collection of a bass boys night out too; check out the Marillion and Beggs contingency. Tonight’s pattern, a similar set as usual but with an added ‘Lamb’ selection to tempt, and boy were we tempted. Amanda Lehmann embellished the first set, on stuff from ‘Circus and the Nightwhale’ and 'Hierophant', which Steve mentioned she has pretty much made her own.

After (toilet) break time it was the usual Gabriel era melange. The ‘Lamb’ selection faithfully regurgitated the usual classics along with the odd "not heard that since the LLDoB tour". No ‘Supper’ tonight but for this pair of ears ‘Cinema Show’ sparked the usual memories of long ago; Birmingham Hippodrome, front row balcony, I’ll leave it there . . . But isn’t what this tour and the Steve Hackett experience is all about? Looking round at the gathered throng, that word again, I would say yes, a rekindling, something comforting, a touchstone to kinder and better times, of formative years when the music business was golden and era defining.

Two and a half/three quarter hours later we slowly drifted into the night, passing the stone effigy of Ronnie Barker sitting silently and immovable on the bench that will always be his; “Can’t sit there mate!”. So, was tonight different, to the familiar two spoons of medicine served up from previous outings? Yes, if you’re needing the answer. A few I spoke to, even my lad, who was sadly spoon fed by his dad, felt the increase tonight in the intensity of music, the arrangement. A slight darker tinge in places? Musical elevation no less, taking some pieces played and giving them a subtle new dimension. Freeform personal ‘blows’ were duly signalled and accepted by the band members. Steve took a seat and nodded in all the right places.

My seat tonight was row ‘B’ right in front of Amanda and Jonas. I apologise for staring at both. Jonas really shone for me tonight, exceptional, as were the band anyway. Great musical Rob/Jonas interplay at times, but pay attention, it’s fleeting, as are the ‘Rob-Props’ occasionally waved to his cohorts once eye contact was made. Fun can be had with such compelling, serious and often well structured material. Not missing out Steve, Nad, Roger and Craig, so I haven’t, but being this close it’s such a joy to be this close to exceptional music making; no one failed in that department and it’s hard to take it all in. My reward was a personal ‘wave’ from one, but that collaboration and combination is time controlled and subject to future story telling.

Another fine night in the company of Steve, the boys and the girl. This is ‘Golden Age’ music, and memories, and memorabilia, the lustre will never dull. From the first chimed chord to the last ‘Los Endos’ cymbal crash it will last long into the night. Even the stony, probably bronzy, look on Ronnie Barkers motionless face will remember this night for some time to come. Supper is . . . finally ready.

©️Trev Turley
Enlightenment The BLOG