Steven Wilson @ Shepherds Bush
Posted by: gone on 01 November 2011
I think a few Naimees went to this gig last night, and what a performance. A long wait for kick-off, but quickly up to speed. Wilson is a genius, and I don't often use that word. Definitely my gig of the year so far, and can't see anything topping it.
Marco Minneman on drums must have completely independent limbs - some of the stuff seemed to be written in 9/8, or maybe that was only for a few bars before it changed to 5/4 or something. Outstanding.
Possibly would have liked Wilson to play a bit more but Aziz did a fine job on guitars.
But I do find some of the Lasse Hoile imagery a bit dated now, but can't criticise the music. Will have to have a King Crimson session tonight methinks
Cheers
John
Posted on: 01 November 2011 by Lontano
I thought it was outstanding. It all got off to a good start when I was in the pub before the show and Steve Hackett walked in. He was out for a night with his wife to see the show.
I thought it was far more interesting than recent Porcupine Tree shows. The music is more complex and challenging which I prefer and with added King Crimson/jazz influences.
I spent most of the night watching the drummer. He was amazing and some of the moves he made left me gobsmacked. To be honest he makes Gavin Harrison look rather tame.
Wilson played and sang very well and the new album comes across superbly.
An excellent night out. So glad I went to see it.
Posted on: 01 November 2011 by Gale 401
Adrain,
Did you get any good pics?
Posted on: 01 November 2011 by Lontano
No I did not take any.
There was video released this morning on YouTube a promo for the tour with some excellent footage. You can see the link on the Steven Wilson Facebook page.
Posted on: 01 November 2011 by Gale 401
Adrian,
Thanks for that info.
Stu
Posted on: 01 November 2011 by gone
....a lot of which looks like it was shot down the road from you in Dungeness
Originally Posted by Lontano:
There was video released this morning on YouTube a promo for the tour with some excellent footage.
Posted on: 06 November 2011 by JamieL_v2
I was lucky enough to get a ticket at the last minute. I am working only a few minutes away at the BBC at the moment, so I took the chance.
I really enjoyed it. It has made me like 'Insurgentes' more having seen much of that live. The band was amazing, so much talent on stage. The only thing I was not keen on was the extended track 'Radar 2' from the new album.
Glad I took the chance to go, as I have been drifting away from Steven WIlson and Porcupine Tree for the last few albums. This felt fresh, and although not the most jolly music, the band looked like they were having fun.
I have ordered the new album, on the strength of this show. I hope a live version from the tour comes out too.
Nice to see a few forum members before and after the show too.
Posted on: 06 November 2011 by Lontano
Originally Posted by JamieL_v2:
I have ordered the new album, on the strength of this show. I hope a live version from the tour comes out too.
Nice to see a few forum members before and after the show too.
The best thing he has done in ages. You will not be disappointed with the album.
Tomorrow Steve is releasing three live tracks from the London show on his website www.gracefordrowning.com
Cheers
Posted on: 07 November 2011 by Gale 401
I would loved to have gone.
The vids are good, but i bet it was better being there.
Jamie,
you should love the album.
It worked from the off for me,Unlike his last one that took more than a few plays to grow.
Have a listen to the Blackfield Welcome to my DNA, If you have not already ?
Stu
Posted on: 07 November 2011 by BigH47
Is Nick Beggs in Stevens tour band?
Posted on: 07 November 2011 by Lontano
Yes
Posted on: 07 November 2011 by BigH47
It was actually a redundant question once I got to the end of the first video.
Thanks anyway.
Still not over struck with this album, at least the bits I've heard.
Posted on: 07 November 2011 by Lontano
You need to buy it and play it all. It is very good IMHO. A bit more challenging than Porcupine Tree but relatively accessible.
Posted on: 07 November 2011 by BigH47
A bit to Frippy (jazzy) for me, I'm not fond of Insurgencies either.
Plenty of other music to get, maybe I'll come back to him .
Posted on: 07 November 2011 by mrclick
Lontano
Good to see you back on here - you've been missed whilst you were away for a bit. Even though you weren't really away - I remember John Lennon talking about what the press called his "underground years" in the mid 70's - he said he was living in a top storey apartment and as "high as a kite".
Thanks for your tip re the vids on Grace for Drowning site. I had such a top time at the show and these clips firm that up.
What is amazing is the band had very tight arrangements to play, and needed to play to click track to keep in with some sequenced bits (programmed percussion and strings etc). But they were just so fresh and vigorous and natural. Really good playing.
Posted on: 08 November 2011 by JamieL_v2
Thanks Adrian
You were quite right, although I have only listened to the first disc so far, from what I have heard for me it is the most enjoyable music Steven Wilson has made since 'In Absentia', but then I got into Porcupine Tree when they made much gentler music in the late 90's, and have found their move to a heavier sound less emjoyable.
Live I found the music more agressive than the album, but it worked alowing the musicians a lot space to play.
I found this setlist on the web, in case anyone is interested.
No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun
Index
Deform to Form a Star
Sectarian
Postcard
Remainder the Black Dog
Harmony Korine
Abandoner
Like Dust I Have Cleared From My Eye
No Part of Me
Veneno Para Las Hadas
Raider II
Encore:
Get All You Deserve
Jamie
Originally Posted by Lontano:
Originally Posted by JamieL_v2:
I have ordered the new album, on the strength of this show. I hope a live version from the tour comes out too.
Nice to see a few forum members before and after the show too.
The best thing he has done in ages. You will not be disappointed with the album.
Tomorrow Steve is releasing three live tracks from the London show on his website www.gracefordrowning.com
Cheers
Posted on: 08 November 2011 by Lontano
Thanks MrClick.
Glad you are liking it Jamie. I am going to play it now also.....
Posted on: 12 November 2011 by Lontano
Posted on: 12 November 2011 by DenisA
Originally Posted by Lontano:
Indeed a great review of an album that reveals more with each play.
I would like to see the band again next year, as indicated by Steven, even if it means european travel. I can soak up culture in rue st. denis or amsterdam, as well as those who think they are cleverer than wot I am 
Posted on: 12 November 2011 by Lontano
Originally Posted by DenisA:
I would like to see the band again next year, as indicated by Steven, even if it means european travel. I can soak up culture in rue st. denis or amsterdam, as well as those who think they are cleverer than wot I am
Ah, a forum coach outing to see Steve....
Posted on: 12 November 2011 by DenisA
Originally Posted by Lontano:
Originally Posted by DenisA:
I would like to see the band again next year, as indicated by Steven, even if it means european travel. I can soak up culture in rue st. denis or amsterdam, as well as those who think they are cleverer than wot I am
Ah, a forum coach outing to see Steve....
I hope your not nominating me as the driver, just because...
I have driven in Paris & Rotterdam, although Wackey Races springs to mind 
Posted on: 12 November 2011 by BigH47
Rue St DenisA ?
BTW Antwerp is quite a nice town, on the Hi-speed choo choo, Moules at a street cafe and a concert in a velodrome, perfik!
