Glenn Hughes – Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead 17th May 2011
Glenn Hughes is a National Treasure. Having been at the forefront of British rock for so many years, he has consistently written and performed to the very highest standards. Being the driving force behind Trapeze, playing bass and singing for Deep Purple and even fronting Black Sabbath in the mid 1980's, his hunger has not diminished. He still writes and performs as a solo artist in his own right (with backing) as well as fronting the latest (and greatest around today) supergroup Black Country Communion (with Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian).
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With such an extensive back catalogue, I was curious to see what songs would be performed; though any that Hughes has performed over the years would have done for me. The evening took off with the opening song 'Muscle And Blood' from Hughes' collaborative album with Pat Thrall. The sound was excellent and Hughes's playing and stage presence was as good as ever. The half empty Pacific Road Arts Centre was rocking from the start. It was such a shame that the venue wasn't at capacity; a reflection of the hard times many people are experiencing I suppose. At the moment, The Pacific Road Arts Centre is rapidly becoming my favourite venue; friendly staff, accessible, large square concert room, high stage so that no-one is unsighted, good lighting, great sound and (worth mentioning) a reasonably priced bar.
The second song was 'Touch My Life' from the Medusa album by Trapeze. Hughes' bass thundering along and the rest of the band frantically keeping in perfect time. The songs were cherry picked from a wide spectrum. For example, 'Orion' from the Soul Mover album, 'Sail Away' from Hughes' Deep Purple days and 'First Step Of Love', again from his collaboration with Pat Thrall.
The evening was moving too quickly; the songs getting better and better. The sublime 'Medussa' was followed by 'You Got Soul', 'Keepin' Time', 'Can't Stop The Flood' and 'You Keep On Moving' before an epic interpretation of 'Stormbringer'. The set finished with 'Soul Mover' from the Soul Mover album. Hughes' voice is as fresh as ever and belies his age. Somehow his voice has bettered with age and it is the epitome of what a rock voice should be. He is soulful, melodic and of course a damn good musician. Playing a packed set of classic material, the audience could only watch on with jaws dropped; a fantastic show.
Hughes has gathered together a very impressive collection of musicians to help him deliver his great music. Joining him on this tour are guitarist Søren Andersen, Anders Olinder (keyboards) and drummer Pontus Engborg; all competent and accomplished and all giving their all to produce a great sound.
The inevitable encore consisted of 'Addiction' from the same titled album and the classic Deep Purple song 'Burn'. 'Burn' summed it all up nicely for me; intricate, rocking, delivered with tons of feeling and showing what a great vocalist and musician Hughes is (and has been for many years).
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 1 available.