Perfect Strangers in Wales

Cardiff, February 20 - Wet & Windy as hell. The boys put in a blinder. Steve Morse, like a dog straining on the leash, just wanting to play, throwing in things at every opportunity. Not sure that everything he did was in the script, but hey, this is a live show, who wants well-rehearsed perfection - so we'll overlook the horrendous cock-up on the intro to Lazy. Jon seemed to be having a quiet night up until then.

The inclusions of Black Night, No One Came and Fools in the set and Hush in the encore were outstanding. Perfect Strangers, loud and pulsating was brilliant.

Speed King was what we have come to expect, with the duelling keyboard and guitar, till they ran out of ideas. This left room for Roger's outstanding solo which was followed by Ian's inspired thrashing of his kit. This man provides such power to the band. When IG returned to the stage the excursion into High School Hop was unexpected - not sure if this was planned - (anyone know for sure??) [Probably not. :-) Rasmus].

The assembly of rock riff intros - Brown Sugar, Jean Jeanie, Who Do Ya Love and others, disguised the lead up to Smoke On The Water well enough.

I don't think the crowd were quite awake when Jon lapsed into the Welsh national Anthem - nobody sang this time - but otherwise the crowd were in good voice. Lots of messing about on stage, appreciative audience, a good show.

Catch you soon - "Iechyd da"

Dave Poole

Back to reviews