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UK reviews 2002 (rescheduled)
 

Powerful intentions fulfilled

Having waited years to finally see the legends it goes down as being the best gig I have ever been to.

Right from the start the band declared their intentions with the powerful Fireball. What followed was just mind blowing. The highlights were Woman From Tokyo, Lazy, Space Truckin', Speed King and Smoke On The Water.

In between two of the classics was the haunting When A Blind Man Cries which started with Steve Morse playing some of the Star Spangled Banner. Encores were just superb - Hush, Black Night and Highway Star.

Ian Gillan showed us why he is still the best in the business, Glover constantly flicking plectrums into the crowd was brilliant (did anyone see him fall over the speaker?), Don Airey performed to his normal high standard (saw him when he was with Rainbow), and whoever the young fellow on the drums was, he clearly has a future in the business.

Steve Morse was outstanding, all over the stage clearly enjoying himself, some of his solos were unbelievable (I`ve waited 30 years to see the guitar solo from Highway Star).

The highlight of the night had to be when Don Airey finished his solo to be replaced by the master. If this does prove to be Jon Lord's final tour he has gone out on a high.

At the end of the encores Morse went half the lenth of the stage with his guitar in the crowd letting fans touch the strings. All members of the band took time to shake hands with fans, and they genuinely looked like they didn't want to leave.

All in all a totally superb concert. From the moment they came on stage everyone was on there feet (the way it should be). My claim to fame was I nearly got Don Airey's towel.

Colin Dickson (reporting from row G)

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