By Chris Patmore, Rock At Night London Correspondent
VENUE: Islington Assembly Hall, London on 21 January 2017
Ageless or old-age rock?
Unlike many of my journalist and photographer colleagues, I have to admit I rarely do any research before shooting a gig or doing an interview. When I was asked to shoot Glenn Hughes’ London concert, I had no idea who he was or what he sounded like (OK, shame on me), despite being sent a full press release and album, which I refrained from opening. As long as I know venue, date and time, I like the element of surprise, and the spontaneity that ensues.
The evening opened with hard rock band Stone Broken, a young four-piece from Walsall in the Midlands. They had all the right moves and sound for a band of that genre, unfortunately Stone Broken weren’t breaking new ground.
The stage was now set for the headliner, with all the right accoutrement: stacks of Marshall and Orange amps and speakers, a Hammond organ (complete with Leslie speaker) and a large drum kit. The lights dimmed as the band made its way to their position and the main man took centre stage, wearing tight-fitting paisley pants and armed with a battered old Fender bass. He looked like the archetypal aging rock star, a survivor of ’70s excesses, but still more than capable of showing young pretenders how it is done, which he proceeded to do through a blistering set of old and new songs. There was something vaguely familiar about his sound that reminded me of Deep Purple, which, unbeknownst to me at the time, he was a member of after the classic line-up with Ian Gillan split.
This is for fans of classic rock, that still pays homage to its blues heritage and subsequent prog excursions, while injecting fresh, youthful blood into the frontman’s experience.
PHOTO GALLERY
Stone Broken
Glenn Hughes
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Glenn Hughes website for full tour details
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I do lots of things, some better than others, and one of them is taking photos of bands. Contrary to popular belief, I will work for money.
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