I've really enjoyed this series, Joe. It's been interesting hearing the differing opinions, particularly on the more recent albums and like the four of you involved, it's sent me scurrying back to have another listen to them. Clearly, time and patience is the key to appreciating VdGG albums 😉
One of the reasons I love VdGG & PH is that they can piss off even their most die hard fans by doing things that people think they shouldn't be doing! That's what makes a great artist. (Miles Davis & being a good example.). Andy's comments have sent me scurrying to dig out Vital. WILL PLAY LOUD!! 😆
I've got it cued up for after dinner. I reckon it's probably Chris who doesn't like it.....
Not heard this episode of Inside The Generator yet, but Vital is one of the most brutal and extreme listening experiences ever! I think it's brilliant. VdG going out with a seismic bang and absolutely taking no prisoners on the way 💪
Finally! I almost reverted to my childhood and went routing around to see where this was hidden
Santa must have had a heavy sack, carrying more than one copy of the @joebankswriter.bsky.social impressively mighty tome, as he dropped off a copy at my house as well. I've been soooo looking forward to reading this for ages 😁 Happy Christmas fellow PH / VDGG nerds!
Still 6 days to go before I can unwrap my not-so-secret book shaped Christmas present, so I'm re-reading David Shaw-Parker's 'The Lemming Chronicles', listening to the VDGG Progzilla podcasts & still immersing myself the PH Charisma/Virgin box set. I'm champing at the bit waiting to read your book!
I'll see what I can do. I throw away old copies, but I've got access to the digital versions, so I'll screen shot you a copy of the quote with the source details. Assuming I can find it 😒
I laughed at your experience with ChatGPT. I got it to write a review of the PH box set for Amazon (even though I didn't buy it from there) in the same style as my review of the VDGG set. It said that a highlight of the set was the surround sound mixes, particularly the "Silent Corner.." album 😆
Peter also mentioned in one of the recent interviews he did around the release of the box set that Bowie had PH's latest album sent to him right up to his death (it was on either the David Hepworth/ Mark Ellen podcast or the Stuart Maconie Freak Zone interview.
Re. Bowie's unproven love of PH. I read a Mojo feature on Bowie a few years ago (I think it was about the Station To Station era) and DB talked about how his stuff at that time had been influenced by all the Peter Hammill he'd been listening to...
I listened last night and really enjoyed it. You and Graham choose a fantastic playlist. It was good to hear an interview conducted by someone who clearly knew the subject, allowing you to really go into the detail. A couple of points about things you mentioned...
Thanks for sharing, Joe. An absolute treasure trove for us fellow PH / VDGG freaks 😁 Those performances in Argentina in 1992 are stunning. Too Many...is one of my all time fave Hammill piano songs. The great man was in top form on that and Just Good Friends. Can't wait for the book! 😉
Nick Drake played a gig there once. About 15 years before my student days began, unfortunately. I lived just around the corner from the Haworth, on Wellesley Avenue, so it was my local.
Suitably terrifying. I hope you've had your lower set of teeth blackened for even greater authenticity.
I cannot wait for this, Joe, but I'm actually going to have to wait until a month after publication to get my hands on it. It's on my Christmas list and *spoilers* I've been told it's on pre-order. That's quite a scoop getting an interview with Alice - wow!
Haha. "Here's Fogwalking to close. Sleep well!" 😆
I think I'd be worried I'd come across as one if I ever met PH 😒 Stuart Maconie's a big fan. He plays PH and VDGG regularly on The Freak Zone. Great to hear Peter and the box set getting plenty of airtime on national radio. A great track selection as well, I thought.
@joebankswriter.bsky.social
@camself.bsky.social
If you've not caught this, Stuart Maconie's interview with Peter starts at 35 mins in and runs to the 1 hour 12 mins mark
Haha. I reserve my drinking at gigs these days to sweaty stand up ones only. I dare not have anything at a sit down venue 😒
Given the demographic of much of PH's audience, pee breaks are surely de rigueur at his concerts? Glad you enjoyed the rest of the set though Joe. A Way Out was the best version I'd heard, so it's nice to hear the London audience was treated to a great rendition as well.
Also, an energetic Modern followed by a more sedate, but equally brilliant Time To Burn. Another couple of my faves, Ophelia and Curtains also featured. Something for everyone really.
An absolutely stunning show in Manchester tonight. As good as I've ever seen him.
I've now looked at your list of songs 😉 and can tell you that NONE of those you mentioned were played in Manchester tonight! It was still a stunning set as well. It just underlines what an amazing back catalogue PH has. Enjoy the London show!
An absolutely stunning show! I never thought I'd ever be as affected by the intensity and emotion of a live gig as I was by my first PH concert back in 1988, but this was it! 37 years on and this middle aged man feels as awestruck as that 20 year old student did by the great man's performance.
From the other side
Am desperately averting my eyes from your post! I'm at the RNCM in Manchester tomorrow and don't want to view set spoilers! 😉 Saw the opening "Amazing performance" comment, though 👍😁
