50th Anniversary Tour - Band On The Wall, Manchester, 14th September

[Allan Heron]

And an addendum to my report earlier. Subsequently reading Jules's post, yes, Josh's voice was low in the mix on the right hand side. Noticed it at the time. The last time I saw Josh play with Man, years ago, understandably at the time, he was unsure of himself, taking a real back seat, frankly I wondered if it was the same. He doesn't demonstrate a stage presence.  The sound for Malcolm's singing I found fine.

Within my post, I purposely did not compare Man to SoM. I will not here. Interesting to note both bands play the same pre 76 Man songs. Devil's advocate here, but does that signify with those exceptions, pre 76 Man output was not really that strong?

At The Ferry I thought the sound was much better than I'd heard at the Half Moon.  (I mentioned this to James, and about thirty seconds later remembered his day job ) The guitars were more of a level with each other, and Josh's vocals were loud and clear (as was the case for all the microphones).  Malcolm's keyboards were heard all the way, even when he was just providing a bit of colour to the song.

As for the pre-1976 songs, the bands are playing the songs that they know the punters want to hear.  The response from the audience at Glasgow rather confirmed that.  As did the more quizzical response to Chimes At Midnight which does count as an oldie even if it seems like it was released last year.  I suspect they're no different from other bands from way back when who are still treading the boards.   (And, to be fair, they are the songs that the band 'always' played in the 1970's too).

       

[Allan Heron]

Re the two new songs in the set, I think there's a need to (non-technical description coming) thicken the sound of the guitars.  On the EP, it sounds like there's a reasonable layering of guitar tracks which is pretty effective, but the live version lacks this as it's played without much embellishment.  I think the various boxes of tricks that abound these days could rectify this.

[Allan Heron]

And an addendum........if there's a 10 o'clock curfew, why not go on at 8 o'clock to avoid the need to shorten the set?

Presumably to cater for the support band?

There was no support band in Putney, Glasgow or Kinross.

Not sure why Manchester needed one. They may have been 'supplied' by the venue. No reason why they shouldn't start at 7pm. That how it works up here in the frozen north for curfew-limited shows.

[Rob the Organ]

Lovely to see on stage the reverence shown to Malcolm. James Beck in particular...

Not a surprise. James has needed a sparring partner badly since Phil died.

Lovely to see on stage the reverence shown to Malcolm...(...)..but unbelievably, from Martin Ace as well

Why is it unbelievable? Martin worked tirelessly to convince a very reticent old friend and colleague to take his rightful place in the limelight on a major anniversary. If he didn't think the world of Malcolm he wouldn't have bothered.

For a long time I've banged on about Man and Martin Ace as 'leader' in particular, not having anything to do with the Manband Archive the official unofficial Man website.

He probably took one look at a potted sample of forum posts and thought he wasn't welcome. You can't wonder at it.

[Rob W]

"Unbelievably" -  To some it may be hyperbole. To me, personal experience. I can't recall ever seeing Martin publicly show such reverence. I was praising!

"Reverence" - Allan, you say respect. My understanding of the word reverence is a deep respect, so it's largely the same. I was praising that little bit more!

Regarding Rob's point about asking Malcolm, I intended to ask what made him do the tour. I'm sure he may have said
Martin worked tirelessly to persuade him. Would Martin have asked Malcolm out of the goodness of his heart? Would Martin have asked him because he needed a keyboard player, and who better than a face from pre 76 Man? Either way, Martin didn't have to show in my words, the reverence he did. Praising again!

Regarding the forum.Martin himself said that very few read the forum. I agreed, but I referred not only to previous years when many more did actively post, but more importantly, I said I suspected many read the forum (and archive) without posting. Incidentally, a point I think Jules will concur. And yes, I did agree with him FB is now the way to go, and that it may be worthwhile the Band do actively update FB, as some other bands do. As said in my post, the conversation went to and fro. It was convivial.

[Rob W]

Just seen Allan's post re support band. I can't speak authoritatively, but I can confidently presume was  BOTW thing. A good idea in my opinion. A local band to swell the crowd. As it is, impossible to judge accurately how many were there primarily to see the support band, but in my opinion, from the reception Man received, not many.

Incidentally, I've had this discussion many a time, including with Mark Pontin and Troy Redfern, when those on stage outnumbered the audience. Why not get a local band to swell the numbers (though that has pitfalls also as discussed), or preferably, play a venue which has its loyal clientele who will attend irrespective of the band and pay due respect (though not necessarily, reverence  )

[Allan Heron]

That approach has certainly worked before (e.g. *that* gig at the Ferry where Sean's band was support and brought along a good number of their pals) but that needs to be balanced against any time constraints.

All for giving local acts an opportunity but not at the expense of the main event.

[Rob W]

I agree entirely. And I recalled Sean, indeed gave that a mention. Came into conversation somehow.

My previous visit to BOTW for Gong, there was no support. I really do think it was a tactical move by the venue.

[Jesus Smith]

I mean no disrespect to James who I consider to be an excellent guitar player but to suggest his playing is better then any former Man guitarist which I assume includes Micky is absolute poppycock !!

[joan]

I mean no disrespect to James who I consider to be an excellent guitar player but to suggest his playing is better then any former Man guitarist which I assume includes Micky is absolute poppycock !!

I don't know what poppycock means but I'm sure I agree with your comment 

[Jules]

I mean no disrespect to James who I consider to be an excellent guitar player but to suggest his playing is better then any former Man guitarist which I assume includes Micky is absolute poppycock !!

You may need to go back and re-read what was actually written. 

I stand by my opinion on this performance, no-one is obliged to agree with it. Especially if you weren't there.

Next.

[Jules]

Apparently there's a hidden meaning in the Mojo Yatakken title. I've not been smart enough to figure it out yet.

Hats off to Mr Heron who, I strongly suspect, has cracked the code.

I misspelt the title which made it even harder, it should read Mojo Yattaken. We'll leave it unstated here, so others can join in the fun.

[Jules]

Just seen Allan's post re support band. I can't speak authoritatively, but I can confidently presume was  BOTW thing. A good idea in my opinion. A local band to swell the crowd. As it is, impossible to judge accurately how many were there primarily to see the support band, but in my opinion, from the reception Man received, not many.

The support band were on when we arrived. I got way-laid by Rob and Lesley on the way in, and when I turned around my travelling companions (Wife and Son) had disappeared from view (saw their chance and escaped maybe?). I poked my head around the performance room door to see if they'd gone through just as the lead singer with Electric Stars was asking the two-dozen strong audience if they were here to see Man.


"Yes" replied two-dozen voices. 

[Mark Davies]

Photos from the Band on the Wall

https://www.flickr.com/photos/110858866@N07/albums/72157699891752051

[joan]

Great photos! Thanks, Mark !