Just got back from the London gig, thought I'd share my thoughts, etc.
The good... it was great to finally see Redemption in the UK. Only seen them once before in Toronto supporting Dream Theater (which is how I first discovered the band), and it was superb to get up close and personal with the band. And I do mean up close, real close - it was small gig. Good varied set, a nice blend of material - only 1 song from TFOT, but 4 from TOOR. Sean & Chris were phenomenal - so solid and tight. You could really feel Sean's basslines through the floor. Nick was on fine form too, in his usual quiet manner, Bernie ripped it up and Ray sang the songs well. Over all it was such a treat to see them, however.....
The bad... firstly, why such a short set? By my reckoning they were only on for 1hr 20. Ray seemed to be suggesting it was something to do with the venue, but I did feel a bit cheated TBH. Secondly, "Fall On You" - missed off the entire intro and they messed up the ending. Such a fantastic song and it wasn't given the justice it deserves. Thirdly, how many mistakes Bernie? Which takes me too... And I won't bother mentioning the missing (ex?) keyboard player!
The ugly... it seemed like we were watching a dress rehearsal. Ray had lyric sheets at his feet and spent quite a bit of time bending over to read them. And he also seemed a little tired and unenthusiastic, although that could be jet-lag, I guess. Bernie played brilliantly but made plenty of errors, almost like he hasn't practiced these songs much recently. The roadie kept bringing Nick his 7-string and then coming back to swap it back - why couldn't Nick just keep it onstage on a stand, and do the swap himself - would have saved time. Just a lack of professionalism, really. I've seen plenty of pub bands who were so much slicker and seemingly better prepared than Redemption were last night.
Maybe this seems like I'm on a real downer about the gig, but I'm not. It was fantastic to see them. I just think after so much anticipation I expected more from a band I hold in such high regard. Saw Symphony X in March and they were amazing - so tight, so solid, so professional. Musically and personally, I hold Redemption in the same high regard, so I was a little disappointed that their show wasn't in a similar vein.
Two final points. I must apologise to Redemption for the turnout. Must be a little disheartening to come all this way and only see 100 or so faces out there. I treid to get as many there as I could but two of my friends bailed out at the last minute, the bastards!
And lastly, a request. Next time, could you guys please play a venue that doesn't have a age restriction? My son's a major Redemption fan but as he's only 9, he wasn't allowed to come. Ah well... I did get him a shirt
Cheers!
The good... it was great to finally see Redemption in the UK. Only seen them once before in Toronto supporting Dream Theater (which is how I first discovered the band), and it was superb to get up close and personal with the band. And I do mean up close, real close - it was small gig. Good varied set, a nice blend of material - only 1 song from TFOT, but 4 from TOOR. Sean & Chris were phenomenal - so solid and tight. You could really feel Sean's basslines through the floor. Nick was on fine form too, in his usual quiet manner, Bernie ripped it up and Ray sang the songs well. Over all it was such a treat to see them, however.....
The bad... firstly, why such a short set? By my reckoning they were only on for 1hr 20. Ray seemed to be suggesting it was something to do with the venue, but I did feel a bit cheated TBH. Secondly, "Fall On You" - missed off the entire intro and they messed up the ending. Such a fantastic song and it wasn't given the justice it deserves. Thirdly, how many mistakes Bernie? Which takes me too... And I won't bother mentioning the missing (ex?) keyboard player!
The ugly... it seemed like we were watching a dress rehearsal. Ray had lyric sheets at his feet and spent quite a bit of time bending over to read them. And he also seemed a little tired and unenthusiastic, although that could be jet-lag, I guess. Bernie played brilliantly but made plenty of errors, almost like he hasn't practiced these songs much recently. The roadie kept bringing Nick his 7-string and then coming back to swap it back - why couldn't Nick just keep it onstage on a stand, and do the swap himself - would have saved time. Just a lack of professionalism, really. I've seen plenty of pub bands who were so much slicker and seemingly better prepared than Redemption were last night.
Maybe this seems like I'm on a real downer about the gig, but I'm not. It was fantastic to see them. I just think after so much anticipation I expected more from a band I hold in such high regard. Saw Symphony X in March and they were amazing - so tight, so solid, so professional. Musically and personally, I hold Redemption in the same high regard, so I was a little disappointed that their show wasn't in a similar vein.
Two final points. I must apologise to Redemption for the turnout. Must be a little disheartening to come all this way and only see 100 or so faces out there. I treid to get as many there as I could but two of my friends bailed out at the last minute, the bastards!
And lastly, a request. Next time, could you guys please play a venue that doesn't have a age restriction? My son's a major Redemption fan but as he's only 9, he wasn't allowed to come. Ah well... I did get him a shirt

Cheers!