Yep, I was at the Derby gig too. When a band has a major change there is always some doubt as to the end result but I reckon that this new line-up is a winner. Overall I thought the show was great.
Here's a few thoughts:
The sound wasn't to good (but it never is at The Vic) & it was to loud for the room. The keys were very loud & the guitars & bass were to low in the mix. The vocals & drums were about right.
The main thing for most people will always be the singer & Pete did a good job, the vocal approach was just right. Steve has stated elsewhere that he wasn't looking to directly replace Alessio & wanted more of a front man & that's certainly what we got. It would be good to see them on a bigger stage now.
As a drummer myself I was keen to see how Rich worked out & it's another winner. Some of those double bass runs were very impressive. I'd be interested to know if he was using some technique like heel/toe or if it was just fast playing?
As I said the guitars & bass were a bit to quiet in comparison to the others, but from what I could hear & see the new chaps fitted in perfectly
Best of luck for the other shows & the future