DPAS LIVE REVIEW

The Hughes Turner Project
EUROPEAN TOUR 2004

Mean Fiddler, London, England . April 8th

Managed to get to the Mean Fiddler, taking two of my lads to see Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner in action. One is a Joe Lynn Turner fan and with me being an all versions fan of Deep Purple I was curious to at last see Glenn Hughes 'live'.

My hope was that 'some' Deep Purple numbers might be included and I am glad to say we were not disappointed at all. There was a good crowd and Glenn looked very fit and healthy, and clearly as though he's enjoying life these days. The set opened with numbers from the Hughes and Turner Project albums Vol 1 and 2. The material was handled very well by Hughes, Turner and the rest of the band. But then we were treated to a number of renditions of Deep Purple Mark 3 and 4 material. Mentions were made of Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale and a big one for the late Tommy Bolin. We were given a stunning version of 'Mistreated' that brought the house down half way through the concert. Within the set list came, 'Gettin' Tighter' and 'You Keep on Moving', from the 'Come Taste the Band' album. From the 'Days May Come and Day's May Go' rehearsal sessions came 'Dance, to the Rock and Roll' and from the album of the same name 'Stormbringer'.

Joe Lynn Turner had his moments with Rainbow material such as 'I Surrender', 'Death Alley Driver' and within the encore 'Spotlight Kid'. It was noticeable however that Glenn seemed to be the lead man of the show with Joe sometimes off stage altogether during certain slots. The cynics would say that the pair of them relied very heavily on old material but for me it made a truly legendary performance to remember, especially for a couple of young lads who were born long after and had never heard some of this material performed 'live'.

'Burn' was a perfect way to round the concert off with a storming finale. It was handled with real energy and enjoyment, and also with Joe Lynn Turner handling one of the guitars (which surprised me a number of times during the set).

Glenn acknowledged his fans and worked the crowd. Not wishing to be disrespectful of Joe Lynn Turner, but I feel Glenn was the driving force. Finally came the handshakes, and we got one. Younger fans were acknowledged and that can only be healthy!!!!

I sit and write this stone deaf this morning, but it was well worth it. One Joe Lynn Turner fan in the household became a big Glenn Hughes fan as well.

review: Ray Fox with Jordan and Joshua, North London


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