DPAS LIVE REVIEW

Uli Roth & The Legends Of Rock
featuring Glenn Hughes

Portsmouth Guildhall, 19th November 2002

Ah, dear Glenn. The man with an extraordinary voice has been quiet on the UK scene just recently (if you discount the project with Joe Lynn Turner), so it was welcoming to catch a glimpse of the "Voice Of Rock" down on the South Coast recently, as part of the Legends Of Rock tour, along with Uli Jon Roth, Jack Bruce and Frank Marino.

However, concentrating on just Mr Hughes himself, his (rather short) set consisted entirely of mid period Purple tunes, which were delivered with excellent verve and enthusiasm. Kick starting the set with the mighty "Stormbringer", the band then piled into "Mistreated", with 'that voice' in as good a shape as I have ever heard it. Next up, the funky "Getting Tighter", incorporating"Dance To The Rock And Roll" boomed out to the bemused audience, who soon got into the groove of things; even more so when things slowed down with the sublime "You Keep On Moving", which consisted of some brilliant keyboard skills of a guy who's name escapes me.

Unfortunately, the set was over all too quickly, finishing with the magical burst of "Burn". However, Glenn did appear later on, and along with the legendary Jack Bruce (who's set was brilliant), Uli Jon Roth and Frank Marino, giving us versions of "I Feel Free" and "A Whiter Shade Of Pale", which featured a stunning vocal, and should be released somehow.

In short, do the man a favour and go and see him in whatever guise he's in. A man at his peak.

review: Craig Storey

live reviews