UK tour blog part II - Southern spires and Northern nights
May 2017

Southend show
Photo © Russell Harper

Steve in Cambridge

The UK tour continued with fabulous crowds from sunny seaside Southend to the bustling centre of Nottingham... And then on to the two beautiful old university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, with their magical archways and pillars through hallowed halls of learning. The historic countryside hotel near Oxford gave us all a lovely relaxed mini break on a day off, and then Jo and I met friends & family at the Ashmolean Museum, which is like a mini British Museum with many fascinating artefacts. We managed to take a lovely walk in Cambridge as well, past extraordinary spires and majestic buildings, walking through history.

The gigs in both cities had a terrific atmosphere, and it was special to have talented Amanda Lehmann join us as guest for the Cambridge show with her red guitar and beautiful voice. The whole band are on fantastic form, with multi faceted Nick Beggs on bass, twelve string and those extraordinary bass pedals, amazingly versatile Rob Townsend on multiple wind instruments, keyboards and percussion, keyboard wizard Roger King holding the whole show together with his exceptional playing, Gary O'Toole showing his incredible drumming chops which reach a sublime crescendo in Shadow of the Hierophant, and Nad Sylvan singing the Genesis music, staying true to the original feel whilst adding his unique interpretations with his flamboyant style and image...

On reaching Glasgow, Jo and I found time to visit Kelvingrove art gallery and museum, full of wonderful artefacts and paintings, including a mesmerising picture by David Alexander Elder of the wild Scottish Highlands bathed in sharp sunlight with a rainbow through brooding clouds.

The gig that night was as exciting as Glasgow shows always are with a brilliant crowd, and the show in Gateshead the following night was equally explosive! A special vibe in both places.

Now on to London for the final show of the tour at the amazing London Palladium...