I appreciate this is all off topic, but unlike Blue 2112 I’ve still not been able to fully make that transition. And the only regret I have with that can be summarised in one word; Rothery.
Played Script in full the other day and was reminded that the two standout features of the band that I fell in love with were Fish (his concept - and the artwork - his lyrics, his singing/delivery, his stage presence) and Rothery’s playing.
Three of my most enjoyable gigs of the last 10 years have been the Steve Rothery band at Band On The Wall playing tracks from the first 4 albums with such joy. Brought tears to my eyes.
With Hogarth I went to the Seasons End tour and heard that album and was so underwhelmed with both I let them go. His voice had a timbre, a quavering, wavering, reedy quality that in the past often grated with me. I couldn’t get past it to appreciate the lyrical meaning and listen out for the Rothery magic.
What I have come to appreciate are some of the individual tracks they have made - The Great Escape, Ocean Rain, and quite a few of the tracks on Marbles I liked, but I’ve never gone back. Fish on the other hand I must have now seen more than any other artist.
I’ve always wanted to like the Hogarth era band, but just can’t fully do it.
… maybe if they start playing Grendel again that’ll do the trick ;-))
