 Click on the arrows to choose review. Updated 23rd December 2006.
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State of Quo at the Limelight. People come from all across the UK and beyond to see these guys play. Sometimes it’s a special occasion, such as a double header with Rhino, a Quovention or John Coghlan hitting the sticks. But last night was just them and no frills, a regular gig that turned into one with SoQ's biggest ever audience at the Limelight, somewhere in the region of 300 people. So not just a fantastic gig, but a record breaking one too  The gig was noteworthy for one other reason too, the first gig at the Limelight with the new line-up. Chris had only played two pretty low-key gigs with the guys before this one, so many of SoQ’s most dedicated fans had yet to see him play. And some of this lot are quite conservative with their tastes when it comes to replacing a bass player! Not naming any names…I don’t need to, do I?! Also, there’s just the buzz of it being the Limelight...where all the fans from far and wide will get together for one the band's most hyped, eagerly anticipated and high-profile performances. So obviously there was no pressure at all on Chris! If he was nervous beforehand, then it certainly didn't show on stage. A thoroughly nice bloke, great bass player and I think he's fitted into this band perfectly. The whole band offered a solid and top notch performance. Hard to find fault with blistering renditions of classic after classic, the sound was great and sufficiently loud without being deafening! Chris’ playing on Mystery Song and Forty Five Hundred Times in particular was spot on, Dave’s drumming on Just Take Me gets better each time and the final rock-out of Big Fat Mama left everyone wanting more. The long overdue return of Umleitung made my night, must be close to two years since they last played it, but it was worth the wait. And just to top it off- one “new” song, one that gave both Mikey and Chris a great chance to show off a bit! A note perfect and utterly brilliant Unspoken Words. Made a lot of people happy with that one! We all wondered if it could ever be quite the same again when Graham left the band after such a long time, but they’ve made a very smooth transition and SoQ are back in business. They’ve got a fantastic new addition and extra ingredient to a winning recipe. | |
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Review by Jim Glynn. |
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John Coghlan left Quo before I was even born, so every time I see him play is a real treat for me. Especially when it’s in the Limelight, which Mikey quite accurately calls “the best venue in the world”. And if people are willing to travel from as far as London, Scotland and Sweden (…and Stockport!) to be there, he mustn’t be the only one who thinks so. The band kicked off with Again and Again - the perfect opener - before following it up with a relentless barrage of Quo classics, such as Backwater, Little Lady and Roll Over Lay Down. Too much jumping up and down during Hold You Back completely knackered me out, but fortunately the band slowed things down at just the right time with Lakky Lady. At least it wasn’t just me who needed a rest, as Paul decided to do an impromptu “sit down session” for that one!  With everyone’s breath back and the crowd nicely in the groove, the Limelight was treated to two "new" songs - (April) Spring, Summer and Wednesdays, a first for JCQ, and the debut performance of one of my all-time favourites, Shy Fly. John could even be seen singing along to that one behind the kit. Of course, the night contained one massive personal highlight for me, as I achieved something so wild, I'd never have even dreamt it could happen. I joined the band on stage for one song, as I've done a few times for SoQ before, but it only hit me as soon as I came off.... "My God! I've played a gig with one of the Quo!" "I was on stage with John Coghlan!"  What a rare opportunity and fantastic experience for a Quo fan to have - I’ve seen the photos, I’ve seen the DVD and I STILL can't quite believe it! Final verdict, then - great set, tremendous gig, and a truly memorable occasion. And did I hear John say that it was his best gig in years? Thanks to everyone for yet another wonderful night, with great people and fantastic music.  | |
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Review by Jim Glynn & photos by Tracy Turner. |
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The Greyhound. It's a pub. It's in London. What kind of picture does that conjure up?...  Walking past, you could not imagine what was about to happen. Nor could you imagine the atmosphere; the tingle of anticipation as all the people inside laugh, chat anddrink, waiting for the bands to come on. Then the first few notes of someone picking up a guitar lets everyone know that it's time!. Most heads turn to face the stage! there's a rush at the bar, quick before it starts (or was that just me?) The buzz picks up as the rest of the lads hit the stage, the other guitars sound out a few notes, a gentle note from the drums. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to witness history in the making: Colin Harkness, Sniffa, Mikey and Paul C are there. Colin Harkness and Sniffa haven't played together for years. No rehearsal with Mikey and Paul C. How will it go? What are they going to play? Deep breath from Paul C then he makes the announcement and introduces two members of the legendary band, Spider. And we're off.  AWOL, All The Time, Gimme It All and Rock n Roll Forever Will Last. For me, having never seen Spider live (as I was only a little person when Spider were in their heyday) I was gobsmacked and couldn't stop grinning, singing along to the tunes I knew. All too soon it was over. Arjen and I had a wee bit of a singsong but there were no other takers! Some fans got their Spider albums signed and the look on their faces was fantastic!  Quick trip to the bar (again) and the guitars had started strumming which meant that State Of Quo were taking to the stage. Briefly wondered how Chris will be feeling as it was his first Greyhound gig. The buzz in the crowd settled down, waiting!. And then!.. Junior's Wailing Paper Plane Roll Over Lay Down Backwater/Just Take Me At some point in amongst that lot, Paul Carr said his hello's and thanked everyone for coming along. Poor Mikey's thumb was giving him grief coz he had a couple of bits of wood in his hands and was smashing them around for a bit which resulted in a much needed elastoplast. A bit of tape seemed to do the job for a bit then Mikey threw all caution to the wind and played on with a raw blister (ouch). Anyhoo, back to the bouncing around!  Something's Going On In My Head Little Lady/Most Of The Time April, Spring, Summer & Wednesdays Softer Ride Rain Mystery Song Phew, a wee breather with Someone's Learning At this point, I must admit that never before has the cool wet condensation on mucky windows appealed to me before. Luckily for you lot I managed to stop myself from stripping off my t-shirt and throwing myself upon those cool wet panes of glass! Things start hotting up again with Break The Rules swiftly followed by 4500 Times then Down Down Thank god, they've slowed things down again with In My Chair. Almost time to recover then we're eased back into it with Breaking Away followed by Lazy Poker Blues, Mean Girl, Spinning Wheel Blues with none other than Mark Cantellow on rhythm while Paul C looked quite amused at getting a break mid-gig. Oooh Who Asked You? Time to phone my mate Calum up in Scotland.  Uh-oh, Dont Waste My Time, survive the jumping around. Noticed that my hair was going a bit crusty in places thanks to someone who'll remain anonymous (but he's really tall, from Bolton and his wife is called Dee) throwing his lager around haha. Much to the utter delight of the crowd! Slow Train! The whole place goes absolutely NUTS!!! That's it! I'm officially knackered! Time for a bit video clip methinks (great excuse to stand still-ish for a bit, though it was very tempting to join in with all the raucous jumping around). Managed to capture 3mins 44 secs of it. Massive WELL DONE to Di and Karen for surviving amongst that lot! Oo-eerr! Big Fat Mama, the rest over, camera put away, everyone get their heads down and goes for it! Railroad then a bit of chit-chat amongst the band while Cubby and I were speaking in tongues'. (If you've seen the pics, you'll know what I'm on about!) Okay, last tune!. What will they finish with? Can't decide. Ask the crowd! Caroline or Dont Think It Matters! Hmmmm! what would YOU choose? Thanks to the chants instigated by Arjen - Don't Think It Matters was the final tune of the day! Nice one!  Chris, you did well mate! Thought you looked a wee bit intimidated at the start but you soon got into it. Drummer Dave, you looked every bit the Demon Drummer despite recovering from a nasty cold. Good on yer! Paul C and Mikey you compliment each other so well. Superb teamwork from you all. All in all words fail me trying to say how much I enjoyed this gig. All those different countries represented under one roof. All there to see the mighty STATE OF QUO doing what they do best. Pure entertainment. Pure indulgence. Pure dead brilliant! :o) | |
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Review by Tracy Turner. |
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