The Electric Ballroom is rammed for Glenn ‘The Voice Of Rock’ Hughes capital date and with good reason. The Classic Rock crowd savour every moment the golden light stage shines on the Black Country survivor. The hair is impressive as is Glenn’s crimson trouser and waistcoat ensemble with the obligatory white flowery shirt and understated converse footwear. ‘Stormbringer’ is dispatched with consummate ease as Glenn’s voice holds each high note like a newborn. The night of Deep Purple classics (is there any other kind?) Rock ‘N’ Rolls along as ‘Might Just Take Your Life’, ‘Sail Away’ and an imperious ‘Getting Tighter’ are hungrily devoured by gatefold fraternity. The sold-out crowds love of all things Rock is tested as solo after solo is wheeled out to help keep the Camden clock ticking. Everyone understands that no-one is getting any younger and a five-minute break to recharge the vocal batteries may be necessary but please forsake three/four solo’s and play for just an hour and ten rather than put the punters through these interminable time filling exercises.
‘Some On The Water’ remains the most covered song in the history of Rock but when it’s Glenn Hughes front ‘n’ centre it sheens with a refreshed glaze. The encore kicks off with a booming ‘Burn’ and suddenly keyboard and bass solo’s are forgotten and possibly forgiven. To crank it up to eleven ex-bandmate Joe Bonamassa straps on an axe to help carry the ship home. The guitar messiah adds some star garnish to an already sparkling plate as the band crack through ‘Mistreated’ and the obligatory ‘Highway Star’. This is a blue chip show of the highest quality Classic Rock and a night to be swished like a top-shelf brandy from a crystal glass in front of a roaring autumnal fire after some rib-sticking nosebag.