Van Der Graaf Generator Tickets

Having enjoyed the band's concert in Arlington and hearing the Buffalo show was exceptional (Meurglys Three was played) I am thrilled to say that their NY performance was for me a high-light of all the shows I have seen them play since 76'. Peter, as ever, put his heart and soul into ever word and note. Guy's drumming drove and colored each song, as only he can. For me Hugh's keyboard playing holds the songs together and adds the luxury of great bass lines. He spent three months getting to grips with "Flight' and it was worth every second of his time. This performance seemed to flow beautifully. contrasting the rich melodies ("Full force of gravity pulls me down....") and the brutal sections ("Nothings in black and white...".) "Lifetime" has developed a little more with Peter adding extra subtle lead guitar and seems to be played with great confidence. I didn't want "All that Before" to finish as, as ever, the mix of piano/guitar/gentle/loud songs always creates extra enjoyment. A few people I spoke to prior to the show wanted to hear "Child like faith..." which was rewarded and received a standing ovation .Encoring with "Still Life" seemed fitting. I asked a couple of teens (one 15yr old girl and a 16yr old boy) in the audience how they had come across VDG and both said it was their father's 'fault". Finally, we must all say a huge thank you to the band and their roadies for pulling this tour off. The band are traveling long distances in a people carrier style car, towing equipment in a trailer and who knows what other difficulties along the way. What a band, what a song writer, what output. If they are able to continue I do believe there will be yet another VDGG album; like all fans I don't want the VDG story to end. As Peter strains forward to the future, perhaps a Special guest musican will appear as well...?.

Van Der Graaf were fantastic. As a 28 year old, it was such a thrill for me to see this band because I am too young to have seen them in the early stages of their career. It was amazing to see such fantastic musicianship and dynamics between a band whose members clearly are in synch with another in the most impressive way. The band showed off their musical complexity while preserving their unique sense of melody and craftsmanship as composers. Unforgettable night!

Unbelievably incredible show! A must for any van der graaf fan!!

Seemed like not a bad seat in the house. Band was in good form. Glad to have the chance to see what I likely the last opportunity to see VdGG in the States.

Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton and Guy Evans, after decades of playing together, still make music with a fierce intelligence and an energy level that would bring younger musicians to their knees. They don't rest on their past achievements, either, constantly adding new or revamped material to their set list. Guy Evans on drums keeps a hawk-like eye on his band mates while laying down a rhythm that is intricate, complex and driving. He plays with more musicality than any other rock drummer I can name, whether the music veers toward jazz, rock or experimental forms. Hugh Banton brings power and delicacy to his organ and bass pedal playing. And Hammill, though looking like a frail bird, sings and plays as if he is possessed. Together this trio plays as if their lives depended on wringing every bit of life and power out of their instruments that they can, while reaching spiritual heights that give their audience goose bumps and bring tears to many a jaded eye. Their music, performed live, is more vital and full of passion than almost any other band I have ever seen.

2 years ago VDGG came to Buffalo, and I had no way to go. Then a miracle occurred: they came back to the same place! Here it is over 30 years a fan, and I finally get to see this band made up of 3 of the original members: Peter Hammill, Guy Evans, & Hugh Banton! Pinch me, am I dreaming? No opening band, and we got there right on time for a fairly prompt start. It seemed like pH was having some equipment problems at first with his keyboard, but after they were straightened out, the music was pretty spectacular. pH's voice was amazing, and we were treated to 10 songs (you can find the setlist elsewhere online), 2 of which were from Hammill's solo outings. Evans' drumming was really colorful and fluid- we enjoyed the drum solo very much. Hugh Banton: how do you play those bass lines AND that killer keyboard? I doubt there will be another chance to experience this band, so please: if you are a fan, do go see them. Shamefully there were only about 150 people there for this magical event.