The Neal Morse band 'The long Road Home Tour' Glasgow O2 ABC 1 Friday 7th April 2017

The Neal Morse band 'The long Road Home Tour' Glasgow O2 ABC 1 Friday 7th April 2017

On a day that saw The Who in town at a rescheduled date at the SEC Hydro for their Tommy and More 2017 tour, West of Scotland living legend Chris Glen, former Bass player with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band and Michael Schenker Group launching his autobiography at the Hard Rock Café in Glasgow. As well as Deep Purple launching what might be their very last studio album Infinite and Prog legends and one of the founding fathers of the concept album, Yes, finally getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame with guest appearance from Geddy Lee of Rush filling in for departed Chris Squire on Bass, on their live version of 'Roundabout' at the induction ceremony; where else would I have rather have been on such an auspicious night? The answer - nowhere else than for the debut appearance of The Neal Morse Band in Glasgow. Early doors (they opened at 6pm) I find myself in the slowing filling O2 ABC 1 a 1350 capacity venue, I manage to sort a position just to back of the mixing desk on the left hand side facing Mike Portnoy's covered drum kit. I had made sure I got here early tonight as I had missed Mike Portnoy's son Max's band Next To None when they supported Haken just over 2 weeks weeks ago in the O2 ABC 2 downstairs. I was expecting to be treated to the full album experience of Similitude of a Dream split in two sets (with an encore of classic Neal Morse Band to round off the night), as Mike Portnoy had let the cat out the bag doing his over two hour 'Live on line' Facebook studio launch playback of the album; broadcast several months earlier. Mike eluding to during that mammoth event that it was in fact the first time he had heard the album played back its entirety in the form we were all about to hear that day, on his way eloquently explaining the different formats of CD and Vinyl had slightly different cut off points and mixes of the Similitude of a Dream album. The album in itself a musical re working of the classic tale of Pilgrims Progress written during author John Bunyan's twelve-year imprisonment for refusing to give up preaching, although not published until 1678 six years after his release. Still to this day utilised as a beacon of hope by Neal Morse reinforcing his commitment as a Christian and highlighting his remarkable songwriting, arranging, producing, playing and vocal abilities; all indelibly stamped on the album. Neal Morse might be the heart and soul of the band but its focus towards crafted quality musicianship songwriting and arranging is augmented by fellow band members brilliantly in the guise of (Mighty) Mike Portnoy on Drums & Vocals, Randy George Bass and Vocals, as well as welcoming on board the two newest members of the band Bill Hubauer Keyboard, Vocals and Saxophone and Eric Gillette Guitar and Vocals.

At 19.03 hrs that three minutes past 7 in old money we start the journey, Set 1 Similitude of a Dream Pt1 commences, with an orchestral intro and the big screen at the back of the stage bursts into life with the album's book cover and album graphics depicting the journey. 'Long Day' kicks of the set Neal Morse haunting vocal refrain with an image of the albums (books) protagonist, a man writing with candle incandescently burning. 'Overture' then burst into life brilliantly as Neal Morse arrives with the band in a star burst of colour its "Hello Glasgow" from Neal as the large screen at the back of the stage displaying symbolic turbulent overcast sky and the road unfolds, the story ready to be kick started and layed bare by the beautiful lead theme guitar; superbly played by Eric Gillette. 'The Dream' sees Neal Morse take up acoustic guitar and bathed in six white spot lights underpinned by the keys of Bill Hubauer harmonise eloquently to highlight the light and shade of this Pilgrims Progress and soon crash into one of the real musical highs of the night. 'City of Destruction' with a Sabbath' paced riff nailed down by Mike Portnoy's brutal drums but also contributing with fantastic harmonies, combined with wicked bass from Randy George and superb lead guitar from Eric Gillette, it show the whole band in a real mood to rip up the number; the city scape fly over on the video screen vaguely like a scene from Blade Runner! 'We Have a Go' comes and goes on Neal Morse on acoustic, keyboards and vocal harmonies, backed up with Mike Portnoy's drums into creating a Prog battle of wits between them, augmented by the rest of a stellar band, leading into 'Make No Sense' an other album highlight and as Neal Morse dawb's some shades and his acoustic guitar and swaps to keyboards recounting the main Similitude of a Dream theme with the band ramping up the volume, it's one of the highlight's of the first set and a gem live; with the band now having hit their stride and Mike Portnoy's double bass drums kicking in like a mule.

Its great to see and hear the band share vocal responsibilities and genuinely seem to enjoy playing with each other, not just a collection of mightily talented and gifted individuals, looking to outdo each other and show off; more like a bunch of really good mates out for a really good time and do justice to a great album that they have just recently made. Next up 'Draw the Line' Mike Portnoy kicks in with lead vocals and boots the band back into major Prog riff mode before Neal Morse takes over lead duties punctuated by stark white stage light, the band being frozen in the head lights, while the head on the screen in a trans like state, soon has the bands jazz leanings kick in, as Steely Dan meets born again Prog via Black Sabbaths 'Planet Caravan'. 'The Sloth' up next Mike Portnoy's kits draped at the front with the mascot of Slothe' a cuddle toy stuffed animal, gives a hint to the sense of humour the band have and the light and shade of attack they have in their style and presentation. Mike had eluded to Slothe's appearance during the Facebook album launch playback a few months ago and Slothe' seems to have made quite an impact with the band and fans alike (although his brother's was not on sale at the merch desk)!

Its then 'Back To The City' riff tactic piano driven with bass, drums, guitar all kicking into gear on a killer of a number but its the lead and backing vocals all round that score a direct hit, combined with a twin keyboard attack on full throttle and steered again by Mike Portnoy; leading the band rhythmically on a brilliantly paced number. 'The Ways Of a Fool' sees acoustic guitar from Neal Morse shard vocals from the band in a very Peter Gabriel era Genesis style harmony, with excellent keyboards from Bill Hubauer, underpinned by superb Bass from Randy George; another first set highlight. 'So Far Gone' kick's into the heaviest number yet, guitarist Eric Gillette sings lead backed by Neal Morse white light punctuated the chorus; highlight the professionalism of Mike Portnoy, cracking on with hammering through the rhythmic pulse of the riff. Meanwhile on Bass Randy George takes over vocals backed by Neal Morse and whole band provide harmonies. Neal Morse nips off stage only to return for set closer 'Breath of Angels' re-entering the now darkened stage, flash light in hand singing robed in white hoodie /cloak, the number rhythmically swirling via Mike Portnoy's military precision drumming combining with the dramatic harmonies of the band, builds with lead guitar of Eric Gillette taking over vocal duties, to a climax that if your not impressed with his technical abilities as a guitar soloist, then there is no hope for you in the listening stakes to Prog rock; quite simply stunning. But then the band leaving the stage in a stark manner. A punctuated full stop to the end of the first set with a rhythmic track utilised at the end of their last number; simply underpinning the moment as they leave the stage.

And just about 20.00 that's 8pm in old money, it's the Intermission, no lady with the choc ices down the front, just the rhythm track still playing before the similitude theme kicks in on piano as the band take a 10 to 15 minute breather, thoughtfully displaying 'Intermission' on the video screen written in the scrill' of the book cover; album art work! The hall is only maybe half to two thirds full and the merch desk at half time ain't doing a roaring trade with t-shirts at 25 quid a pop and hoodie's 35 quid knocked down from 40; best just buying the album instead if you not already got it! But hey, its only the journeys half way point.

We start Set 2 with Part 2 of Similitude of Dream, house lights down at 20.10 that's 10 minutes past 8 in old money. 'Slave To Your Mind', Mike Portnoy snaps his sticks together, timing things in and during the number upping the tempo as the keyboards picks up on it, the vocals range in depth and character of each bands member lending perfectly to the song, Neal Morse announcing 'Bill Hubauer' on keyboard's and we get s shot but sweet solo from Bill blending in to Neil Morse taking over perfectly it's like Close Encounters Of The Third Kind; when the computer and the alien space ship play in sync! Next up, 'Short Cut To Salvation' its back to Neal Morse on keys bathed in yellow and amber light this time Mike Portnoy lends a hand on vocals with great band harmony vocals to boot, Bill Hubauer gets out the saxophone for a short but meaningful bridge and then boom back to the main theme with guitarist Eric Gillette singing and Neal and the rest of the band in harmony with now Mike Portnoy lending some great percussion to round off the track.

Then it comes, the moment the faithful have been waiting a very very long time for, Neal Morse speaks, recounting, "Mike had a lovely day" and how they "ate some haggis" and Neal letting us know "never having being here before" really appreciated the warm welcome. That was really went down well with the faithful, generous applause ensues as you can image, as Neil Morse recounts "about reading an old book and one story jumped out at him" as he introduces 'The Man in the Iron Cage', fantastic heavy riffing with thunderous drumming ala Lee Kersley (formerly of Uriah Heep and Ozzy Osborne's Blizzard Of Ozzy) courtesy of Mike Portnoy and the Ken Hensley (ex Uriah Heep) style keyboards from Bill Hubauer plus 'July Morning' Mike Box (Uriah Heep) praised guitar work from Eric Gillette, sees Neal Morse for the finale' wiping out his acoustic, singing regaled under a beam of light ably assisted by guitarist Eric Gillette on vocals; a genuinely stand out track! 'The Road Called Home' is up next and the Similitude Of a Dream's main theme finale segued in between terrific fayed lighting as Neal Morse leaves the stage and vocals return to guitarist Eric Gillette, to say this young man is a star is an understatement(!), still in his 30's, his future in the realms of prog rock secure for I hope decades to come; a prodigious talent a real star of the future. Not like the twats you get in Take That or any of the fake reality show rubbish that pervades UK and US television.

A visit to the front of the stage from Prog Rocks hardest working drummer, Mike Portnoy pipes up and makes us all aware that "Irn-Bru he loves the stuff" and that "he's been keeping an eye out for the Transatlantic T- Shirts" Mike also loves four guys down the front who he dubs them the "Drunken Scottish Prog Hecklers" tongue in cheek of course, Mike asks us to "lets hear it for the "Drunken Scottish Prog Hecklers ?" I think the guys liked it, they were really enjoying the gig! Who knows, maybe there might be an album in the offing(?); Mike Portnoy and The Scottish Prog Hecklers? Its got a subtle ring to it, if its good enough I might even buy it, you never know Mike might come back and do another gig; at the very least the four guys in question might even get a spot on Cruise To The Edge out of it? Anyway, after the comedy masterclass with Mike Portnony, he introduces 'Freedom Song' Mike Portnoy still let out from behind the kit on tambourine and acoustic guitar from Neal Morse and mandolin from Randy George, the guys stomping through a real old fashion acoustic barn stormer; yes guys I did clap brilliant!

'I'm Running' Mike Portnoy kicks in Cozy Powell esk' the opening salvo of another double bass drum fight to the finish number; akin to erst wise Who era Tommy, in a Roger Daltery solo album style cameo you would find on a Keith Moon tribute track a.k.a 'Under a Raging Moon'; how fitting that tonight the band showing how to out do the Who playing a concept style peice of work with them across town at The 12,000 seat Hydro! We get Bill Hubauer fabulous Jon Lord esk' keyboard solo, then 'The Mask', haunting keys punctuated heartbeat sticato rhythm and Neal Morse in a mask with his hoodie up, Mike Portnoy's drums kick things up a gear with the 'eavy Uriah Heep style key's thundering things along, a high light of the set; though the dragon on the screen seemed a bit odd (certainly not as funny as Rush had for R30) but the masked roman centurion was good.

The early Queen comparison of 'Orge Battle' and 'The Prophets Song' for next numbers up 'Confrontation' and 'The Battle' might seem a bit trite but the harmonics and sticato rthymic power of bass, drums, and guitar tonight might have come directly from Queen II and Night at The Opera, a stunning piece of prog rock, paying homage maybe unwittingly to one of the UK's greatest bands, leaving us the set finale. 'Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise)', the tear jerking refrain sees Neal returning in white hoodie, sky rolling on the screen stunning vocals and solo by guitarist Eric Gillette, leaving Neal Morse one last chance to get to cry his famous "come on" to punctuate the finale', fabulous; it certain left a lump in my throat and tear in my eye. The end of the number would have been more fitting to filling the cavernous SEC Hydro than a half full O2 ABC 1; as the rapturous applause proved on greeting the band on completion of their journey.

Encore, the band return, the big screen behind the stage announcing 'Author Of Confusion' a track from 2004 Neal Morse album One (co written by long term co-writer Bass player Randy George) and who's album cover mirrors quite prophetically the Pilgrims Progress theme of tonight's show, as well as its style of composition encompassing the themes played out through the Similitude of a Dream album, that we have just heard played in full. Strangely acting in itself as a condensed epilogue, a 'paperback' version of tonight's events (including a short Mike Portnoy drum solo to boot - all in the space of about 10 minutes)! All that's left now is Neal Morse bathed in while light and drenched in heart felt vocal intro for 'The Call' the opening track to The Neal Morse Band 2015 album The Grand Experiment leading us into the 2nd and final encore. The quality of musicianship is staggering, quite simply leaving the crowd blown away, culminating at its end a heart warming prog stomp of approval from an overwhelmed and very appreciative Glaswegian audience! As the band prepare to take their bow, Neal Morse introduces each band member in turn to the audience, finally leaving "Mighty Mike Portnoy" to announce "and for the first but definitely not the last time in Glasgow Mr Neal Morse" (The place goes nuts).

To try and sum things up in relation to tonight's show, as Alan Freeman used to say "Not Aff", if anything else is to go by, it will be for The Neal Norse Band as ELP used to put it "welcome back my friends to show that never ends;" Glasgow would whole heartedly approve of that! For a ticket that cost just over 28 quid, a stunning show by a brilliant band and defiantly the best gig in Glasgow on the night; by a country mile! PS. Happy 50th Birthday on the 20th April Mr (Mighty) Mike Portnoy, I'm sure that goes as well from all "The Drunken Scottish Prog Hecklers;" they will be waiting for the call to make that album!!!!!!

Stewart Eadie Words Pictures and Video

(on behalf of The Drunken Scottish Prog Hecklers). Please make sure you tick HD mode via the little cog bottom right of the screen for every video and go full screen for best viewing, trust me its worth it,

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