There are very few musicians who retain the aura of a true rock star and are rightly considered living legends. Glenn Hughes is the epitome of these descriptions and of course we didn’t expect his performance in Athens to find out. But it was thrilling to see him on stage, catching even the most challenging notes and at the same time being so comfortable and moved at the same time. That’s why there were more than a few times when he kept thanking us and expressing his love to us. Magical moments!
At 10:00 exactly and with the crowd having created a beautiful atmosphere in a satisfyingly full venue, Hughes makes his appearance and the time travel begins! That’s exactly what it was. Those of us lucky enough to be there felt like we were watching a concert back in 1974, when bands were indulging in lengthy improvisations and getting lost in the magic of music, turning songs into…vehicles for a mystique where artist and audience became one. This is exactly what we felt that night. In the two-hour set Hughes and his fantastic band celebrated the 50th anniversary of the monumental “Burn” with 8 songs (!) from Purple’s MKIII and MKIV lineup and I guess I don’t need to tell you what happened when the first notes of “Stormbringer” rushed through the PA, do I? The follow up with “Might Just Take Your Life” and “Sail Away” was impressive and I personally never thought I’d ever hear those anthems. But…never say never.
The performance of “You Fool No One” is reminiscent of the famous live recordings “Live in London” and “Made in Europe” as it clocks in at 25 minutes in length with “High Ball Shooter” and an inventive drum solo coming in somewhere in between. Hughes’ stories between songs provide much needed respite and the end of the regular set with “Getting’ Tighter” and “You Keep On Moving” remind us of the late Tommy Bolin and Purple’s short-lived MKIV line-up. The encore with “Burn” sets the club on fire and I couldn’t think of a more ideal ending to a sensational performance. I can’t even imagine what the whole experience would have been like if Blackmore had agreed several years ago to play with Lord/Coverdale/Hughes who had already concurred to everything! Oh well, as our English friends say…
Now, I’m not going to say anything new or radical. The truth is that we don’t know if it will be the last time or not that we will see these huge artists in our country, it is our obligation…yes, that’s the right word: obligation, to honour them with our presence. Believe me, you will remember it for a lifetime afterwards. As Glenn said: music will not change the world but it can certainly heal the world! The smiling faces around me after the concert were a testament to this quote. Thank you, Glenn…thank you, The Voice of Rock!
Sakis Nikas
Photos: Yiannis Dolas
