Share the post "Gig review: STEVE ROTHERY BAND – Band On The Wall, Manchester, 12 January 2017"
This hour special was broadcast in the first hour of David Randall’s weekly show ‘Assume The Position’ on Sunday 18 September at 22:00 GMT on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.
With an opening set provided by the Dave Foster Band (effectively SRB minus the main man, and with Dinet Poortman on vocals) the bill was one packed with quality playing. And whilst Foster’s support set was brief, it was a rare opportunity for a live encounter with some of the highlights from his excellent 2016 Dreamless ‘solo’ album – from the unrestrained power of ‘Black Sunrise’ to the shimmering ‘pop’ of ‘New York Rain’ with its exquisite bluesy guitar lines.
But when Rothery sidled, unannounced, on stage to reprise his cameo performance on the smouldering ‘Ache’, the chasm between master and the apprentice was never starker. In just a few short lines, he took the number to another level. All the great guitarists have a signature sound, and Rothery’s distinctive warm fluid style demonstrated just why he’s deserving of a place at the ‘top table’.
His own set, divided in two halves – Ghosts, and Garden Parties – was an opportunity for him to step out of his Marillion straitjacket in a way that will be unfamiliar to most. Centre stage, chatty and engaging, and with a constant wide grin – as were his band – Foster and his Panic Room bass mate Yatim Halimi, Leon Parr (drums), and Riccardo Romano (keys) – this was a different persona from that encountered at Marillion gigs. As distinct as a day at the office, and a ‘kick about’ with the lads.
And so to the Ghosts Of Pripyat set – although now two years old, the album will still be undiscovered by many, but what more is there to say? My 2015 reviewer’s choice album on the year, and described by fellow reviewer Alan Jones as ‘perfection’ and ‘simply majestic’, it is without doubt Rothery’s finest hour.
And all the more remarkable for being an instrumental concept album (with credit, it must be added, to co-writer Foster). Little surprise, therefore, that ‘merch’ copies had sold out the previous night. ‘Guitar heaven’ doesn’t get much better than this.
For the Garden Parties set, Foster made way for Glaswegian vocalist Martin Jakubski from Fish-era tribute band Stillmarillion and, while I have to confess to not being the greatest fan of that period Marillion, for Rothery it was ‘an opportunity to play some of my favourite guitar solos I wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to’. And while true to the period nature of the material, Jakubski’s vocals/presence were much less overbearing than those of Fish, giving the musical content – and Rothery’s guitar parts – space to breathe.
It was, it must be said, a peerless performance from both Rothery and the band, and one with a real ‘feel good factor’ throughout. Cleary the formative Marillion era is still very close to Rothery’s heart (and much of the audience), but come on Steve – you’re on a roll, how about a follow up to Ghosts?
Setlist: Morpheus / Kendris /Old Man Of The Sea / White Pass / Summer’s End / Cinderella Search / Chelsea Monday / Incubus / Fugazi / Sugar Mice / Three Boats Down From The Candy / White Russian / Encore: Garden Party
Review by Pete Whalley
Photos by David Randall
Album review (Ghosts Of Pripyat, 2014)
Album review (Dave Foster Band, Dreamless, 2016)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
Recent (last 30 days)
Share the post "Gig review: STEVE ROTHERY BAND – Band On The Wall, Manchester, 12 January 2017"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
