Bristol, Colston Hall, 1 June 2010 - what the fans said

Some of the views of those who attended and have posted on the Guestbook or Forum form part of this review; a compilation of their thoughts:
 From tidgy (Guestbook):
“First time I have seen the band and the 30 year wait was worth it. Great support act and then a concert sang with aggression and meaning,
Well done lads a terrific evening and the empty seats didn’t bother me one bit.”

 Leigh says (Guestbook):
“An amazing night at the Colston Hall, anyone who was not there missed a memorable night. The new songs felt like they came straight from the heart. Even though there were many empty seats Steve filled the hall with his voice and his wonderful lyrics. The violin enhanced every song and Sebastian was the best ever. I can't wait to see it all again”

Jackie writes (Guestbook):
“The concert started with an outstanding support band. Steve and the band were on top form. Enjoyed the new songs and hearing Panorama and The Lighthouse. Panorama was the song playing on my mind after the concert!”

SteveK’s views (Guestbook):
“Well that was worth the wait !!  Great night last night at the Colston Hall and would echo much that has been said before.  Those that stayed in the bar and missed The Larty Sisters were the losers.  Surely the best support act that I have seen for ages.  They also added to the band and it was great to see them on stage for the whole evening.  Such a shame that there were empty seats though.  Took a real pro to immediately create an atmosphere and make the place feel packed.  I guess it is always difficult to judge ticket sales in advance, but the gig at Cheltenham Town Hall last year was packed and felt that bit more intimate.  Maybe food for thought for next year??  So pleased I got the early copy of Stranger comes to Town as it was interesting how the arrangements had been "adjusted" for live performance.  Almost as though the album was the unplugged version of the live set.  Cheers Steve”

Benethi  (Forum):
“Absolutely Phenomenal!
Steve mentioned that most people there had children and in some cases grandchildren; would just like to say that in my case it was me 'dragging' (didn't actually take much effort) my parents along (and I'm 25 and no children...)

My mum was one of those who were really there for the 'one song', although I have been trying to introduce her to the rest. I told her before we left that she would like Sebastian by the time she'd seen it live, and I was right. She also said (surprised) that she enjoyed it more than the Aussie Floyd gig we went to a couple of months ago, and they were fantastic too, so that's saying something...
My Dad's not really a fan at all as such, (well, he wasn't really a fan I should probably say) but he definitely enjoyed it too.

My second time at a Steve Harley gig. It was good to hear Mr Raffles, as that was missing and very much missed last time (Southampton, 2008). Missed this time was Sling it (fantastic last time), Riding the Waves, and Dino, and I think I'm just going to have to keep going to gigs till I'm lucky enough to catch Tumbling Down...but the new tracks were great too so I can't complain...

Now looking forward to the Glastonbury show, though personally I just wish they'd moved Steve in to replace U2, instead of the, er...Gorillaz”

Saaitken (Forum):
“I have waited 35 years to see Steve and the band play at the Colston Hall and it was better than I ever imagined. Had a fantastic evening, right from the girls at the start to the finale- everything was brilliant- thank-you all so much for still having so much energy and original music.”

MattB enthuses (Forum):
“Couldn't resist the heckle to both the Lartey Lassies and to Steve. -
The girls were great - and the guitar solo mesmerising. - I had to tell her!!
Was also over the moon when the girls joined the band on stage for the whole set - added excellent depth to the sound and the flute was subtle - yet powerful in Sebastian..
As I said, Steve, sounded pretty good to me up on the balcony.. not a full venue, but has classic acoustics.. we made up for numbers in volume.
Yes, new numbers and lack of oldies did mute the atmosphere a bit, but we were all listening and hanging on to every word. Yes I have the album. Yes I have lots of albums. - a great night was had. Lighthouse was magnificent
I really must Google the girlies now, cheerioohh.”