HW: Porchester

[Rich W]

It's 3AM and the the Jet lag has me wide awake.

Porchester was a fantastic weekend. It was lovely to see everyone again, 
and to meet new folk. This was intended to be a party, and thats what it 
was. A gathering of friends from all over the world enjoying the music 
we all love.

There were many highlights for me.

Musically, to finally hear Fahrenheit 451 live (twice), also 'You'd 
Better Believe It' which I have never heard a better version of in all 
my years as a Hawkfan. I liked the new songs. Everyone in the band 
looked Happy. Tim played some fabulous Theremin, and was really givin it 
some with the Keytar/Virtual Axe out front. I thought Captain Rizz 
worked out very well for the middle section of Assassins/Hassan, 
although not so much for Spirit of the Age ;-) Spirit felt a little 
untogether on Friday, but Sauturday it was dead on.

Dave playing Harmonica however briefly was alone worth the price of 
admission :-) 'Mirror of Illusion' and 'Green Finned Demon' were a 
pleasure. I totally disagree with some of the earlier comments about 
Huw, I think he was great on the Saturday, with various band members 
guesting on different tracks (Tim playing Harmonica!!!) and Marion on 
board to keep him flying. He still looks frail, but he belonged there, 
and I was very happy to see him.

(Pause for Extreme Fanboy Moment)

Toby Marks!!! Banco De Gaia. Toby was DJing some great chill/spacey 
stuff all weekend, which was fantastic, specially Saturday afternoon. If 
you haven't heard any 'Banco De Gaia' albums, please go and check them 
out. 'Maya' the first proper album (after his early tape stuff) is a 
good place to start, then 'Last Train to Lhasa'
Toby is exploring some of his influences on the new album 'Memories 
Dreams Reflections' including covers of Floyd, King Crimson, and 
Hawkwind. His 22 minute version of Floyds 'Echoes' is bloody great. 
Normally I'm quite shy about introducing myself, but I went over the DJ 
booth and had my fanboy moment with Toby :-)

(End Extreme Fanboy Moment)

Clive From 'Dr. and the Medics' was a smashing MC for the Friday gig.

Richards Badger puppet spouting about Death Metal, in the Q and A 
session. Hilarious.

Thanks to Kris, Dave, and everyone involved for a great weekend.

Rich W.