Whilst he might have lived in LA for the past 20-odd years Glenn Hughes will always have a special affinity with the Midlands, having been born in nearby Cannock. And so what better way to kick start his latest tour than with a gig in front of a packed JB’s crowd that included his former Trapeze sparring partner (and ex-Whitesnake guitarist) Mel Galley. Hughes has been going through something of a purple patch over the last few years, sparked by the excellent ‘Soul Mover’ in 2005 and a powerful collaboration with Tony Iommi on ‘Fused’. His current album, ‘Music For The Divine’, is also a little bit special and was given top marks here earlier this year (link to review). 

Tonight’s show marked the debut of his new band, drummer Mark Mondesir, guitarist Jeff Kollman and Anders Olinder on keyboards. This might have been the first night but these guys gelled as if they had been playing together for years. Kicking off with ‘Valiant Denial’ this was a high energy, up-tempo set of the finest FUNK ROCK you could have wished for. And when Glenn led the band into an emotion drenched version of the Mk III classic ‘Mistreated’ he proved himself to be the best vocalist Deep Purple ever had. But of course we knew that anyway… 

A couple of covers sat comfortably alongside some of the more recent solo material, ‘Nights In White Satin’ was another opportunity for Glenn to showcase his amazing voice and he introduced ‘A Whiter Shade Of Pale’ as being the song that made him want to be a musician in the first place, way back in 1965. From the current album, ‘Blacklight’ and ‘You Got Soul’ were definite highlights and got a great reaction from the crowd, proving they weren’t just here for the old songs. The show closed with Kollman playing the familiar riff and leading the band into a frantic version of ‘Burn’ that was rapturously received. 

I only made a late decision to attend this gig and was very glad that I did – if you get the chance go and see him in action and you will not be disappointed. This is one show I will definitely remember for a very long time. Glenn promised to come back next year and ask the audience what other songs we’d like to hear – so I’ll start the campaign now for ‘Might Just Take Your Life’. 

Absolutely stunning.

Set List

Valiant Denial
Monkey Man
Orion
Land of the Living
Nights in White Satin
Blacklight
Mistreated
In My Blood
Don't Let me Bleed
You Got Soul
Steppin' On
You Keep On Moving

Whiter Shade of Pale
Soul Mover
Burn

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