And so, after an absence of a mere three years, Ten returned to a live stage in the UK in the most unexpected of places, Fleetwood to be exact. The Marine Hall was playing host to 'Fleetwoodstock', an event aimed at helping local charities and the perfect low-key show for Ten to re-expose themselves (in the nicest possible way) to the paying public away from the spotlight of a more rock orientated crowd.

It must be said that for a venue that probably doesn't get to host that many rock acts, the Marine Hall could teach a thing or two to more established venues about sound and lighting as it was nigh on perfect for the band - although the sound could have done with being a tad louder perhaps. However with the stage swathed in washes of blue and red lights and a crystal clear sound Ten were back, or were they? Vocalist Gary Hughes had been suffering from a sore throat for over a week and from what I heard the gig was very nearly pulled - but like troopers Ten played on regardless, albeit with a shortened show.

Given the recent news that Ten had resigned to Frontiers for a 'Best Of' compilation due to be released in the New Year it is hardly surprising that the band concentrated on older material for their truncated set. Opening up to a tape of 'March Of The Argonauts' from 1999 Spellbound album the band launched straight into the follow-up track from that particular album, namely ' Fear The Force'. The immediate thing that was noticeable about the band was Gary Hughes' newly shorn locks replaced with a near crew-cut. Kitted out head to toe in black leather with the addition of aviator shades, the man looked every inch a rock star as he stalked the width and length of the stage. 

Musically after only two nights rehearsals, and with a new drummer in tow to boot, the band were not as tight as they have been in the past but to be honest that fact probably hardly mattered to the majority in attendance. Spellbound, Ten Fathoms Deep & Silent Rain all  followed in quick succession and as each song passed the band visibly grew in confidence. If there was an area in this performance where there is room for improvement than it is with lead guitarist Chris Francis. Not by any means in a technical or playing ability sense, but simply in his demeanor in a live situation. At times Francis simply does not look comfortable in the spotlight, although Ten's extended break has probably done little or nothing to help and hopefully some extended future gigging will set things to rights..

Rounding out the main body of the show with  a quartet consisting of 'The Robe', 'After The Love Has Gone', 'The Name of The Rose' & 'Wildest Dreams', Ten were deservedly called back for an encore and served up another track from the Spellbound album in the shape of 'Red'. All in all this was a solid start for the re-awakened Ten and provided a foundation from which they can once again begin to build. Hughes in particular seemed to be in fine voice, without being told before hand about his voice problems one would never have known, and he seemed genuinely happy to back on stage fronting the band and that only augurs well for the future. Welcome back Guys!

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