“When You’re Up on the Stage it’s so Unbelievable*”

RH@M/CR: Roger Hodgson, Palace Theatre, Manchester, 03 October 2007

One of the geniuses behind Supertramp Roger Hodgson delivered a virtuoso performance at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

Most of the audience ranged from long time Supertramp fanatics to that of their children brought up on the band’s music. Roger’s reportoire comprised of old favourites such as ‘Dreamer’, ‘The Logical Song’ and ‘It’s Raining Again’, plus a few post Supertramp numbers such as ‘Lovers in the Wind’. As well as performing the old favourites, he also introduced the audience to a new song ‘Oh Brother’ which features on his latest DVD ‘Take the Long Way Home’.

Highlights of the concert included an extended version of ‘Breakfast in America’, ‘Don’t Leave Me Now’, the saxophone work of Aaron McDonald, and the second playing of ‘Give a Little Bit’ during the encore. On closing my eyes I had to think for a split second as to whether I was listening to Aaron McDonald or John Helliwell!

As well as the songs, Roger interacted with the audience very well, allowing audience participation and sporting a good sense of rapport.

For those who missed the Manchester gig, there is another chance to see him at Glasgow, Bournemouth, London and Birmingham (details available on http://www.rogerhodgson.com). Whether you’re an ardent Supertramp fan or not, this was £35 well spent.

Setlist:

• Take the Long Way Home
• Give a Little Bit
• Lovers in the Wind
• Hide in your Shell
• Oh Brother (or Keep the Pigeons Warm)
• Easy Does It
• Sister Moonshine
• The Logical Song
• Rosie Had Everything Planned
• Along Came Mary
• The Meaning
• Breakfast in America
• Even in the Quietest Moments
• Lord, Is It Mine
• Don’t Leave Me Now
• If Everyone Was Listening
• Dreamer
• It’s Raining Again

Encore:

• School
• Give a Little Bit

S.V, 05 October 2007

Postscript:

On a personal note, this ended for me several years of waiting to see the former Supertramp vocalist. I have been a staunch fan of Supertramp and Roger’s solo work for nearly a decade, though always liked their songs some time before then. Keep it up!