It’s been 39 years plus and Glenn Hughes, nicknamed “The Voice” returned to play Buffalo, New York. This past Monday night the newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer finally graced the stage playing the Iron Works. His fans have been waiting for this moment and Hughes along with his 3 piece band (which included Soren Anderson on guitar and Pontus Engborg on drums) gave a performance that will be talked about for years to come.
The near capacity crowd at the Iron works were treated to a setlist that included work from his time with Trapeze, Black Country Communion and of course, Deep Purple. As the band kicked into the first few tracks, Hughes apologized for making the fans wait 40 years to see him. He then proceeded to the story of writing his first song in his grandmother’s kitchen at age 17. That song was the title track to Trapeze’ 2nd album called “Medusa.” Hughes is called the voice of rock for good reason. He still has exceptional range and displayed that on almost every track he sang on. Hughes got choked up professing his love for America. Even though born in Britain, he has lived in the United States for 43 years and stated he hopes to become an America citizen later this year.
Hughes introduced the track “Can’t Stop the Flood” talking about how he wanted to have a song that reminded him of a John Bonham (the late Led Zeppelin drummer) laden groove that makes you want to shake your ass too. The song came off as a fan favorite and got the crowd going as well. Both Sorenson and Engborg were solid in their playing and were a perfect complement to Hughes and what he was trying to communicate and give the audience.
He dedicated “Keep on Moving” to the memory of Deep Purple keyboardist John Lord and guitarist Tommy Bolin. Hughes expanded on what he told BackstageAxxess on our interview posted last week Interview; that he will be meeting with Joe Bonamassa to write the next Black Country Communion record. He doesn’t know if there will be a tour or where they will play but stated “this is New York and Joe’s home state so we hope that we can come back and play for you wonderful people.” This drew a huge applause obviously. He closed the show with one of the most signature Deep Purple tracks ever in “Burn.”
What a show and it was one of the best if not the best show I saw by any performer this year. This is a MUST see when it comes anywhere by you.
Setlist:
Way Back to the Bone
Muscle & Blood
Orion
Touch of my Life
First Step of Love
Stormbringer
Medusa
Can’t Stop the Flood
One Last Soul
You Keep on Moving
Soul Mover
Encore:
Black Country
Burn
We would like to thank Kevin Chiaramonte from PFA media for the credentials to review the show.
