Ray Wilson in Essen on Oct 24th 2005

[lotus]

The gig took place in the KKC in Essen. This is a little taverne in the University of Essen, where they have a multiple pupose room, aprox 150 m² for events, disco etc. So, the place, small and very kind and we were aprox 200 ppl attending the gig.

Ray begun with "The Lamb" from Genesis, which really was a heart opener for us all, continuing with "Carpet Crawlers". After these songs he had us in the right mood. The gig continued with songs from his last album like Sarah, Ghost etc., mixing some Genesis like "Ripples", "Follow you, Follow Me" and some of his Stilskin time. In total, with the encore the gig lasted 2:20 hours. Great time!!!

It was the third gig I saw with Ray Wilson in the last 12 month. 2 (as this last one) with full band and one acoustic trio (only keyboards, guitar (his brother Steve) and Ray himself). The gigs with the full band are one of the best I ever saw. Ray is just the life performer. His instrument is his voice, which I (with my limited expirience) consider the best on the (prog, but not only prog) scene.

The lineup with Irvin Duguid and the McMillan brothers excellent. Only (and I am sorry for this) his brother Steve is not first class as the rest is.

Mrs Lotus and I had an excellent time. his (and the first full band gig) are for sure in the short list of best gigs I ever saw.

And now I will commit a sacrilege: Musical Box with the "The Lamb", which I saw together with Rogor in February, is for me (and this is my personal opinion) far, far away from the quality that Ray inspires to the old Genesis tunes, as he gives these old songs his personal note, which Musical Box does not do. He really lives these songs, like his own one. I know, that this will be commented very controversial....

I am looking forward to Rays next gig on Feb 11th, which I will attend with RogorMortis. And I will Rogor make the comment here....

Last but not least: If Ray comes near to your place and you do not go, you commit a crime!!!!!