Steve Howe Gig review - Leeds City Varieties 3 October 2000

I've just got back from seeing the remarkable Steve Howe give a phenomenal performance at the Leeds City Varieties Theatre (3 October 2000). I've seen him do a solo concert before (at the Irish Centre also in Leeds) but this one was something else! Apart from a few monitor problems (it's comforting to know it isn't just me who has problems with them!) it was flawless.

Steve played a variety of pieces in a well structured set (visit his website to see a full set list) starting off with several played on the classical guitar. Highlights included "Beginnings" (what an opener!), "Surface Tension" (so that's how you play it!) and "The Ancient". The latter was particularly interesting as I'm in the middle of trying to learn how to play it, and it turns out I'm closer than I thought (but still very poor!). Several electric guitar pieces followed including some new stuff played with a backing track. Fantastic! He concluded the first half with a sparkling rendition of the classic "Mood for a Day".

The second half of the show concentrated on the steel strung acoustic pieces and a change of shirt. The country picking style was most evident with a brilliant collection of pieces including "Country Mix", "Ram" and "Cactus Boogie". He also played the best thing from the Onion album (as Rick Wakeman calls it "because it "brings tears to eyes when you listen to it") "Masquerade" which went down well, and one of my favourites "Valley of Rocks". Of course, he ended the set with a great version of "Clap".

For the encore, out came his little steel guitar! Wow! He played along to a backing track and the sound was awesome. And then he played "Soon" and the goose bumps and "shivers down the spine" arrived with a vengeance. "Top Tune" as my mate said!

For me there were no highlights, everything was special. I could listen to the bloke all night. I've seen a lot of small gigs in my time, but I think this one tops the Wakeman gig at the Piece Hall in Halifax, my previous favourite. Steve seemed to be as relaxed as I've seen him. I liked the quip he made about the "Union" times. Seems everyone involved would like to forget about that album. He commented at one point how quiet the audience were between songs. Well, I think it was out of the tremendous respect we all have for him. Everyone was just in awe of the guy and his unfeasible talent!

The most versatile guitarist the world has ever seen. Brilliant.

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