Galahad

Thomas Tripp, Christchurch

Bournemouth’s Galahad are this year celebrating their 30th year together and since forming in July 1985; the band have been taken on a massive journey through the mists of time with their experimental, progressive anthems. They have released a huge amount of studio albums, as well as toured extensively around the UK and Europe.

They don’t get to play their home County much, however tonight is one of those rare occasions. A small intimate gig as a sort of a warm-up for the big Anniversary party at Mr Kyps on the 4th July. The gig coincides with the Thomas Tripp’s Annual Belgian Beer Festival and the tasty Strawberry “Frulli” beer is going down very well with the Galahad fans.

Galahad 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9

The band kick off with a duo of tracks from the 2012 “Beyond the Realms of Euphoria” album, where they bring together a host of different genres to produce one epic sound. Dean’s keyboards layered with Roy’s guitar, along with the rock solid rhythm section reproduce the band’s studio material perfectly live. Stu’s vocals are still in fine form and this is apparent during an exceptional version of “Guardian Angel’. A nice reworking of an older track “Painted Lady” gets the Galahad 21st Century treatment before live favourite “Empires Never Last” ends the first part of the evenings set.

Recreating this big sound in a small venue is never an easy job so a massive amount of praise must go out to tonight’s sound engineer Russ Gannicott, who has done a sterling job behind the desk. After a short break the band are back for the second half, where they open with another older track “The Chase”. The band have been working hard at “Thin Ice” studios in Surrey on some very special 30th Anniversary releases, which should be available later this year.

Galahad 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9

You have to hand it to them, after thirty years together they are still sounding as great as they ever did-and the songs all seem to stand the test of time really well. The band are mostly in their 40’s and 50’s now but still seem to have masses of energy, putting on a really entertaining show. They try to leave the stage but the crowd are having none of it and firmly demand more. Galahad of course return, rewarding the crowd with an uplifting version of “Seize the Day”. Roy picks up “The beast” a borrowed two-headed guitar of seven and twelve strings, which clearly does the track justice. The evening ends and we only have to wait a few short months until the 4th July gig where I am reliably informed there will be many surprises to look forward to!!