Covering the years 1995 – 2010, this third volume collection of Cherry Red’s box sets documenting Glenn Hughes’ onstage career showcases what is, for many, the undisputed voice of rock’s raw in concert presence. Taken from both soundboard and ‘sourced’ recordings across four performances, this six-CD edition represents Hughes’ mid to later period live purple patch.
Labelled as an ‘official bootleg’ series, there’s a warts and all feel to these unreleased live performances which, whilst sometimes uneven in EQ and sound quality, reveals an artist in all of his unbridled glory playing himself out with that unmistakable hallmark of soulful rock passion.
Not one to trouble the locks on arena doors anymore, yet still keeping locksmiths busy, Hughes still blows off the doors of small and medium-sized venues as these recordings at The Astoria 2, Esquires in Bedford, the Spring & Airbrake, Belfast and a near hometown gig at The Wulfrun Hall explosively prove. The scope of material played at these shows is plucked from across Hughes’ illustrious career including choice numbers from early Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes & Thrall and his solo releases right up to 2010.
Dug in like a deer tick, captured here are treasured and rarely played classic songs that more than satisfyingly scratch the itch for hearing them played live again. Moreover, that voice sounds as pristine as ever; even on some of the slightly substandard audio sources.
All in all an essential collection of concerts for fans chronicling the continuing Glenn Hughes live experience.
Glenn Hughes
The Official Bootleg Box Set
Volume Three 1995-2010
8/10
By Paul Davies