Generation V

I got into Van Der Graaf Generator through the back door of Peter Hammill's proto-punk offering Nadir's Big Chance. Some time after that I picked up Pawn Hearts and God Bluff, neither of them as immediately appealing to me as Nadir's. Nonetheless, they were interesting enough for me to check out Van Der Graaf Generator when they grabbed a headlining slot on the Subway Stage. They seemed like a peculiar choice for Bluesfest, despite their formidable reputation - but there are apparently sufficient prog fans in the area - Gatineau represent! - to create a decent-sized crowd. I thought their set was okay, but as I observed at the time, the absence of their saxophonist is keenly felt.

Hugh Banton weighs in from the right.



Peter Hammill on the left.



That is one teeny-tiny tom Guy Evans is playing.



Hugh is a bit out of the spotlight.



This is the tricky bit!



This is the astonishing bit!


This is the shadowy bit.



Guitar action, now with extra shouting!



Guitar action, now with extra sparkles.



And one last Peter close-up.



The whole lot!



Can we turn the lights up a bit? Thanks.



They're feelin' mighty blue now.



After the first few songs I toodled off to see some of Jeff Beck.

• Show reminder: The Beach Blankets, Wicked Awesomes, Futensil, Ultrathin and Holy Cobras perform at Leaky Pipes at 636 Somerset St. this may be the Blankets last show, so for heaven's sake don't miss 'em. Deadbeat Professionals, The Red Light Saints and Sin Kickers play Zaphod's.