Now for the review of the bands as I remember it..

GPS – Great opening act. Played a lot of their own stuff and a few Asia tracks. Really rather good. Ryo wasn’t really missed IMHO as Erik Norlander was fantastic. It was great chatting to him later in VAX’s room over a few pints of the black stuff. Too.

Ambrosia - Eclectic set pop/rock and symphonic prog to fusion. Really tight. They looked like they were having a good time too and you can’t ask for more than that can you?

Blind Ego – Very enjoyable. Terrific vocal performance. Made me go out and buy their CD and Arena’s Immortal. They finished up by hammering out a Deep Purple song which got the place rocking.

Ritual – BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! This Brit was moved to tears by their performance. The acoustic sections were amazing and they even had the crowd singing along. I will never forget this set as long as I live.

RPWL - Dark vibe with video display. Really professional performance playing a lot of the new album. Fantastic guitar work and the vocals were spot on.

CIRCA – WHAT??????? Bloody hell they were LOUD. Billy’s Bass was so high in the mix that when he played the low notes I felt like I’d cracked a couple of ribs. Jimmy Hahn’s guitar was a bit too low down in the mix but you soon adapted. Tony Kaye was superb as was Alan White. They finished off with a 40 minute medley of Yes songs sans vocals. It proved what superb Riffs Yes came up with. Great music indeed.

There was a party in the hotel that evening which went on until the early hours. Got to meet and hear the wonderful Violin Cyndee. Shame she couldn’t have played more. Also chatted to Billy Sherwood and Tom Brislin who played a bit too. Then back to VAX’s room for more beer.

Credo – They kicked off Sunday playing to a large crowd considering that most people were a tad hung over from the previous night’s parties. Mark the singer had the audience in the palm of his hand and the band got crowd ovations and everyone I talked too thought it was an amazing show. Second best concert of this weekend for me. The song “The Letter” is incredible for the emotion it evokes. Rather disturbing if the truth be known. The band are some of the nicest guys I have ever met in the Prog world and there were lots of hugs all round after the gig.

Black Bonzo – Reminded me greatly of Uriah Heep. The guitarist even looked like Mick Box and played the same Gibson guitar. The set was heavy but controlled. Very well done guys.

Crack the Sky – Awesome instrumental sections that had me bopping in my seat. I really enjoyed this set even though I wasn’t too familiar with their music. Chatted to some of them the next morning. The guitarist thought I was in CIRCA…….bizzarre. I laughed my head off at that one.

Wishbone Ash - They served up everything the fans wanted. Great versions of Warrior, Throw down the sword, Way of the world and Phoenix. I was bopping about in my chair and noticed that I had been joined by T8R’s daughter Rachel who seemed to be getting into them too. Excellent!!!!!! Considering that The Ash had played a gig in London the evening before they seemed wide awake and I have to admit that Andy’s vocals were the best I’d heard from him in decades. Wonderful.

The venue itself was great and the acoustic was good. The town itself is a nice place as well with good eating and drinking outlets close by.

Last but by no means least, a HUGE thank you to VAX and Martha for putting us up at the start of the week. You will never know quite HOW much I love and appreciate your kindness. It was also superb meeting more of you beautiful Moonbuds and budettes. My life would be incomplete without you.

Here’s to next year.