Haze and Twice Bitten at The Peel.

Ok....I know most of you will be going "WHO????" so to explain.....

In the late 70s / early 80s there was a huge Prog revival in the UK. Bands like Marillion, IQ, Pallas, Solstice, Twelfth Night, Pendragon and ................ Haze were treading the boards delighting us long haired old hippies with their songs. It was a great time for gigging and making friends. I'm convinced that this was the Genesis (no pun intended) of the atmosphere that has contributed to the feeling here on Aural Moon.

Haze used to play in London quite regularly and over the years I've seen them about 40 times. They have always delivered strong sets of excellent songs but they haven't played in London for more than 15 years so when it was announced that they would be celebrating their 30th Anniversary with a gig at The Peel I was delighted but even better news was to come!!!!

At a lot of the Haze gigs the support was a duo of excellent musicians, Roger and Greg, who went under the name "Twice Bitten". They played what was termed "Heavy Wood" and the songs they wrote were masterful with a beauty that I can't describe in words. I will try and copy the old cassettes to CD and somehow get them played to you. I'm sure you will love them too. The point is that it was announced that Twice Bitten were going to support Haze so that made me even more determined to go.

I got there early to meet up and chat with some of the guys and gals who make up an ever growing fan base of Prog gigs in the UK and a good time was had........then it all kicked off.

Bliss, sheer bliss!!!! The three guys in the band don't look any different and they played wonderfully. Songs like The night, See her face, Ophelia and The Vice bought the memories flooding back and I have to admit to a little moshing during the blistering version of The Vice that closed the first set.

Twice Bitten then took the stage for an hour long set that included the beautiful Blue Sky Century and Crocus Point. My God it was superb stuff!!

Haze then came back and played for another hour and a quarter and then it was all over. Lots of hugs and handshakes and then it was time to drive home. I hope I get to see them again but if I don't I'm left with some wonderful memories of some wonderful gigs.

I took some photos and they can be found here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2639966...7605370657427/

A thought occurred to me after I posted this and that is........considering there weren't that many guys on stage last night I have never, in my life, seen so many guitars used during one gig. I counted SEVEN double necks and countless single necks but they all went to make up what was a beautiful experience for this old fart..

[eloy1964]

Thanks for this review and photos Keith. It brings back so many memories of my days at Hull University where they used to play. From one old fart to another cheers, I owe you a pint!

[Ted]

Keithie,

I 2nd that thank you for the review and especially the photos - WOW - very nice.

Keep on PROGGIN'

Regards from Texas,
Ted