Live Recording
Aylesbury, England, Friars
April 19, 1975
Vincent Lyons
writes the following about this show on his MySpace web site devoted to Live
Fruupp: "Back in 1975, then only 16, music lover Roger Pettit and
friend Chris Partridge went to see Fruupp perform at their fave local venue the
Friars in the small town of Aylesbury, UK. They had a cassette recorder with
them, which did a very adequate job of capturing some of the concert. This was
about the 3rd or 4th time the two lads had seen Fruupp perform live, their first
experience being at Wycombe Town Hall back when Stephen Houston was still with
them. This recording has never before been aired nor shared, and was for many
years (1984 to 2008) hidden in a carton of audio tapes in Roger’s house in
Tanzania, where he was working. Having discovered the Fruupp website, he went
and searched for his long-lost tape only to find it had been moved from house to
house and very nearly lost or dumped. As fate would have it, he found the tape
and was able to share it here. This new upload features a beautiful rendition
from the concert, 'The Perfect Wish', as featured on the “Prince of Heavens
Eye” album. Recording quality is good, and aside from a little background
hiss, it is crisp and clear, and shares unique live moments from a magical
Fruupp concert. This is now only the 6th live recording to ever emerge in the
whole world, and is undoubtedly a real gem! This concert took place soon after
the release of Modern Masquerades, their fourth album, and only months after
they released “Prince of Heavens Eyes” , so this Fruupp line-up includes
John Mason on keyboards, successor of first keyboard player, Stephen Houston.
Finally, a word from Roger himself, now aged 50 and a lapsed leftie rhythm
guitarist himself,,,,, “For those who remember the progressive rock scene in
1975, it was a real achievement for a band to have remained fresh, creative and
at the top of their game at a time when many top bands were running out of steam
(ie Yes, Genesis, Purple, Sabbath etc) .Sure enough the coming of Punk Rock was
imminent, and yet Fruupp maintained their unique dynamism and unrivalled talent.
Enjoy the music and let me know if you want me to write more about this gig.
Sadly there is no performance of the highly elusive Steam Machine, but the
rendition of Annie Austere is simply awesome! We might just upload it if there
is demand. Please give feedback by commenting below.".
Set list
It's All Up Now
Decision
On a Clear Day
Lord of the Incubus
Annie Austere
Knowing You
Crystal Brook
The Perfect Wish (9:24)
Song for a Thought