“A Visit To The Red Institution” – The John Hackett Band live at The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool, 14th November 2025. Review and photographs by Alan Hewitt. Setlist courtesy of Duncan Parsons.
A gig by the JHB in Liverpool is always a treat. Last time it was in the now sadly defunct Zanzibar Club. Tonight, a wet and windy Friday, and we have been upgraded to the plush Capstone Theatre, part of the LIPA. A lovely theatre with excellent sound.
Tonight, like last time the billing was being shared. This time with EBB. Now, I knew nothing about this band or their music but I got something of an indication of what I was about to see when I met their very colourful merchandising lady before the gig! How can I describe EBB to anyone who hasn't seen them? They somewhat resemble an amalgam of Hawkwind in the days when they had Sonia with them and a parade of female Indian deities...oh, apart from their bass player who looked like an extra from Vikings! Musically, the emphasis was heavily on what I would call psychedelic rock with plenty of extended soloing and some very bizarre sight gags which didn't always work I'm afraid. Musically, I will be honest and say it was not to my taste but even I have to appreciate the musicianship being displayed.
Now to the, as far as I was concerned, main event. Gigs by the JHB are thankfully becoming slightly more frequent events. With a stable line up comprising some incredibly talented musicians they are garnering excellent reviews. |
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The show gets under way with MDLXXXIX, the band's homage to the failed Drake/Norreys attempt to singe the king of Spain's beard once again. Musically here the band are incredibly tight and this one sets the scene for what follows.
That is followed by Burnt Down Trees and Ace Of Wands/A Tower Struck Down a wonderful contrast between one of the jazzier offerings from the band and the classic Hackett tracks which John played such a big part in. Nick Fletcher and Duncan Parsons make an incredibly effective unit on the latter whilst Jeremy Richardson underpins everything with some fine bass playing.
Who Let The Rain In and Clare's Tango are another contrasting pair. The former with its withering commentary on social media and our obsession with it and the latter being a mettalic pungently brittle performance piece in which both Nick Fletcher and Duncan Parsons astonish with the sheer diversity and power of their playing. I an anazed at how much sound Duncan can get out of such a small drumkit!
What can I say about I Talk To The Wind? The first bona fide PROG classic and a masterpiece from start to finish. Here the band come together to give us a truly gorgeous rendition with John's vocals being a tour de force. Delicate and yet powerful this was a masterclass in performance.
Winds Of Change and Red Institution prove that the new album isn't just a studio classic; but is equally impressive in the live department and the band gave impressive readings of their new offering for us tonight before closing the show with.... |
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Shadow Of The Hierophant. Once again, what can I say about this? A classic slice of Hackett delivered piping hot and the audience relished every morsel and that was it. A shorter set than normal but a show by the JHB is always a delight and this one certainly was – more please!
