Van der Graaf Generator - Live in Basel (May 6th, 1972)

Van der Graaf Generator
Cinema Mascotte, Basel, Switzerland
May 6th, 1972

Audience Recording
Quality: A-

Easily the best sounding recording of 1972 and early Van der Graaf in general, Basel also happens to be a great show despite the circumstances. Earlier that day they had already played a show in Bern and by the time they got on stage to play in Basel it was 2 AM (technically putting the performance date on May 7th instead of 6th). The setlist of this show was played in reverse for whatever reason, perhaps to avoid monotony. As it turns out, “Theme One” is a great way to open a show. It’s a shame they didn’t do that again. During the second verse of “Killer” it sounds like Hammill begins scatting the lyrics, it’s quite silly. It’s also a killer version of the song (the second time I’ve used this pun). The vocals in this show are much better than you’d expect from a show that started past midnight. “Lemmings” isn’t perfect but it’s still quite fiery, especially thanks to Banton and Evans, and Jackson when you can hear him. This is the first recording of their single “W” live. It’s a cute song despite the depressing lyrics. It’s strange hearing “Lost” and “Darkness (11/11)” so late into the set. Hammill clearly sounds tired by this point, but delivers his vocals as best he can. “Octopus” remains their encore song this show, unaffected by the setlist reversal they did for the rest of the songs. Overall a fine show, and despite not being as visceral as the earlier Italian shows in February, it’s definitely an essential listen. Not only because of its great quality, but from the unique setlist and surprisingly good performances of each song despite the band’s super late start.

0:00 - Intro
1:36 - Theme One
7:25 - After the Flood
22:01 - Killer
32:53 - Lemmings
45:52 - W *
53:15 - Lost
1:07:10 - Darkness (11/11)
1:15:16 - Octopus

- First live recording

Download: https://mega.nz/folder/Ojon3SZZ#JtU-9QZ1Yw...

Peter Hammill: Vocals & Guitar
Guy Evans: Drums
Hugh Banton: Keyboards & Bass Pedals
David Jackson: Saxophone & Flute