Short Reviews [IQ - 1986 - "Live from London [Camden Palace 1985]"]

It is more than 30 years since I first reviewed this album, but a new remixed version is being released at the end of January which includes a restored video master on region free Blu-Ray, so any opportunity to review it again is great. Originally released as ‘Living Proof’, it has also been renamed with a new booklet which contains an essay by Peter Nicholls, another by Steve Pilkington providing overall context, plus plenty of photos, which along with the improved sound quality makes this an invaluable addition to the collection of any lover of the band. Back in 1985 IQ were asked at very short notice to play a gig that could be filmed for the ‘Live In London’ series (this is the same series that spawned Twelfth Night’s excellent ‘Creepshow’ video) and within three days they had organised and played a gig at Camden Palace. Because of requests by the producer, the set was a shortened one and concentrated mainly on material from ‘The Wake’, and I must confess I never knew that opening track “Awake and Nervous” was played to get the camera crew used to what the band were doing, and was played again at the end as it was supposed to be the encore. The band were assured that the first version would not be used and they would be showing opening with second song “Outer Limits”, but that did not happen and the encore version of “Awake and Nervous” was filmed but not used, so the opening song should never have been released. The band split from their label, Irate, in the same year who then promptly issued ‘Living Proof’ as a joint album and video: the band attempted to get the album withdrawn, and it was eventually deleted in 1987. By the end of 1985 Peter had left IQ to form Niadem’s Ghost, and because of this ‘Living Proof’ gained a lot of importance for fans, who saw it as the closing of a chapter in the history of IQ. A decision was later made by the band to release it on their own Giant Electric Pea label, and after being remastered and “tidied up” it came out at the end of 1992. Guitarist Mike Holmes has been the constant throughout the band’s career, and while everyone else featured on this recording left the band at one point or another, they all returned apart from keyboard player Martin Orford. Alongside Mike and Peter, this recording also includes drummer Paul Cook and bassist Tim Esau, so 40 years on from when it was recorded the line-up is exactly the same as it is today apart from “new boy” keyboard player Neil Durant. It certainly never appears that “Awake and Nervous” is being played for the cameras to get visual cues as I defy anyone to stop themselves from jumping up and down as the band drive along behind Martin’s keyboards. The song changes as Peter’s distinctive voice takes control, and for me the most notable impact of the remix is Paul’s drums being much more forward in the mix with Tim’s bass also very clear, while Martin and Mike lead the melodic attack. Back in 1993 I said, “why this band were never recognised as a major force by the public is beyond me”, as this was prior to the comeback album ‘Ever’ being released, so there had been no new material since 1989’s ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably?’. I still hold to that thought today, as while within the underground there is no doubt that IQ are one of the most important bands around, these guys should have been a household name, especially when one thinks of their longevity and the quality of their music. “Outer Limits”, “It All Stops Here” and “Just Changing Hands” keep the momentum going with loads of time changes and anything and everything that a prog rock lover could possibly wish for. Then we are heralded with the far heavier, more menacing, “The Wake”. True, there is light and shade, but the shade is there in force. “The Magic Roundabout” opens with the soaring keyboards of Martin, but soon all hell breaks loose in a burst of prog mayhem as the band attempt to break the speed of light. Extremely complex and fluid playing finally calms down so that Peter can take charge and set the mood. “Widow’s Peak”, “The Thousand Days” and “Corners” are the final three on the album. Although not recorded under perfect conditions, and with a set they wouldn’t have necessarily chosen for themselves, the album is not only historically interesting but a great one to have in the collection. I must confess that playing this in the car I soon discovered I had the volume very loud indeed and I was singing along to each and every classic. This is undoubtedly one of the most important live albums ever from the neo prog scene, and one I play as much as Twelfth Night’s ‘Live and Let Live’, and the newly remixed version will hopefully gain IQ even more fans as newcomers to the prog scene discover just what all the fuss is about. IQ demonstrate that their music and performances were never the reason they didn’t get the success they deserved, rather it was the lack of media support which drove them away from the light but into the underground where they are rightfully revered. Superb.