SHEER MAGIC
De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Holland, 16 October 2005

The concert Arena gave in Zoetermeer on October 16th was not just a gig as usual, it was a big party. Arena managed to ‘survive’ for ten years and this had to be celebrated. The band were in that 'last gig of the European tour mood' which means very loose and relaxed, lots of jokes by Clive, puns aimed at their crew, Mick striking an Ian Anderson pose during his flute intro of Waiting For The Flood and so on. But it was also a night with a special surprise…

Just one month after the last concert in Holland, at the same venue in Zoetermeer, the band returned to give a very special performance. Having seen the gig the month before, most people expected to hear a lot of different songs this time. Unfortunately the set was largely the same as one month ago. It was longer however, it lasted no less than 2 hours and 45 minutes (four more songs) in which the audience was taken to an absolute boiling point! And at the end the promised surprises came in abundance. All those who missed this gig (it was not sold out) must regret they did not go.

The set started with Bedlam Fayre, with Rob wearing that awful wig again. Despite the slight disappointment about the selection of songs that were played, the crowd was won over after just a few notes. It was clear that the band wanted to party and so they did. The band played very tight and energetic and the ambiance in the venue was absolutely great. It was obvious that Rob was eager to show his best, for most people in the audience knew what was to come... John made a really relaxed impression, and, as usual, played like a god. Boy, can this guy play!! And, after looking a second and a third time, I was sure it actually was Clive behind the keyboards. He must have lost at least 20 kilos, and looks about 10 years younger. His playing had not changed and was just as fantastic as always. Mick and Ian did their job with confidence and formed the backbone of the band again.

When Rob announced the last song of the set, the audience reacted a bit disappointed. Where were the promised special guests?! Then, after a short break the band came back, but with good old John Jowitt joining them on stage instead of Ian. This guy has so much charisma that you can’s miss him! But were was Rob? Suddenly a familiar voice started singing the lines of A Crack In The Ice, but where was this singer? Then came the moment a lot of people had been waiting for: Paul Wrightson made his way through the crowd from the back of the venue towards the stage, just as he did during The Visitor tour. Wow, this man can still get a crowd to stare in wonder. Paul sang as if he’d never been away and his stage performance was as dramatic and powerful as ever. Quite a feat, considering his last gig with Arena was at the Paradiso (Amsterdam, Holland) in 1998 and that except for the soundcheck that afternoon (merely two songs!) he had not rehearsed with the band. 

It is of no use to compare him to Rob, they are two different singers, both with a great voice. This night all those present could enjoy a fantastic band with two singers that did ‘their thing’ in a different way. Sure enough, John and Paul are more charismatic than Rob and Ian, but musically the band was and is great anyhow. The Visitor set with the two lost sons was overwhelming and the crowd went nuts. I’ve never seen such an emotional reaction as the one Paul showed after the crowd gave him an ovational applause.

The evening finished with another three encores, with everybody joining in during closer Crying For Help VII and the roof of the venue was almost ‘blown off’. Who says ugly guys can’t party!! :-) Well, they can certainly sing loud. Crying For Help VII was sung by all people present and marked the end of a concert that I will remember as one of the best I’ve ever seen. A memorable finale of the Tenth Anniversary Tour. And now for another ten years!!!

Setlist:
Bedlam Fayre
Midas Vision
(Don't Forget To) Breathe
Smoke And Mirrors
Purgatory Road
Witch Hunt
An Angel Falls
The Painted Man
Waiting For The Flood
Serenity
The Shattered Room
City Of Lanterns
Riding The Tide
Chosen
Skin Game
The Butterfly Man
Enemy Without

Encores I - with Paul Wrightson & John Jowitt
A Crack In The Ice
Elea
The Hanging Tree
A State Of Grace
Medusa

Encores II
Solomon
Jericho
Crying For Help VII (with Paul and John)

By: Erik Fraanje