The reformed Magic Band have so far played numerous explosive live dates in the UK, USA and Amsterdam.

This page features eye-witness comments as they came in about the various 2004 shows.

Also available - comments about the 2003 shows.

An accurate description. Although when we arrived in Brighton we did wonder whether the band would make it across from Amsterdam. Never seen a sea that rough - and it destoyed one of the remaining sections of the old pier. It was dodgy enough standing on the promenade and anybody venturing on to the beach itself would have had to have had a death wish.

Stayed in a place in Hove which immediatly reminded me of Bill Brysons "Small Island" book. Luke warm water, a list of things guests must not do and at breakfast cornflakes pre-rationed out into the bowls.

But the gig itself was excellent. Ideal venue - bar at the back, atmospheric hall - (all standing) and a very receptive audience that was jumping thru the whole show. I'll spare you the detail of the set, but just to say there were one or two changes from January. Highlights for me were a passionate Abba Zaba and a spectacular Mirror Man with a bit of spontaneous stuff tacked on the end. Also, a decent tribute to Don, who JF described as "irreplaceable".

Next stop the Garage.

David

25 June 2004

Saw them last night at Manchester Bridgewater Hall, which is a bit like a scaled down RFH. Unlike the 'sweaty club' of the previous night's Brighton show, (which by all accounts was an explosive start to the UK dates), its 'formal' atmosphere and comfy seats kept the 80% capacity audience sedentary until near the end, when the Magic emanating from the stage caused them to rise to their feet as one.

The band gave their all for the cause (as always), and John made a point of paying tribute to Don.

Got the chance to talk to them after the show.. the most genuine, friendly and dedicated guys you could hope to meet. I'll be seeing them twice more on this tour and hope to hang out with them some more. Once the tour's over I'll probably write up my experiences on my website.

25 June 2004

I'm just back from Amsterdam where I went espacially to see the Magic Band gig at the Paradiso.

It was their first gig since January and John French said that they hadn't rehearsed since then due to the distances of where they live, so it was a public rehearsal - in front of about 300 to 400 people.

It looked like everybody in the audience was familiar with the songs and there were even women singing along the lyrics!

The Band startet with the song it all started with: "Diddy Wah Diddy" and went on with John singing and Michael playing the drums. It was fantastic and the crowd was excited and there was big applause and cheering after each song.

30 minutes later John French took over the drumstool and the instrumental pieces were the absolute highlights of that evening.

I've never seen a drummer like this (and i've seen a lot!), strong and impulsive and pushing it all forward. The crowd went apeshit.

The encores ("Moonlight on Vermont" and "Big Eyed Beans From Venus") were outrageous and everybody was happy. I wish I could hear them again.

It's highly recommended to see/hear the Magic Band.

24 June 2004