Van Der Graaf – Vital – Van Der Graaf Live (2024)
Vital – Van Der Graaf Live offers a remastered 2CD or 2LP edition of the renowned live album by Van Der Graaf. This rendition has been meticulously crafted from the original master tapes, presenting a faithful restoration of the artwork and an added essay enriched with band interviews. Van Der Graaf was the shortened name of the iconic progressive rock band Van Der Graaf Generator. They used that abbreviated band name in the late 1970s.
Capturing the essence of Van Der Graaf’s final release of the 1970s, the album presents the talents of the iconic Peter Hammill (vocals, piano, guitars), Guy Evans (drums), Nic Potter (bass), and Graham Smith (violin), with the later inclusion of Charles Dickie (cello). It was recorded amid an extensive year of touring and the production of The Quiet Zone / The Pleasure Dome album. Specifically, the live performances were documented during two shows at the Marquee Club in London on January 15 and 16, 1978. Notably, these concerts featured the return of former member David Jackson on saxophone and flute.
Vital surprised many fans with a raw display of high energy, epitomizing Van Der Graaf’s intensity at the time. The departure of Hugh Banton, renowned for his mesmerizing organ contributions, in 1976, coupled with Peter Hammill’s expanded role as a rhythm guitarist, contributed significantly to the album’s distinct character. It was a much harder sound, grungier, less progressive.
Regrettably, Vital was the band’s farewell to the 1970s era, as financial challenges led to their disbandment by the time of the album’s release in July 1978.
Track listing:
Disc One
1 Ship of Fools
2 Still Life
3 Last Frame
4 Mirror Images
5 Medley: A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers /The Sleepwalkers
Disc Two
1 Pioneers Over C
2 Sci-Finance
3 Door
4 Urban / Killer / Urban
5 Nadir’s Big Chance
Scheduled for release on March 29, 2024.