Family at Shepherd's Bush Empire

I first reported on the live reunion of Family back in September and since then have been eagerly awaiting this momentous event. One disappointment concerned my ticket which despite being ordered via Ticketline four months before the date of the actual gig, was not delivered in time. Ticketline blamed the promoter and made arrangements for me to collect my ticket from the venue on the evening of the gig itself, but frankly that is not good enough in this day and age when tickets can be printed out at home. Shame on Ticketline. I will not be using their services again!

That aside, it was with a great sense of anticipation that I set off from home on Saturday morning (2 February) to meet my pal at Newcastle Central Station for the journey to London. I was not only excited at the prospect of seeing Family live after 40 years, but also of making my first visit to Shepherd's Bush Empire.

This famous venue was built as a music hall in 1903 but is perhaps best known to many of us as being the home of the BBC Television Theatre between 1953 and 1991. Consequently a number of very famous programmes were broadcast from there including The Old Grey Whistle Test and Hancock's Half Hour.

We decided to get to the venue early to allow for any problems in obtaining the aforementioned ticket. This was a wise decision as the process was not straightforward but eventually things were sorted and I had the ticket in my hand. Then it was off for a few pre-gig pints, watch some televised rugby and grab a bite to eat.

We had decided to skip the support act Papa George. No offence George but we felt that we would benefit more from a few beers to lubricate our tonsils as there was likely to be much cheering and singing along. I suspect that guest master of ceremonies, former football legend Frank Worthington had also lubricated his tonsils as he seemed reluctant to leave the limelight but eventually the moment came and after 40 years absence, Family took to the stage. To be more accurate it was actually Family & The In-Laws for that was how the additional musicians were dubbed.

 

 

The crowd roared their delight as Family launched into their opening number 'Top of the Hill' quickly followed by a personal favourite of mine, 'Drowned in Wine'. It is true that the legendary voice of Roger Chapman has lost some of its range and that distinctive vibrato has been replaced by a more Dylanesque growl. Nevertheless the songs were adjusted accordingly and the band members were clearly in fine form. 'Holding the Compass' was followed by a live favourite 'Part of the Load', then after 'Ready to Go' Chappo took a brief break while the band delivered a Poli Palmer instrumental 'Crinkly Grin'.

We had been promised an evening of music spanning their full career, so I was a little disappointed that there was nothing from their debut album 'Music in a Doll's House'. Also, rather surprisingly, there was only one song - 'Sweet Desiree' - from their final album 'It's Only a Movie'. Nevertheless it was a fine selection of songs they delivered. For you completists out there, the remainder of the set was made up of 'Burning Bridges', 'No Mule's Fool', 'Sat'dy Barfly', 'Between Blue and Me', 'Hung up Down', 'Burlesque' and 'In My Own Time'. The encores were the crowd favourite 'The Weaver's Answer', 'My Friend the Sun' and 'Sweet Desiree'. Then the band were taking their bows and saying a fairly emotional farewell.

Throughout the evening there were frequent mentions of constant Family member and Chappo's songwriting partner, John 'Charlie' Whitney. He had been invited to take part but is apparently enjoying the sunshine in Greece so he declined. Mention was also made of other members who for one reason or another were unable to be there. Namely, Ric Grech, Jim King, John Weider, John Wetton and Tony Ashton. They were an integral part of the history of this fine band and they will not be forgotten.

God bless 'em all. For they were Family.