DVD Rating Audio: A Video: A Extras: A Overall: A

Recorded at The Mean Fiddler on 15th December 2001, this was to celebrate IQ’s twenty years of prog nonsense. Strange to think that next year it will be 25! IQ have throughout that time produced consistently strong albums, and their latest is arguably their best yet, and have also played live both in this country and abroad even when other prog bands have removed themselves from the scene. This is a double disc, and first concentrates on the concert. Tim Esau does join as a guest for the odd number, and Tony Wright also guests on saxophones, but for the vast majority of the gig it is four of the original line-up, plus ‘new boy’ John Jowitt (I mean, he has only been there since 1991). Peter has the make-up back on, as he used to wear in the old days, and it is obvious that there is going to be a party. IQ have long used back projections of films or graphics to add to the show, and they certainly add an extra element.

These guys have been together so long that they can relax onstage more than most bands, just because they know what everyone is doing all the time, which means that Mike and John in particular can be ready to get up to any mischief they can, especially if it involves Peter Nicholls. But all of the time they are playing some of the most complex and rock driven progressive music around. They have gone beyond the point of being noticeably influenced by others; these guys are an institution who have influenced countless bands themselves. With such a history it is always going to be difficult to pick a definitive set list (what, where is “No Love Lost”?) but there is enough old and new to make any fan happy with “The Seventh House” sitting happily alongside “The Narrow Margin” and “Human Nature”.

The second disc starts with the encores, for which IQ have become well known. Tonight, after “Subterranea” they treat us to “Jet” and “Crazy Horses” before ending with “The Wake”. But of course that isn’t all. There is also the support band to enjoy, The Lens, which features certain members of IQ in wonderful jackets and wigs (the last time John had hair as long as that he was in Ark!). It is possible to access all of the intros and outros used by the band at gigs, as well as a tour diary. This last includes various subtitles, which really does show the humour of the band. I am particularly fond of the Mice Men of Tilburg, as well as the prog epic being composed by the band on beer bottles! Then there is a Cookie Cam section, delayed time images of the stage set up, a photo gallery and an encore from Holland in 2004 where they managed to run “Mamma Mia” into “Out Of Nowhere” and it makes sense!

Great camerawork, great sound, and most important of all a great band. This double DVD is over four hours long and is a worthy testament to one of our greatest prog acts.

Review by Kev Rowland
April 27, 2005