Peeling Back the Years

The Incredible String Band London Festival Hall, 10 October 2000

The latest chapter in String Band history took place at London's Festival Hall on Sunday evening 10 October. This was the final John Peel Sessions Live with the String Band occupying mid-billing between Clearlake and the Delgados. John Peel introduced the band and noted that the last time he introduced them at this venue, they shared the bill with Tyrannosaurus Rex. The set took the same shape as the summer shows although it was shorter. 

There was nothing new for those who had been at the summer gigs. Painting Box appeared to be played at half-speed. Maybe it was me but it sounded wrong. Other than that, the set was excellent with the non-ISB tune, Dr Strangely Strange's, Strings of the Earth and Air, a particular highlight. the line-up was as in the recent gigs with Bina Williamson on vocals and Lawson Dando on keyboards complimenting Robin Williamson (guitar, violin, whistle), Mike Heron (keyboards and mouth organ) and Clive Palmer (banjo and 12-string guitar).

Tracks played included:

1. Chinese White

2. Ducks on a Pond

3. Painting Box

4. The Eyes of Fate

5. Air

6. Waltz of the New Moon

7. Strings of the Earth & Air

8. You Know What You Could Be

9. Big City Blues

10. Maker of Islands

11. Empty Pocket Blues

Martin Payne