Summer Shall Not Fade-Live at Loreley documents UK act Big Big Train's outstanding performance at 2018's Night of the Prog festival at Loreley in Germany. At over 2 hours, this 2CD/Blu-ray set contains the full 13 song performance, audio mixed in both 5.1 and stereo, and the video in crystal clear hi-definition. It's also noteworthy, and a great tribute, to the late BBT vocalist David Longdon, who passed away suddenly in late 2021, and clearly in this concert, shows what a fantastic frontman and vocalist he was, and will surely be missed.
Many classic BBT songs from their popular albums English Electric, Folklore, and Grimspound are played, including "Kingmaker", "Folklore", "Wassail", "Summer's Lease", "The Permanent Way", and many more, complete with the full brass section, violin, keyboards, two guitars, bass, and drums. Longdon's superb emotional vocals, phrasing, and charisma shine throughout, and the thousands in attendance at Loreley appear to soak up every bit of it. Former Spock's Beard drummer Nick D’Virgilio also has really settled into the band quite nicely at this point, and he's given a heroes welcome from the fans during the band introduction.
Overall, a powerful and brilliant set from this great band, who seem to shine live on stage even more than they do on album. With PFM vocalist Alberto Bravin now set as Big Big Train's new singer, it will be interesting to see where the band go in the not too distant future. An essential live album for any BBT/prog fan here in 2022.
Track Listing
BLU-RAY (all regions)
The First Rebreather
Folklore
A Mead Hall In Winter
Kingmaker
Summer’s Lease
Brave Captain
Prelude and Fugue
Judas Unrepentant
The Transit Of Venus Across The Sun
The Permanent Way
East Coast Racer
Encore
Drums and Brass
Wassail
CD1
1. The First Rebreather
2. Folklore
3. A Mead Hall In Winter
4. Kingmaker
5. Summer’s Lease
6. Brave Captain
CD2
1. Prelude and Fugue
2. Judas Unrepentant
3. The Transit Of Venus Across The Sun
4. The Permanent Way
5. East Coast Racer
6. Encore
7. Drums and Brass
8. Wassail