The Gentleman Adventurer led his rock 'n' roll caravan into the leafy wilds of Milton Keynes today encouraging 350 individuals with sound taste in music to join his merry entourage. The Stables Theatre is a new building built in the middle of nowhere, hidden by trees and with little or no signposts to lead the way but despite their best efforts we still managed to find the McNabb fella. Inside, the theatre is very nice and modern, with seating on 3 sides around the stage, but conveniently with a 'dance floor' where later in the same evening 150 delirious McNabbheads would be bouncing there way through what was once again a magnificent gig.

Same format as the night before in London, Ian opened with an acoustic set before the 'serious electric guitar abuse' in Act Two. Once again "Nothin' But Time" was the opener swiftly followed by "Love is a Wonderful Colour" and "German Soldier's Helmet Circa 1943." "Hollow Horse" and "Out of Season" were given big licks on the guitar before Ian moved to the keyboards. "Ain't No Way To Behave" and "The Human Heart and How It Works" were the works of genius proffered to an appreciative audience. Roy provided support on base once again for "The Man Who Can Make A Woman Laugh" before closing Act One with a rousing performance of "Permanent Damage." The theatre was ideal, in my opinion, for the acoustic part of the show, encouraging Ian to perform more of his mellow numbers particularly from the new album. There were probably other songs played in the set; however, despite the fact that I had contributed less to the Guinness profits than the previous night at Dingwalls, I'm buggered if I can remember any others!

Act Two and the whole crew are back on stage—Ian, Roy, Mokka and the man of the moment for me, Matthew Priest. I could appreciate the difficulties Ian and the band were facing at this point, they knew and we knew that we were in for a rockin' time; however, just like at the football, sitting down kills the atmosphere. Ian's invitation to get up and dance was immediately taken up by 4 brave souls, who I take my hat off to, as they had the guts to do what every one else was dying to do, as Ian and the lads belted out "What She Did To My Mind." I felt for the gang of four because even Ian had an impish grin when he turned to Roy and Mokka throughout the song, and 346 others sat on their hands! Song two, and the gang of four were joined by half the audience...now we were rockin'!

Suffice to say the second set was full of classic McNabb tunes "When It All Comes Down," "Understanding Jane," "Evangeline," "Be Prepared to Dream," "Head Like A Rock," "Great Dreams of Heaven," etc., etc. I'm sure you get the picture by now! Second encore was "All around the Watchtower" and then the show was closed with McNabb Kop favourite "Stone My Soul" which was nice as there was a lot of couples in the audience and many a romantic glance was passed throughout the song. Aw shucks!

And that was it. For me, a cracking show which from Ian and the band's body language you got the feeling they enjoyed it as much as us and could have played all night if they were allowed. Once again, I thought Ian was supported well by Roy and Mokka but Matthew Priest's drumming has brought something extra that wasn't there last year on the tour. Maybe it his personality that comes through in the passion and commitment he seems to put into it. Whatever it is, it compliments Ian perfectly, IMHO.

Well, that's it from me. Unfortunately I won't be at any of the other gigs unless I can wangle a way to get to Liverpool in December. Go see the man in concert wherever he is if you can. There's nothing like it. Ian McNabb, top bloke!

Enjoy!

Your raving reporter,
James

20 October 2002.
This review Copyright © 2002, James. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.