Roots of Canadian Neo-Prog band SAGA date back to the mid seventies releasing the first album 'Saga' in 1978. Latest release out of 20 studio albums is 'The Human Condition' hitting the stores in 2009. Besides so many albums, the band also released several live albums and DVDs. Besides the "regular" studio albums, SAGA is famous for the 'Chapter' releases, reaching a total number of 16 'Chapter' albums between 1979 and 2003, all having a certain connection to each other. Founding member Michael Sadler left the band end of 2007 and SAGA introduced new singer Rob Moratti. But since beginning of 2011, Sadler is back taking care for the lead vocals once more. SAGA today is (Michael Sadler (vocals), Jim Crichton (bass, keyboards), Ian Crichton (lead guitar), Jim Gilmour (keyboards, clarinet, vocals) and Brian Doerner (drums). http://www.sagaontour.ca/ / https://www.facebook.com/groups/77703339709/
Music & Performance
It was 21.30 when the band entered the stage. SAGA were finally back with extroverted singer Michael Sadler! And the audience was very happy about it, welcoming him after the band had already presented 'Out of the Shadows' and 'Careful Where You Step' with the words "Good to see you back!" what was answered with "Good to see YOU! I missed that!" It turned out that Sadler hat to talk a little longer than this few words since there was a minor technical problem with the drum set. But this was solved quickly and so, the show went on with 'How Long', the first song of first SAGA album, simply named 'Saga', released back in 1978. Right from the start, the audience was more into the show than during MARILLION's set, singing along and clapping loudly. SAGA's sound was very proggy based on massive keyboard and piano lines that were especially recognisable in 'Ice Nice' being played without additional instrumental support. Furthermore, the set contained, several songs out of 'World's Apart' from 1981, like i.e. 'On the Loose', 'Framed', 'Time's Up' or very last song of the evening, 'Conversations'.
But back to Sadler! He was connected closely to the audience, telling some jokes or commanding people to song along or play a little game with him meaning that first, one half of the audience was screaming and then the other one while 'You're not alone' was on the run. Sadler really is an impressive front man, striking a lot of theatrical poses making comparisons with QUEEN's Freddy Mercury coming up. Maybe he's indeed one of the most charismatic lead singers of all time. Even though people surely could endure a lot of more songs, any good thing has come to an end and so, after nearly 90 minutes, it was time for the last song 'Don't Be Late'. Well, you guess right, there was of course an encore consisting of 'Wind Him Up' and the already mentioned 'Conversations'. Great show that makes you wanting more!
Setlist
01. Out of the Shadows
02. Careful Where You Step
03. How Long
04. On the Loose
05. Ice Nice
06. You're Not Alone
07. The Runaway (was cancelled from the setlist)
08. 3/4 Medley (... / The Perfectionist)
09. Framed
10. Time's Up
11. Scratching the Surface (long, band version)
12. The Flyer
13. The Pitchman
14. Humble Stance
15. Don't Be Late
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16. Wind Him Up
17. Conversations
Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 9
Sound: 8
Light: 8
Total: 8.7 / 10
