Glenn Hughes and The Damn Truth live in London

Words: Kahmel Farahani

Photos: Dawn Osborne

To start the night off in right way, Canadian four piece blues rock back The Damn Truth take the stage with a sizable crowd already assembled. The band look the part and their sound is a very late 60s early 70s one. From the opening `This Is Who We Are Now` to the closing song `Tomorrow`, they’re well played and the band have energy to burn on stage.

If there is a criticism, it is that from the riffs to the crowd interaction, it’s mostly by the numbers. Sonically, The Damn Truth sound like Leslie West’s Mountain but without the choruses that stay in your head long after the gig is done. They’re still searching for their Mississippi Queen. If the band keep at it there is no reason they won’t refine their song writing and reach that point though.

Glenn Hughes and his band are currently on a tour that’s billed as celebrating the 50th anniversary of Deep Purple’s legendary Burn album. Tonight’s setlist is entirely dedicated to Hughes` history in that most hallowed of British bands and as the band strut on stage and fire up Stormbringer, the sense of excitement in the room is palpable. 

Glenn Hughes himself is in stunning form as always and in a grateful mood too. “Thank you London for supporting me throughout my whole career, good bad weird or wonderful. You look amazing especially for a Wednesday night! Feels more like Friday “. At Age 72 his voice is still the gold standard for almost any rock or soul singer and the fact that Hughes never shies away from the dizzying high notes on songs like Mistreated is truly incredible to watch.

Glenn talks 50th anniversary of Burn and recalls the legendary California jam that ended in pyrotechnics on stage: “the Only festival in the world that was running early! Richie refused to go in early as our contract said 7.15. we didn’t know he’d poured petrol on his amps and speakers! It blew Ian Paice’s glasses off! This is that song that was playing when he had his fit! I was so honoured to be a part of that band and I’m so happy to be here tonight!”

This leads nicely into You Fool No One. A funky rhythm and chunky riff sounds like a good way to sum up Hughes` tenure in Deep Purple and the song sounds as fresh as the day it was released. An extended blues jam leads into High Ball Shooter before returning to You Fool No one. A special mention has to go to Glenn’s long time guitar player Soren Andersen, who plays with such a fiery style one expects the fret board to start smoking. 

An impressive and seemingly interminable drum solo goes on for far too long before the band re-join for Gettin’ Tighter and a glorious You Keep On Moving. Glenn Also takes the time to promise new music after this tour is over;  “After this run I’m going to do a new album”.

Returning for a glorious encore of Highway Star and the evergreen classic Burn, Hughes and his band prove yet again why he holds the title The Voice Of Rock. A masterclass in rock and roll soulfully delivered.