Brian Eno is MORE DARK THAN SHARK

INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS & RELATED ARTICLES

Mojo NOVEMBER 2009 - by Mike Barnes

801: 801 LIVE

Legendary psychedelic art-prog live set in deluxe packaging.

In early 1976, Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera got in touch with Brian Eno with a view to forming a band to play some summer festivals. Eno - on lead vocals, guitar and keyboards - insisted on a balance between muso and 'feel' musicians. In were drafted bassist Bill McCormick, slide guitarist Lyall Watson, Francis Monkman on keyboards, and drummer Simon Phillips. They only played three gigs, but this one at the Queen Elizabeth Hall was recorded. Focusing on material from Manzanera and Eno's solo albums - the latter's Third Uncle is transformed into a high velocity juggernaut - 801 peak on a glorious version of The Beatles' Tomorrow Never Knows. Manzanera's playing is thrilling throughout and few would contest his assertion that 801 Live is one of the highlights of his career.