Steve Hackett and his band hit the stage at 8.15pm and Summers End 2009 was underway.
His band was Roger King (keyboards), Gary O'Toole (drums, percussion & vocals), Rob Townsend (sax, flute, etc.) and Nick Beggs (bass).
The venue was absolutely packed out and I do believe it was a sell out
The audience was in a very vocal mood and tremendous applause greeted every song.
Due to legal reasons the new album "Out of the Tunnel's Mouth" had been delayed; but Steve played several songs from this.
The set was also made up of tracks from his early albums plus later ones and a few Genesis pieces.
Steve's guitar playing was excellent and all the band's members gave great performances.
When I first saw bassist Nick Beggs in pigtails and in leather dress type attire I had to smile; but what a great player he is.
I later found out he was in Kagagoogoo, hence the strange outfit, I presume.
He also toured and made two albums with IONA...I didn't know that!
After an encore the band left the stage two hours and five minutes later to deafening applause.
What a fitting start to Summers End 2009.
My thanks to Stephen for giving us a lift back to our hotel as the Prog Bus was full.
Very much looking forward to tomorrow.
Godsticks opened the proceedings and I can fully understand why they were given a slot at this year's festival.
They played songs from their EP plus a new one.
A band for further investigation I think.
Next up was Belgium's Quantum Fantay and I enjoyed the music from their several albums greatly.
However, an hour set was just about right as they were an instrumental band, no vocals.
A band definitely worth checking out.
Parallel or 90 Degrees hit the stage at 3.30 and what an excellent set they played.
A few tracks were performed from their new album "Jitters" and I am looking forward to receiving my copy.
Andy Tillison was his usual self so there was never a dull moment.
What about that hair style!
Probably It's because I am losing my hair rapidly; but it was certainly different.
Great band.
German rockers RPWL made the day for me with a superb performance.
I had heard some of their material before; but have never seen them live.
As a replacement for Sylvan I would have preferred them anyway.
Excellent rendition of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".
Great set.
Finally at 9.30 Pallas came to the stage and I must say I have never seen the band not give their all.
This was no exception and the headliners put on a brilliant performance.
They played songs from their back catalogue plus bits from new songs.
Can't wait for the new album.
Excellent.
All in all a great day and everything ran to time owing to the the bigger breaks before guest and headlining bands, I think.
A special thanks to the refreshment staff, boy did they work hard!
The final day of the festival started in great style with I/O Earth taking the stage.
I was well impressed with this band and they look to have a bright future ahead of them.
The female vocalist was excellent although I am not sure if she is a permanent member or is just used for gigs.
Some great material played and I even bought the album!
The next band up was Mr So & So and I really did enjoy their set immensely.
Their new album "Sugarstealer" has been out for sometime now; but only as a download.
I like to have the physical product in my hands so I will not be buying it until the actual CD is released (Friday I think).
I must admit I had seen a lot more of Sleeping Giant (band formed by 3 members after Mr So & So split) live and at first it took me a little while to get my head around Charlotte Evans not being the lead vocalist.
She is such a good singer for just doing backing vocals although she did do a couple of numbers as lead.
Anyhow once I got used to this I really did enjoy the band's performance.
The afternoon session ended with Also Eden, who I have seen several times; and are a very underated band, especially their vocalist Huw.
The set was culled from their two albums and even when the smoke alarm went off none of the audience had any intention of leaving the hall.
A great afternoon session.
After about an hour or so's break Karnataka took the stage.
I have been a little bit disappointed with this band as their new album has been coming for absolutely ages (now Christmas!).
They played some of the new songs from the forthcoming album and old Karnataka favourites.
I did enjoy their set; but at times I found it a bit loud in places especially the vocals!
Finally the last band of "Summers End 2009" was Pendragon.
I have never seen a bad show from this band and even though Nick had a bad cold this performance was no exception.
I cannot believe however what a difference Scott Higham has made on the drums.
The man is phenomenal and he puts in so much energy and looks as though he is loving every minute of it.
CRS drummer of the year...no contest.
Pendragon - Absolutely Awesome!!!
I said that last year's line-up could not be beaten; but I was wrong as this years was even better.
Stephen and Huw will have their work cut out to match this in 2010.
Arena are already been talked about as headliners for next year and I would definitely not argue with this.
Finally I would Like to thank Stephen and Huw for all their hard work and the professional way that the festival was organised.
Also all of the other helpers (Bar staff, caterers etc. etc.) who did an unbelievable job considering most of them were just volunteers and were not paid a single penny.
Once againthis year I made even more friends and I have got to say that prog fans are the most friendliest crowd I have ever met.
It's now a long wait now until next year's event, although I must admit, once a year is enough for me (must be getting old!).
Until next year...
www.summersend.co.uk
The MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP's new touring line-up now includes ex-AC/DC (1989-1993) drummer Chris Slade. 
Michael Schenker (guitar) 
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