PROCOL HARUM: TEN THOUSAND SOULS (AN OLD ENGLISH DREAM), CROYDON, FAIRFIELD HALL, 25 MAY 2002

In grateful memory to Gary Brooker (1945 - 2022) Procol Harum with the premiere performance of 10 000 SOULS, later developed into AN OLD ENGLISH DREAM. This song originally was released on THE WELLS ON FIRE (2003) album . This recording shows Gary Brooker unmistakably with a massive cold. The background was that the concert the previous evening(Opera House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne) had to be cancelled for health reasons. However, the concert in Croydon was accompanied by a Procol Harum Fan Convention. Passionate supporters of the band from all over Europe, the USA and South America had travelled to meet and see the band&performance, as well as to show their own talents in the Palers Band. It was probably against this background that Gary Brooker overcame his massive vocal limitations to play this gig in order not to disappoint his most loyal fans. TEN THOUSAND SOULS was a highlight of the concert, how many years had we waited for fresh material! The setlist was adapted to the vocal possibilities, therefore perhaps more varied than expected. I am sure that despite the special vocal flavour, not even one listener left the hall disappointed. Line up: Gary Brooker - piano Matthew Fisher - organ Geoff Whitehorn - guitar Matt Pegg - bass Mark Brzezicki - drums