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Peter Hammill discusses Queen Elizabeth Hall

On Friday 20 April, Peter Hammill performs at the newly refurbished and reopened Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre. In reflection, Peter had this to say about the venue:

'The Queen Elizabeth Hall has undoubtedly been the venue at which I've presented the most varied shows of my career. There have been bands small to large, chamber to didgeridoo & synth. Obviously solo shows and several with Stuart Gordon's (much-missed) violin. Once I even did a MIDI-linked improvisational show with Guy Evans and I also had a lot of fun (in an unaccustomed role as sideman-guitarist) playing with David Thomas.

Perhaps, though, the most significant show was the one in 2003 with Stuart. Hugh Banton had been down in London on that day and so I invited him to play on the encore. Gradually it became clear that Jackson and Evans were also available. So it was that the 4 of us (plus violin of course, and with Guy on tambourine) came together for one song only. Shortly thereafter discussions, emails, caveats, misgivings and finally commitments led us to the Van der Graaf Generator reunion album and shows... The spark which lit the tinder, though, was that QEH moment.


I've always enjoyed playing the QEH and have many treasured memories of the place. So, now, onward!'

For information and tickets to the show, click here.

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