Le concert extraordinaire présente Rock Legends : Tribute to Dire Straits & Supertramp

Le 7 septembre 2021, la salle Pleyel recevait Rock Legends avec deux tribute bands en hommage à Supertramp et Dire Straits : Logicaltramp et Money for nothing nous ont transportés dans les années 70 et 80 et fait revivre les plus grands hits britanniques de l’époque. Comme si on y était ? Non, on y était. Vraiment. Attention : soirée d’anthologie.

Une soirée, deux concerts d’exception! Cela faisait un an et demi que Richard Walter Productions attendait ce moment. Permettre aux musiciens de monter sur scène devant une salle comble. Souffler dans un harmonica ou dans un saxo. Etre au clavier, faire sonner la batterie. Faire vibrer les cordes des basses et des guitares électriques. Chanter, à une ou plusieurs voix. Balancer du son et projeter des faisceaux lumineux multicolores. Créer une ambiance électrique. Partager des émotions fortes avec le public. Vivre une expérience unique avec les tubes d’hier et les mélomanes d’aujourd’hui.

Le 17 mars 2020 devait être le début d’une grande tournée pour Rock Legends 3. Mais tout va s’arrêter avant même d’avoir commencé. 600 dates annulées ou reportées. Les salles vidées, le public confiné. On connait la suite. Il faudra donc attendre le 7 septembre 2021 pour voir enfin les groupes légendaires se reformer sous nos yeux ébahis. Supertramp et Dire Straits. Ou « super clochard » et « situation désespérée » en français. Rags to riches plutôt. Car si les noms des deux groupes évoquent la misère, ils deviendront rapidement mythiques et engendreront des millions d’albums vendus dans le monde.

Deux tribute bands en hommage à Supertramp et Dire Straits : une reconstitution hallucinante Leurs membres sacrés deviendront les rockeurs les plus hype de tous les temps : Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, John Helliwell, Douglas Thomson, Bob Sieberg pour Supertramp ou encore les frères Mark et David Knopfler, John Illsley, Pick Withers et plus tard Alan Clark et Guy Fletcher pour Dire Straits. La reconstitution des deux groupes sur scène est stupéfiante. Logicaltramp en première partie de soirée et Money for Nothing après l’entracte. Deux groupes au talent fulgurant et tellement proches des rockers de l’époque. La scénographie, la musique, les costumes, les coupes de cheveux, tout, jusqu’au timbre de voix des chanteurs, nous ferait presque oublier que ce ne sont pas les originaux que nous sommes en train d’applaudir. Pour un peu, on se croirait vraiment dans les années 80. Adieu IPhone, réseaux sociaux, crise sanitaire… Nous voici replongés dans le monde d’avant, un monde perçu à travers un nuage de fumée de cigarettes, où l’avènement du CD est une mini révolution et où le rock fait office de religion.

Les titres cultes qui ont fait danser la planète s’enchainent. Goodbye Stranger, Dreamer, Breakfast in America avec Supertramp. Sultans of Swings, Walk of life, Telegraph Road de Dire Straits. Chaque morceaux a une histoire et fait écho à un souvenir, un moment particulier de notre vie. Dès les premiers accords de guitare ou au son des premières notes de synthé, on est dedans. Complètement. Tel Modiano sur les traces de son passé, on revit des émotions enfouies, on reconnaît les riffs hypnotiques, on ressent la rythmique de l’intérieur. On assiste véritablement à une résurgence musicale inouïe et les paroles de certaines chansons nous reviennent : Goodbye stranger it’s been nice / Hope you find your paradise / Tried to see your point of view / Hope your dreams will all come true

La musique est intemporelle, universelle et nous plonge dans un absolu polysensoriel. On écoute avec bonheur le son de l’harmonica sur les titres School ou Take the long way home. Le solo saxo de Bloody Well Right nous fait vibrer totalement. Rudy nous plonge dans un ailleurs plus contemplatif, presque nostalgique. Et puis ces tubes interplanétaires qui nous mettent instantanément en orbite, comme The logical song, titre favori de Paul MacCartney à sa sortie en 1979, que nous réécoutons après le concert car on en veut toujours plus. Le final est explosif avec Money for Nothing de Dire Straits : l’intro est planante, installe un climat particulier, le synthé monte crescendo, soutenu par la batterie qui progresse et prend de plus en plus de place. Comme au démarrage d’un feu d’artifices, on entend des déflagrations sporadiques au départ puis précipitées, pour accueillir à 1’37 min du morceau les premières cordes rutilantes. Alors, on observe une cassure dans le rythme, la batterie s’arrête net, les guitares sont lancées, dessinent un motif répétitif, lancinant. Et ça repart de plus belle avec la batterie, suivie par le chant.

Les lumières nimbent la salle d’une aura joyeuse et festive. Les spots s’allument et s’éteignent en rythme. La tension est palpable. Inutile de lutter, ça fait près de 40 ans que ça dure et ce n’est pas prêt de s’arrêter… A la fin du concert, nous ne sommes plus à la Salle Pleyel mais bien au Stade de France après un but de l’équipe nationale : tout le public est debout et s’exprime avec emphase. L’ambiance est incroyable, la liesse générale pratiquement indescriptible.

Réussir à créer un tel engouement est un exploit. Sur l’affiche, on nous parle de concert extraordinaire, on était prévenu.

Palau de la Musica Catalana (Spain)
> DirtyRock  (Barcelona, MAR 29th, 2018)

- FEDERICO NAVARRO, DIRTYROCK -

(Translated from spanish. Original article here...)

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Huntingdon Hall, Worcester (England).
> Radio Choice Worcester  (NOV 12th, 2017)

When it comes to bands from the 70's with lasting appeal, Supertramp is high on the list but whilst the band itself may no longer be around, their spirit lives on in the form of Logicaltramp who appeared to a hugely appreciative audience at the Hall tonight.

All the hits were there - The Logical song, Dreamer, Breakfast in America, Goodbye stranger and many more, including some of their longer pieces and lesser known songs, brought to life by a talented bunch of 7 musicians fronted by the excellent vocals of Hungarian Tamás Csemez and Gary Hopkins, with the essential saxophone and harmonica from Laurent Hunziker, ably assisted by Anthony Clayton and Alex Kundig on guitars, Serge Sainte Rose on piano and keyboards and Adam Aggiss on drums - a great mix of talented musicians who worked well together to bring that very particular Supertramp sound to life.

With a brilliant double encore of Give A Little Bit and Crime Of The Century, this was an evening of truly classic rock which left the audience wanting more...

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Festival Promos (Switzerland)
> L'Impartial (Switzerland)  (JULY 4th, 2014) -TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH-

PROMOS IN LE LOCLE : About to release an album featuring rare songs of the mythical band, the british band will be playing on the main stage at midnight.

We are meeting Laurent Hunziker, who normally lives in Paris, at the café-terrasse of Locle's Casino under a bright sunshine. He didn't melt, despite our delay due to usual city traffic lanes during this special week-end, the one of the famous "Promos". He knows the town as he's coming twice a year to visit his cousin here. Tonight, about midnight he will be playing on the festival's main stage, with the saxophone offered by Supertramp's John Helliwell himself.

«At my side will stand my six musician mates with whom i share for about ten years now the Supertramp universe. On tour we play the big hits like 'Dreamer', 'Give a Little Bit', 'The Logical Song', 'Goodbye Stranger' and 'Breakfast in America'. Together we formed the band Logicaltramp...»

The band features vocalist/keyboardist Gary Hopkins, Tamàs Csemez, who sings the parts of Supertramp's Roger Hodgson. «On guitar, we have Anthony Clayton. Matt Love - his real name! - plays the bass. Serge Sainte Rose is our pianist; Adam Aggiss, our drummer. They all come from London, apart from me as a French-Swiss citizen. We all met thanks to Supertramp, sharing for some of us a friendship with original members».

Passion first: All copyrights are going to Supertramp. «We go touring and playing concerts mostly for the pleasure of it! Most of us are music teachers and make a living with music. Today will be our first show in Switzerland».

It is after meeting John Helliwell, Supertramp saxophonist, in a Parisian subway, that Laurent became his friend. «In the French capital, i didn't dare talk to him that day. I talked about this with my swiss cousin who said i should write to him. Which i did. Not sending a letter to the offices in Los Angeles, but rather at the Philharmonic orchestra he was playing with at that time. He replied with a long message.» Epistolary friend at start, then genuine friend, John invited him later on to join Supertramp on stage one night. «And there i met some of the guys i'm playing with tonight in Le Locle. Finger crossed that the rain will just fall gently during the concert to cool down the audience.»

- Review by: Sylvia Freda-

Logicaltramp, Pacific Road, Arts Centre, Birkenhead.
> The Liverpool Student Media  (SEPT. 16th, 2011)

The music of Supertramp can easily send shivers down the spine of their fans, from classics such as Goodbye Stranger to the dramatic and sensual Lord is it Mine?, the band have long been touted as one of the finest examples of British music from the last 50 years.

It is strange and surprising that even though the band rarely tour and Roger Hodgson has never been so popular with his touring that there are so few musicians who seem willing to take on the music and forever remind audiences how good the band’s sound is live.

In Logical Tramp, the band lives on and with some great energy and spirit thrown in for good measure. There were genuine moments of pure delight for the fans that turned up in their droves and when the lights finally went up at the end of the night, the look on the faces of those who had kicked off their weekend in style said it all; they had not been let down one bit.

From almost every era of the bands history, Gary Hopkins, Laurent Hunziker, Anthony Clayton, Serge Saint Rose, Grant Wildy and the very impressive Matt Love, thrilled the audience with renditions of songs such as Breakfast in America, Bloody Well Right, Hide in Your Shell and the Progressive stylings of Fools Overture.

Every song was greeted wildly and by an audience that didn’t stop singing along with the band all evening. Even on some of the more demanding of songs such as Its Raining Again and Rudy it was evident that everyone was having a good time.

Logical Tramp were joined on stage by vocalist and fellow Supertramp fan Tamas Csemez for the show at the Pacific Road as usual mainstay Willy Norton was indisposed for the evening, however in Tamas, the band were as superb and technically perfect as it was possible to get. Tamas’s voice was a joy to hear and it blended well with Gary Hopkins whose position within the band was take on the voice and words of Rick Davies. In this, the two men succeeded beyond measure and it’s a shame in a way that they don’t perform together all the time.

There are some bands that just shouldn’t be allowed to be forgotten by time or the fickle nature of music trends and in Logical Tramp interpretation of classic British band Supertramp, there is hope that this is so.

- Review by: Ian D. Hall -

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Logicaltramp réunit 3000 personnes à Houlgate!
> Ouest-France (AUGUST 5th, 2011)

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Tribute act pays homage to British super-band
> The Mississauga News - Ontario, Canada  (NOV 13th, 2008)

While Mississauga residents shouldn't expect British prog-rock band Supertramp to venture into town anytime soon, fans of the band can check out arguably the next closest thing later this month. Logicaltramp, a seven-piece tribute band to Supertramp, comes to the Living Arts Centre's Hammerson Hall on Nov. 27. It's part of the band's first tour of Canada, which includes stops in Hamilton (Nov. 18), Belleville (Nov. 21), Montreal (Nov. 22), Brampton's Rose Theatre (Nov. 23), Ottawa (Nov. 24), Oshawa (Nov. 25), St. Catharines (Nov. 26) and Markham (Nov. 28).

Reached by phone at his suburban London flat, Logicaltramp vocalist Willy Norton told The News the act formed in 2004 out of a love of the original band. A deep and abiding admiration for Supertramp's music shines through via the tribute act at each live performance, he said. "We're very respectful of Supertramp; the glory and the spoils belong to them," he said. "After all, it's their songs. We're just performing them. We try to get our sound as close to the original as we can," he continued. "Truthfully, you can't fail with most of these songs. They're timeless."

Over the course of its career, Supertramp recorded and released a slew of hits including Dreamer, Bloody Well Right, Breakfast in America, The Logical Song and It's Raining Again, just to name a few. While all the big hits will be brought out at the live show, some of the lesser known songs will make the grade as well. For example, Surely – the first song off the band's first album – will be performed as will songs such as Rudy and Fool's Overture. The band typically sticks to the songs off the albums between their self-titled debut and 1985's Brother Where You Bound.

"Believe me, it's not going to be a willfully obscure show; essentially it's the greatest hits and then some," said Norton.

At the performances, Norton sings the vocal parts of Roger Hodgson while Gary Hopkins covers the work of Rick Davies. The live performance will also incorporate video screens and a light show.

While Norton said he's an enormous fan of the band, it was the tribute act's saxophonist Laurent Hunziker who helped bring it all together. After he was invited by Supertramp to accompany the band on a couple tunes during a live performance, Hunziker set about forming the tribute act. And, if any of the band's musicians start to go off in wild directions, Hunziker is there to reel them back in. "He's the guy who, if I sing a little too heavy metal, just looks at me and says, 'Supertramp wouldn't have sung it like that,'" said Norton, with a laugh...

- Review by: Chris Clay -

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Logicaltramp on Classic Rock
> page 17 of Classic Rock Magazine  (JAN. 2008)

Supertramp may not be the coolest band in the world [No shit! Ed], but it's hard not to sing along when Logical Song or Dreamer comes on the radio. They're infectious. And that is something that acclaimed tribute band Logicaltramp have latched onto Having received the blessing of many members of Supertramp, Logicaltramp have been wowing audiences around the country while the real band remain on sabbatical. Vocalist told us more.

CR: How did you start doing this?

The band started as a result of Laurent Hunziker who's a French saxophonist and sort of the band leader. He's very good friends with John Helliwell, who's the saxophonist with Supertramp. Laurent was invited up to play with Supertramp at a stadium in Paris. He came off stage and decided to form a tribute band. I'm a jobbing singer and I auditioned.

CR: Do you concentrate on a specific era or album, or do you play a 'greatest hits' set?

We do all eras, we do songs from every album and we chuck in B-sides and things. Really, people want to hear the big hits People are often embarrassed to admit that they like Supertramp.

CR: Do you dress up and do the lookalike thing?

No, we hate all that. No disrespect to all the people that put in the massive amount of work required to do that. Supertramp were never about the visuals. They looked like mechanics, like they'd come out of a thrift store. You don't have Slash's top hat or Freddie's yellow jacket.

CR: Do any of Supertramp know of you, apart from John Helliwell?

Apart from Rick Davies, who lives in LA, I think they all know of us. We've had a fantastic reaction. Laurent knows Roger Hodgson well so they're aware of us We're respectful to the music, and we make it clear that we, as musicians, want to play these wonderful songs because you won't have heard them live for a while.

- Review by: Brett Ammo-

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Gig at the Alfandega do Porto - Congress Hall of Porto - Portugal  (MARCH 18th, 2006)

Last Saturday, Logicaltramp played for the first time outside of England, Porto (Portugal). The concert began +/- one hour late, don't know why and I didn't care. The stage with the lights off, is very simple, but very efficient when they're on, they used the screen behind the drums where they run some pictures in some songs and a video on crime of the century, very similar to Supertramp. They started with "School" and played all the songs that the audience wanted to hear, and it was good to hear some hits at the beginning of the concert, we didn't have to wait to the end to hear "Bloody Well Right", (Yair Schleider was fantastic at the organ) or "It's Raining Again". Here's the song list, and what a list!!!:

1. School
2. Ain't Nobody But Me
3. Breakfast in America
4. Take the Long way Home (Anthony played guitar in the harmonica parts, surprised me, but sounded very good)
5. Cannonball (a great surprise!!)
6. It's Raining Again (William came from the middle of the audience with the umbrella, of course we all knew the next song would be it's raining again)
7. Bloody Well Right
8. Hide In Your Shell (Fantastic, they all sang the choir at the end)
9. Surely (a great piano version)
10. Dreamer
11. Goodbye Stranger (congratulations to Anthony, what a solo guitar, fantastic...)
12. From now on (Gary sing the Rick Davies songs, but in this one he made it very good)
13. You started laughing (Laurent made me forgotten John Helliwell in this one)
14. Rudy (for me this was the song of the evening, very powerful and very well performed, with great lights)
15. The Logical Song
16. Give a little Bit
17. Lord is it Mine (another surprise, very well performed)
18. Crime of the Century (the concert has to end with this one, it's traditional like William said).

Almost 2 hours of excellent music played by great musicians. And remember this is very probably the only way you will year many songs like Dreamer, Lord is it Mine, Hide in Your Shell, etc, played by a band.

After the concert, me, SuperCarlos and Joaquim, went to one room to meet them, and I must say they are very nice people, I had a little conversation with everyone, and was nice to see the jacket full of logos from Supertramp albums that Laurent dresses in concerts and more important I put my fingers in the saxophone that belonged to John Helliwell ;-).

If you are a Supertramp fan, I "order" you to go to a concert, you won't regret.

- Review by: Flavio Castro -

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Gig at Grove Theater - Dunstable -  (MARCH 13th. 2010)

Crime of the Century that more didn't attend tribute to 1970s prog-rockers.

YOU have to feel sympathy for some of the acts that appear at The Grove. They drag their bones around the country, win critical acclaim from thousands of fans, give up a day rehearsing and making last minute changes to their act – and go on to a near empty auditorium. There were so few people at the venue on Saturday night for The Spirit of Supertramp as performed by Logicaltramp (a mammoth mouthful of a title) that we could have all fitted into the performance space of the local pub.

But that didn't stop the seven-piece band led by charismatic and energetic singer Willy Norton from putting their heart and soul into the show.

Those under 30 have probably never heard of the 1970s British prog-rock band, Supertramp, and no doubt think that us old duffers are getting them mixed up with Supergrass. But mention Dreamer, Goodbye Stranger, The Logical Song or Breakfast in America to anyone middle-aged and we become misty eyed for a time when music carried you away with lengthy concept pieces, arty album covers, long hair and falsetto voices.

Logicaltramp aren't, as Norton says, "a bunch of impersonators" but an international group of talented London-based musicians who love the unique sound of Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies' Supertramp. In fact Norton and co probably weren't even born when the group first came to prominence with albums like Supertramp, Crime of the Century, Crisis? What Crisis? and Even In The Quietest Moments.

But that didn't stop them coming up with a power-packed and entertaining show that covered pretty much every hit, and a few of the more obscure songs, that the band achieved.

Norton's voice was indecently high, his harmonica-playing perfect and he even threw in a cheek solo. In-between singing he bounded around the stage hot-wired to the music. His fellow musicians, including French sax player Laurent Hunziker, guitarist Tony Clayton, Caribbean-born keyboard player Serge Saint Rose, Grant Wildy on drums and Gary Hopkins sharing vocals and keyboard duties, were given their moments to shine through a back catalogue that featured School, Bloody Well Right, It's Raining Again, Goodbye Stranger and Lady.

The show finished with an impressive if somewhat muted finale. The ambitious, stylised and lengthy Fool's Overture featured guest appearances (via back projection) from Hitler, Churchill, and the entire war-time armies of Russia, Britain and Germany but it seemed a strangely weak choice for a last piece... Good then that the lads came back for an encore and ended, as Supertramp always completed their sets, with Crime of the Century.

Logicaltramp deserved (Bloody Well Right) more than 380 punters and let's hope that it doesn't put them off a return gig.

- Review by: Anne Coxx, Leighton Buzzard Observer -

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Gigi at palau de la Musica - Barcelona, Spain (JAN.21, 2017)

Logicaltramp nos muestra su interpretación de las canciones más vendidas del legendario grupo Supertramp, como Dreamer, Give a Little Bit, The Logical Song and Breakfast in America, en un concierto único.

El 23 de diciembre estará en el Teatro Nuevo Apolo de Madrid y el 21 de enero en el Palau de la Música de Barcelona, este grupo que trae el espíritu de Supertramp con los mundialmente famosos clásicos de rock que tanto éxito tuvieron y que nos harán revivir aquellos años dorados. Seguro que aún silbas de vez de en cuando alguna de estas canciones.

El concierto, que dura 2 horas, incluye los grandes éxitos, canciones épicas de sus discos y también algunas rarezas musicales para los muy fans, en un homenaje apasionado a las composiciones de Rick Davies y Roger Hodgson. Respaldados y animados por los miembros de Supertramp, grupo que se formó en 1969, estos talentosos músicos han tocado en la actualidad para miles de espectadores por todo Reino Unido y Europa, y han sido muy bien valorados por los críticos internacionales. Aprovecha esta oportunidad para disfrutar de la emocionante recreación del sonido clásico de Supertramp, no hacerlo sería el “crimen del siglo” (“Crime of the Century”).

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Gig at Mr.Kyps - Poole - Dorset  (JULY 15th. 2004)

SUPER (LOGICAL) TRAMP (S) !!! It's been nearly 30 years since the real SUPERTRAMP played Poole - Yes believe it or not they did (just around the corner at the bottom of North Road)! It was the days when the lads played the college circuit! Last night tribute band 'LOGICAL TRAMPS' rolled back the years with two totally amazing sets packed with the unique sounds that made the original band one of the all time SUPERGROUPS. Is it perhaps the 'Crime of the Century' that SUPERTRAMP hasn’t performed together since 2002? While their army of fans across the world is left to hope and pray, last night the LOGICAL TRAMPS proved they can fill that void with excellence!

An enthusiastic Thursday night crowd at Mr Kyps took to the band from the word go. Rapturous applause followed the opening number a rousing rendition of 'Dreamer'. From that moment the crowd were hooked and literally reeled in as the band performed OUTSTANDING covers of the unique SUPERTRAMP sound. Then they just got better and better as the night wore on. How good were they? Well, put it this way - I had to keep reminding myself that this was not the real thing! The Logical Tramps did absolute justice to some of the biggest numbers in the SUPERTRAMP repertoire - Bloody Well Right, School, Goodbye Stranger, Take the Long Way Home, Give A Little Bit, Breakfast in America. These were just a few of the great memories that rocked the house last night. If you weren't a clued up SUPERTRAMP fan you possibly wouldn't recognise many of the numbers by title (it's all part of the mystery you know) but it was fun watching people experience that 'ah ha' moment when their faces lit up in recognition. The highlight of the night? Very difficult to say ... for me, possibly the jaw dropping rendition of 'Rudi'? But to pick any particular song is almost an injustice to the rest!

The talent on stage last night was exceptional. Keyboards wizard (no exaggeration) G.Carrera and sax player L.Hunziker are both good friends with SUPERTRAMP'S long time sax player, John Helliwell. Such is John's regard for Laurent's playing that he invited him to play live with SUPERTRAMP in Paris on their 2002 tour - From last nights performance is there any wonder? Awesome sax! Anthony Clayton's guitar solos were mesmerising. Bass guitarist combined beautifully with lead vocalist William Norton to re-create that unique SUPERTRAMP vocal sound. All this was backed up by some great drumming from Philip Moss. If you missed last night you missed something very very special! Lets hope Kyp brings this fantastic band back in double quick time - I can imagine that when word gets out it will be a sell out! Still need convincing? Here's what members of the real SUPERTRAMP have to say. "I want to hear this band live" (John Helliwell - sax). "We are all very honoured having such fine musicians playing these songs" (Carl Verheyen - guitars). "You guys sound good" (Roger Hodgson (Singer / Composer) - All I can add to that is..."Bloody Well Right"!!!

- Review by: Dave Downing -

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2nd Gig at Mr.Kyps - Poole - Dorset  (NOV. 21st. 2004)

“The actors and jesters are here. The stage is in darkness and clear. For raising the curtain and no-one’s quite certain whose play it is”?…

...but then, Logicaltramp announced themselves on stage to thunderous applause with ‘Aint Nobody But Me’. Next came ‘Breakfast In America’ and ‘Bloody Well Right’ which got the audience singing and ‘Its Raining Again’ – which is not a personal favourite but popular with the light core fans. ‘You Started Laughing’ – a rare treat for the hard core fans as was ‘Surely’ a beautiful song, sang superbly!!! ‘Give A Little Bit’ and 'From Now On’ from Even In The Quietest Moments – a gentle reminder to the band on that – was sang authentically and the humour of the band shone through which make them very amiable. I felt there was genuine affection towards the band and audience – both for the music and each other. The band clearly enjoy what they do which is infectious. I could see big cheesy grins everywhere, including me.

It was a wonderful night. The best moment for me was ‘Goodbye Stranger’ – not generally a personal favourite but the instrumental blew me away. I felt myself shaking my head in total gobsmacking amazement at the authenticity and the vibe from everyone. By the end, the audience were foot stomping, clapping and cheering for an encore which they obliged with ‘Hide In Your Shell’. I was left feeling… ”oh no, please no, don’t let the curtain fall”. I can’t wait for the next gig!!

- Review by: Teressa Harris -

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Logicaltramp returned to Mr Kyps (Poole) last Sunday. Word had spread and a large Sunday night crowd waited with excited anticipation for the band's first return gig, having played Kyps back in the summer (amazingly their inaugural live performance).

This time around the guys even surpassed their first impressive performance, probably due to the fact they now had their 2004 UK tour behind them - They were even slicker than before and just looked really comfortable working together, a delight to watch. It was good to see Supertramp's trademark props starting to creep in eg the whistle during the 'Logical Song'. Will we soon be seeing the 'saw' being played during 'Hide in your Shell' ? .Now there's a challenge!

Talking of 'Shell' - We didn't hear it in the summer but this time round it made for a delightful encore. Great that 'From Now On' has also been added to the play list of all-time Supertramp classics. Yet again it's difficult to pick a highlight - there was so many. Last time 'Rudi' did it for me and this time it did it again. This was another amazing performance from a fantastically talented band. every one of them! It's being said wherever they play. Logicaltramp do absolute justice to the legendary Supertramp sound.

All that remains to be said is - When are they coming back again Kyp - It can't be too soon!

- Review by: Dave Downing -

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Gig at Llanhillhet - South Wales (JULY 23rd. 2004)

I must say that I approached the gig in South Wales with a mixture of excitement and foreboding. Having been a big fan of Supertramp since 1974, and being a bit of a pureist I hoped upon hope that I wasnt going to witness a bunch of muzos stumbling their way through a set of Supertramps greatest hits hoping to make a fast buck.

Well Im very pleased to announce that the lads were absolutely tremendous. From the moment they struck up the chords to the opening song, I got a warm fuzzy feeling, the sort of feeling you get when you know that you are in for a treat. I looked across the table at friends and family who were looking back at me. They knew that I would approve. How could I not approve when the Tramps sounded so good.

This is a very brave and ambitious project. Its no coincidence that its taken nearly 25 years since Supertramps 'peak' for an outfit to have a serious stab at recreating the music of Supertramp. Whilst they may sound simple, Supertramp songs are difficult and complex to reproduce, even more so live!!!!. Supertramp were/are renowned as a tight outfit with quality production both live and recorded. These lads kept it tight and succeeded in recreating the sound and atmosphere of a Supertramp gig.

The lads have the potential to entertain the world with this project. If you have a chance to see them dont miss out. Due to a change of venue at very short notice (not the bands fault I understand) the crowd wasn't as big as I had hoped. Nevertheless, what we lost in numbers, we made up in enthusiasm, so much so that the band did 3, yes 3 encores. They certainly looked as if they enjoyed it. We certainly did. I cant help thinking how utterly brilliant it would have been with a full venue.

One last thing, and apologies to the rest of the band for singling out Laurent on saxophone. Close your eyes, and he is.... Mr Helliwell. As the song sort of goes: When they're up on the stage they''re so unbelieveable, oh unforgettable, how we adored them. Well done fellas B..B...B..B...B..BLOODY MARVELLOUS!!!

- Review by Ian Wales UK -

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Interview with Tamas Csemez
> New Express Brno (Czech republic)  (March 2018)

- PETR GRATIAS, Music Editor, NEW EXPRESS -