Live review: Pendragon in Ittre, Belgium on 20 May 2024

On Whit Monday, (20.05.2024)  we visited the Zik Zak club in Ittre (Belgium) for the first time to see the British prog band Pendragon. Despite the unassuming exterior of the club, which resembles a warehouse constructed from metal panels, the club offers a warm and inviting atmosphere inside. It has a capacity of about 300 people, making it an intimate setting for concerts where fans can get close to the performers. Despite its remote location on an industrial estate, the club’s welcoming ambiance and top-notch acoustics make it a popular destination for music lovers in the region.

Rog Patterson

The Pendragon concert at club Zik Zak was a wonderful evening for progressive rock fans. One of the pioneers of the genre, founded in 1978 by Nick Barrett, the British band delivered a masterful performance that showcased their enduring talent and musical evolution. The evening was opened by Rog Patterson, a prog-rock artist known for his playing on the twelve-string guitar and sharp lyrics. Rog, a former Pendragon tour manager and long-time collaborator, warmed up the crowd with his folky set.

Pendragon opened with ‘If I Were the Wind (and You Were the Rain)’, setting the tone with its sweeping melodies and Barrett’s emotional guitar playing. The setlist was a well-curated journey through Pendragon‘s extensive catalogue, alternating classics with newer material. ‘Eternal Light’ followed, a song that highlighted Clive Nolan‘s virtuosity on the keyboards and added lush textures that complemented Barrett’s guitar. ‘Skara Brae’ and ‘Starfish and the Moon’ showed how the band created rich, atmospheric soundscapes, with Peter Gee‘s bass providing a solid foundation and Jan Vincent Velazco‘s drumming adding complex rhythms.

The performance of ‘360 Degrees’ and ‘Water’ kept the momentum going, with the latter track in particular featuring some of Barrett’s most compelling solos, reminiscent of David Gilmour’s style. The acoustic segment of the show offered a more intimate and introspective experience. A highlight was ‘King of the Castle’, with Barrett’s vocals and acoustic guitar creating a heartfelt connection with the audience. The two backing singers elevated this beautiful song to an even higher level. ‘North Star, Part III: Phoenician Skies’ and ‘Schizo’ returned the band to their more complex arrangements, with each member showing off their technical skill and synergy.

‘Afraid of Everything’ and ‘Paintbox’ were highlights, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience, especially during the intricate instrumental passages and powerful choruses. The concert reached an emotional peak with ‘Sister Bluebird’, followed by ‘A Man of Nomadic Traits’ and ‘It’s Only Me’, both songs that captured the essence of Pendragon‘s sound: melodic, expansive, and emotionally resonant. The band returned for an encore with ‘Breaking the Spell’, leaving the crowd in awe after their musical journey.

Throughout the evening, Nick Barrett’s guitar playing was a highlight, filled with emotion and precision, often compared to the legendary David Gilmour. Clive Nolan’s contribution on keyboards was equally impressive, adding depth and richness to the band’s sound. Jan Vincent Velazco’s drumming was dynamic and versatile, perfectly matching Peter Gee’s solid bass lines. The concert was a testament to Pendragon‘s enduring appeal and their ability to captivate audiences with their progressive rock mastery.

Pendragon remains a major force in the neo-prog scene, and their performance in Ittre was a clear demonstration of why they remain beloved by prog-rock fans around the world.

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