Forever Live

• Artist: IQ
• Rating:
• Release Date: April 04, 2000
• Total Time: 111:27
• Type: Live
• Genre: Rock

Review

On June 12, 1993, IQ performed a concert at the Stadthalle in Kleve, Germany, to mark the release of Ever, the band's first studio album in four years (and its first with original singer Peter Nicholls since 1985). The show was recorded and filmed, and released in April 1996 as a two-CD plus video boxed set. The album was also released separately. Forever Live is IQ's first "real" live album, since 1985's Living Proof was released without the band's consent (and with poor sound quality), while J'Ai Pollette d'Arnu only contained a few live tracks. On this double album, one finds excellent sound, very strong musicianship, and a generous set list. New songs from Ever are beside old favorites from the first two LPs and even songs from the band's two albums with singer Paul Menel. The set opens with the classic track "The Wake," performed maybe just a bit too weakly. "Widow's Peak" has all the bombastic grandeur intended in the 1985 studio recording. "Human Nature" (from the 1987 Nomzamo album) works surprisingly well. "The Enemy Smacks" and the two sections from the epic "The Last Human Gateway" will delight any progressive rock fan. Peter Nicholls' voice remains strong and emotion-packed throughout the show. Forever Live contains everything necessary to satisfy old fans and win new ones. It makes a good summary of the band's career, stopping just before the recording of its magnum opus Subterranea. Strongly recommended. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide

Tracks

CD 1

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
The Wake	IQ	IQ	(5:11)
The Darkest Hour	IQ	IQ	(10:28)
Widow's Peak	IQ	IQ	(9:33)
Out of Nowhere	IQ	IQ	(5:16)
Nostalgia/Falling Apart at the Seam	IQ	IQ	(10:50)
The Last Human Gateway (Middle Section)	IQ	IQ	(4:06)
Fading Senses	IQ	IQ	(6:55)

CD 2

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
The Thousand Days	IQ	IQ	(4:21)
Leap of Faith	IQ	IQ	(7:08)
Human Nature	IQ	IQ	(10:10)
The Enemy Smacks	IQ	IQ	(15:58)
Headlong	IQ	IQ	(7:40)
The Last Human Gateway [End Section]	IQ	IQ	(8:00)
No Love Lost	IQ	IQ	(5:51)

Credits

IQ (Main Performer), Chris Blair (Mastering), Paul Cook (Percussion), Paul Cook (Drums), Nigel Dunbar (Concert Sound), John Jowitt (Bass), John Jowitt (Vocals (Background)), John Jowitt (Bass Pedals), Peter Nicholls (Vocals), Martin Orford (Keyboards), Martin Orford (Vocals (Background)), Tony Lythgoe (Art Direction), Tony Lythgoe (Design), Mike Holmes (Guitar), Mike Holmes (Producer), Mike Holmes (Soundtrack Producer), Mike Holmes (Guitar Synth), Steve Gladders (Assistant Engineer), Andy Labrow (Photography), Rob Aubrey (Engineer)