Glenn Hughes goes back to his roots

Glenn Hughes, Robin 2, Bilston

By Ian Harvey

Former Deep Purple and Trapeze star Glenn Hughes went back to his Midlands and musical roots with a unique performance at the Robin 2 in Bilston.

It was billed as 'An Evening with Glenn Hughes' but it proved to be much more than that.

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Fans of the star were treated to a one-off performance on Saturday night which saw the Cannock-born singer and bass player run through an acoustic set of early numbers, take part in a rare question and answer session and then rock the joint with a storming electric set.

Back on home turf, this was clearly to be a nostalgic evening for Hughes as well as his fans to help celebrate the Robin 2's 10th anniversary, especially as former Trapeze and Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley's widow, Annette, was in the audience.

For the acoustic set each song was marked by an introduction, a little history lesson about the when and where of the writing of each song, which were then performed as they were written, on acoustic guitar.

Hughes proved he is more than just a dab hand on the guitar, an unusual sight for those of us who have only ever seen him wielding his bass.

There were Trapeze songs including Black Cloud and Will Our Love End, solo outings including Play Me Out and a superb reading of Deep Purple's sublime This Time Around, featuring Hughes and keyboard player Anders Olinder.

A 20-minute question and answer session saw a microphone passed around the audience.

Hughes proved an entertaining storyteller, although there were a couple of times he pulled his punches on names and details behind some stories, laughing: "It'll be in the book," a reference to his forthcoming autobiography.

Then came a moment which proved an emotional high for many in the audience, as Hughes strapped on Mel Galley's beloved "Black Beauty" 1968 Gibson Les Paul for two songs, the same guitar Galley played in his Trapeze and Whitesnake days.

There was then much warm applause as Hughes welcomed Annette Galley on to the stage to receive a bouquet of flowers.

The remainder of the set saw Hughes back on bass with a full band as he ran through songs including Coast To Coast, Mistreated and the big crowd singalong, You Keep On Moving, although few, if any, could compete with Hughes' vocal prowess.

With only one song from his current album, First Underground Nuclear Kitchen, this was a set built on Hughes's remarkable past and was a particular treat for long-time fans who heard songs which haven't been performed for decades, as well as those who have only recently discovered Glenn.

A rare treat for fans to see Glenn Hughes on acoustic guitar.

Hughes was clearly relaxed and happy throughout the evening.

The event comprised an acoustic set, Q&A session and electric set.

Hughes plays Mel Galley's beloved "Black Beauty" 1968 Gibson Les Paul.

One of the songs he covered was Stevie Wonder's Superstition.

A kiss and a bouquet for Annette Galley, wife of Mel Galley, the former Trapeze and Whitesnake star who died earlier this year.

Hughes in action on Mel Galley's guitar.

A passionate performance for the Cannock-born star.

Back on the bass for the last part of the show.

Glenn Hughes shakes hand with members of the audience.