Last time I saw these great bands sharing the same stage was in 2001 in London’s Shepherd Bush. At that time PORCUPINE TREE were touring in support of their album Recordings while ANATHEMA’s show was supposed the be the last one for longer time, but though first time presenting new tracks from later released album A Fine Day To Exit. It was such an intensive and awesome show … Anyway, why changing what’s proved itself? I couldn’t imagine any better configuration.
PORCUPINE TREE have just released their 11th full-length Deadwing that caused surprised murmurs in the world of rock for its heaviness. Cannot understand that, in my opinion In Absentia is much heavier … ANATHEMA’s latest release A Natural Disaster dates back a while. But with this release the band stated of having already enough material for another two albums, so fans might get much to discover tonight…
Even though I have studied in Hamburg I cannot remember that I ever was in the Markthalle, otherwise I would remember this fucking steep stairs ;) For the tonight’s show the big hall was booked; good idea since this show was almost sold out, meaning, that there were around 1000 people attending. That again got the air condition into serious troubles; with the first tone it became damn fucking hot …

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:. ANATHEMA ~ kicked off extremely on time letting people standing outside in the rain since doors opened too late for such a huge crowd. Scousers introduced with Release just to thrill the fans with Lost Control and Leave No Trace three songs later. While singer Vincent Cavanagh was almost overacting in performing too dramatically, his brother Danny looked quite gruffy. First the two brand new songs raised a smile on his face. As the band told, the second new one called One Day was played the very first time together. After some teething troubles they managed that well. But I have to confess I expected more than just two new songs and was left quite disappointed. Anyways, after around an hour ANATHEMA finished leaving the audience happy at the first time on this evening. There were many Porcupine Tree fans that have never heard anything of ANATHEMA before and they were enthused as well as ANATHEMA fans later by Porcupine Tree. After the show the band members were diving into the crowd – as they always do, which is a big plus – talking and discussing to fans, signing autographs and having fun.
Setlist: Release, Balance, Closer, Lost Control, Leave No Trace, One Last Goodbye, The Hills Have Eyes (new one), Judgement - Underworld, One Day (another new one), Flying

:. PORCUPINE TREE ~ while changing the backline it got quite roomy on stage and - especially for Steve Wilson - a carpet got rolled out, since he is always performing barefoot. The band had a huge screen in the back visualizing their music with films, creating a very intensive atmosphere. PORCUPINE TREE kicked off with Deadwing, the title track and another three ones, interrupted by older songs. This way the listener kept an overview over the single periods of the band’s musical work able comparing the tracks directly in matter of direction, atmosphere and structures. Steve Wilson told the audience about the upcoming re-release of Up The Downstairs (originally released in ’93) re-recorded and re-mastered, using the chance to present Fadeaway and Burning Sky in a new sound-robe. Closing with Blackest Eye and Even Less the band started to rock and the crowd was again awake since the previous material was quieter. Accompanied by frenetic applause PORCUPINE TREE came back on stage for two encores (although there were four ones on the setlist). Seeing the second guitarist playing such a grandiose solo despite of broken strings impressed me tons. Respect! After almost 2 hours in its entirety the evening ultimately came to an end.
Setlist: Deadwing, Sound Of Muzak, Lazarus, Halo, Smart Kid, Hatesong, Arriving Somewhere But Not Here, Fadeaway, Burning Sky, Start Of Something, Blackest Eye, Even Less // Shesmovedon, Train

Upshot: Another amazing show on a deservedly sold out tour. A success none wouldn’t begrudge them. I even met a fan who came over from Italy just to see both bands playing live. By the way, that was the one pinning down every song of the setlists – thanks & cheers Eugenio!
At the end let me say thank you to Warner Music and Markus having an ear for again spontaneous and chaotic activities for my part ;) This show has definitely to be one of the highlights in 2005!