Van der Graaf - Vital (Live) - 1978

Vital is Van der Graaf Generator's first live album. Except for one-off reunions, it marked the end of Van der Graaf Generator as a band until their 2005 reunion.

The album was credited under the truncated name Van der Graaf. It had the same line-up as on the previous year's The Quiet Zone/The Pleasure Dome (also credited to Van der Graaf), plus newcomer cellist Charles Dickie. Original saxophonist David Jackson re-joined the band for this recording.
The album is noted for its sometimes radical reworking of the older VdGG material. Although VdGG were seldom less than intense on stage, the set recorded here is remarkable for its ferocity.

Tracklist:

01. Ship of Fools – 6:43
02. Still Life – 9:42
03. Last Frame – 9:02
04. Mirror Images – 5:50
05. Medley: Plague of Lighthouse Keepers/Sleepwalkers – 13:41
06. Pioneers over 'C' (Peter Hammill and David Jackson) – 17:00
07. Door – 6:00
08. Urban/Killer/Urban – 8:20

Personnel:
Graham Smith – Violin
Charles Dickie – Cello, electric piano, synthesizer
David Jackson – Saxophones and flute
Nic Potter – Bass guitar
Peter Hammill – Voice, piano, and guitars
Guy Evans – Drums

All tracks written by Peter Hammill, except where indicated
Producer by Guy Evans


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