a report on vital signs

British progressive rock band Lifesigns recently returned to the stage after a three-year hiatus, gracing the venue Poppodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer, the same location where they recorded their live album “Live in the Netherlands” back in 2023. The band, led by John Young on vocals and keyboards, alongside veteran musicians Jon Poole, Dave Bainbridge, and Frank van Essen, delighted the audience with a mix of old favorites and new surprises.

The concert kicked off with a high-energy performance of N and Gregarious, setting the tone for the evening. One of the notable highlights of the night was the resurrection of the classic track Childhood’s End, showcasing inventive bass work, elegant piano lines, and a captivating guitar solo. Young’s warm anecdotes added a layer of charm and nostalgia to the performance, particularly when he dedicated the ballad After All to beloved figures such as his brother Tom and the late John Wetton.

As the night progressed, the band kept the audience engaged with melodic tracks like At the End of the World and Impossible, prompting enthusiastic participation from the crowd. Despite a minor technical hiccup during Fortitude, Lifesigns delivered a memorable set that culminated in the emotional ballad Last One Home, met with a resounding sing-along from the audience.

Throughout the show, Dave Bainbridge’s guitar prowess stole the spotlight, despite some sound quality issues that detracted from his performance. The overall mix of the concert felt slightly off compared to previous shows, which could be attributed to the band’s touring sound engineer. Despite these challenges, Lifesigns’ signature three-part harmonies, dynamic drumming by Frank van Essen, and Jon Poole’s lively stage presence added depth and energy to the performance.

As the concert drew to a close, the band received a warm reception from the audience, although the turnout was modest with only around 150 attendees. This raised questions about the band’s reliance on older material and the anticipation for a new studio album, which fans eagerly await. Lifesigns’ unique blend of symphonic rock and charismatic stage presence left a lasting impression on the audience, emphasizing the band’s enduring talent and the need for their music to be heard by a wider audience.