16 Horsepower entered the stage from the audience accompanied by applause. Although the sound, certainly at first, had not been adjusted properly, the music was shown to full advantage. The band played very inspired and the audience responded enthusiastically, notwithstanding that for many this was probably their first (live) acquaintance.

It was a pity that during the louder songs, like for instance For Heaven's Sake and Clogger, there was way too much bass for such a small room, which made a mess of the sound. Halfway through the show there was a departure from the set we saw in Amsterdam and Tilburg when only David Eugene Edwards and Daniel McMahon remained behind on stage. Together they played Single Girl in a version with only banjo and guitar. After this Daniel left the stage too for David to play Black Soul Choir and Phyllis Ann solo. The entire band continued the show with Flutter.

They played on without a pre-encore break. During the last song but one, My Narrow Mind, a string broke at once which meant that David had to proceed without his guitar. He seemed to feel very uncomfortable, but the rest of the band moved into a higher gear so that the song was brought to a favourable ending. After Poor Mouth the band left the stage, skipping the usual closer, Horse Head Fiddle.

Although we are pleased that the band is enjoying quite a lot of success nowadays and is playing large, usually sold-out, venues in some parts of the world, we were also very pleased that we could catch a glimpse of 16 Horsepower in their early days in the intimate atmosphere of this pub gig. It is to be hoped that on the next European tour 16 Horsepower will not pass over the small(er) venues.

By Carin and Germ

Setlist by Magali