Growing up in the 70s, “Tubular Bells” was a soundtrack to my childhood. My dad frequently played the album, and I remember watching Mike Oldfield on TV performing the “Blue Peter” theme. Over the years, I had the privilege of experiencing the album live at a couple of concerts. So, when the 50th anniversary of this iconic piece of music was announced, I was thrilled at the prospect of hearing it performed live once again.
However, I must admit, the evening didn’t quite meet my expectations. The first half of the concert felt somewhat disjointed. While it featured well-known tracks like “Family Man” and “Moonlight Shadow,” there was also a lengthy and meandering piece that seemed out of place. Looking around the concert hall, I could see that many others were equally puzzled by this unfamiliar track. At the intermission, when Robin Smith announced that the second half would be dedicated to “Tubular Bells”, there was a palpable sense of relief among the audience. Several people near me expressed their gratitude, remarking, “Thank God, that’s what we came for.”
The second half focused entirely on “Tubular Bells”, redeemed the evening. The performance was a masterful rendition of the original work. The percussionists were particularly impressive, deftly navigating between multiple drum sets, glockenspiel, various percussion instruments, and of course, the titular tubular bells. The guitarists delivered stellar performances, and the cellist added a touch of charm by periodically engaging with the audience.
In my concert-going experience, which includes seeing Mike Oldfield twice, witnessing “Tubular Bells” performed by just two musicians, and attending this 50th anniversary event, this latest concert falls at the bottom of my list. The disjointed first half detracted from the overall experience. Had “Tubular Bells” been the focus from the beginning, the audience’s engagement might have been stronger throughout.
Ultimately, “Tubular Bells” remains a masterpiece in the music world. Whether known for its iconic opening or its association with “The Exorcist”, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.
