The following is a review sent to me by Chris Brophy (cjb "at" openroute.com)
Enjoy!!!!!!!
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Date: Monday, November 10, 1997 4:36 PM
Subject: Simon at Raoul's, Portland ME. (Nov 5th)


>So, the highlight of my vacation was seeing the Simon Townshend Band, live
>at Raoul's Music hall in Portland Maine, Wed. Nov. 5th. Not exactly a music
>Hot Spot, But Simon made it one for that night at least. What a show!!!!
>Despite the lack of people, There were no more than 20 or 25 people,
>including wait staff, Simon went out there with a "Fuck It" attitude. I
>guess he figured these people came to see a show, I'm gonna give em one!
>Simon opened up with a few new songs, leading with "No Angel". Fantastic tune!
>The addition of new guitarist, James Hayto, does wonders to fill out the
>sound of STB. Don't know what happened to Tony Lowe, but this kid is a keeper!
>After ripping through a few more new tunes (Head, Hips & Heart, I'm Alright),
>They headed off into "Among Us" territory, Highlighted in my opinion by an
>unbelievable rendition of "Cold Water". The Guitar Jam in this tune was
>phenomenal!!! James and Simon complemented each other superbly, giving us
>one of the best guitar jams of the year!
>Throughout the set, Ben provided an energetic, steady drum beat, hilighted
>by great harmonizing vocals, such a perfect match for Simon, Like father,
>like son! "Girl in New York" was a great example of their harmonizing talents.
>Linday King showcased his many talents all night, swithching from Keyboards
>to acoustic guitar to backing vocals with ease. The Synth parts truly fill
>out the sound on many songs. He played a really nice acoustic lead in "GNY".
>They finished up the night with a new song "Tony". This song kicks ass! The
>drum beat on this tune is non stop. I could tell Ben was burning up just
>watching him pound out the beat for about five minutes of non-stop bashing.
>It was quite amusing when the song was over and Ben just threw his
>drumsticks in the air and kicked his way out from behind the kit into his
>fathers open arms. The both of them truly have a great on-stage
>relationship, I can only assume they get along just as well when they are not!
>Complete Set List:
>No Angel
>Head Hips & Heart
>I'm Alright
>So Sleep
>Company
>No More Never
>The Way It Is
>Highness
>When She Sleeps
>Girl In New York
>Cold Water
>Girls on Girls (Glad he included this one!)
>Capture
>Medicine
>Save Me
>Ecstasy Heaven
>Tony
>
>On a Side note...I had the chance of meeting everyone in the band. All of
>them extremely gracious that we came out to see them. Simon was great.  
>I had also brought along my seven year old son and my wife. During sound
>check, a few nasty words were slipping out every now and then and Simon
>says "We better be careful, there's a young one among us. He said, "I'll
>start a kitty, and everytime one of us says a bad word, he gets ten bucks.
>Well he made it most of the way through the show, when something slipped
>out, and Simon says "Oh, Tom, thats ten bucks for you!!!" Well sure enough,
>after the show, Simon shows up and gives my son ten bucks along with a big
>hug and a kiss! Needless to say he was psyched!
>I thought he'd go off and spend it, but he put it away and says he's gonna
>keep it. Thanks Simon, you made his night!!! 
>Just to wrap up this long and tedious post, on the way home, my Wife says
>to me, "When I listen to Simon, it makes me wonder how half this drivel
>makes it on the radio!!!
>My sentiments exactly! Keep on Rockin, STB.