Astoria 2, London

It was a triumphant UK debut for Mark “Westworld” Westworth complete with trademark Yul Brynner cowboy hat, as IQ returned to London's least salubrious Prog Venue, now imaginatively calling itself the Astoria 2!

The venue was packed to the gunnels with the most discerning and demanding music fans in Christendom and no-one would leave the venue unsatisfied (apart from one 14 year old axe-meister who failed to grab one of Mike Holmes's picks). A great vibe throughout the 2.5 hour set which worked its promiscuous way through the IQ back-catalogue as energetically as a sailor on 24 hour shore leave. And somehow the usual ranks of tall bastards in the front row stepped back a couple of tranches this time and let the tiddlers see Mike’s open toed sandals. Funniest moment was surely the "I'm Spartacus" moment as the audience searched the auditorium in vain for Widge, concealed somewhere in the loving bosom of his fan base!

IQ forum discussions calling for the resting of The Seventh House will surely now be put on hold, if only to give Mark another chance to nail *that* solo! Mark in fact gave an outstanding debut, taking on 14 new songs in just a couple of months. It's already possible to see how he is starting to offer different keyboard textures to the established IQ sound. The keyboard contribution to the developing new tracks, Frequency and Crashed and Burned was warmly appreciated. If these two new tracks are anything to go by, the new album is going to be even finer than Dark Matter.

After watching the first half of the gig up close and personal in front of Mr Holmes's stirring guitar magic, we withdrew to sample the refined atmosphere of the upper bar area where many of London’s prog–rock glitterati were holding court. From this lofty vantage point we were able to witness a spectacular dance exhibition from Tommo, resplendent in last night's must have fashion accessory, the Twelfth Night T shirt, as Andy Edwards hammered out a tireless and powerful rendition of IQ's own Xmas medley.

Fortunately the great gods of Health and Safety were locked outside the venue and we were able to enjoy the full-on sparkler experience during Guiding Light.

As 800 delighted progsters vanished into the icy London night, this IQ fan was left reflecting on how could the band top this show? By resurrecting the Glenn Miller Medley and dressing for a VE day party next year perhaps.