Procol Harum

Beyond
the Pale 

PH on stage | PH on record | PH in print | BtP features | What's new | Interact with BtP | For sale | Site search | Home

 

Our diet
of news 

 

BtP regular? Please help!
Call me if there's any change ...

Support 'Beyond the Pale': when you order your music, books, electronics
and more from Amazon, use one of these links:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

Amazon Germany

Amazon Canada


September 27: Procol Harum play Helsinki in five weeks' time and Sonderborg in six weeks' time

Added the first part of a Londoner's picture-album from the Palers' Revels at Lejre (thanks, Peter)

Added venue details, photos and an architectural note here (thanks, Timo) 


September 26: Procol Harum play Zurich in five weeks' time

Added a 2006 biography of Procol Harum – which fizzles out in 1977! (thanks, Umberto)

Reminder: Gary Brooker, Robin Trower, Chris Copping and Mick Brownlee play a fantastic gig together on live DVD recorded in 2005 at Southend: read about it here, and click here to order it.

If you have this great DVD, you can review it online to assist other purchasers: read one review here, and add your own! (thanks, Pat)


September 25:

Added a first page of pictures of Paler rehearsals from our correspondent in South Carolina (thanks, 'Shep')

September 24: RIP Sir Malcolm Arnold

Added venue and booking information for two forthcoming Italian Procol gigs here and here (thanks, Umberto)


September 23: Procol Harum play Chiari in five weeks' time, Paris in six weeks' time and Herning in seven weeks' time

Added a first page showing Procol Harum on stage at Domus Felix, Lejre, during BtP's Palers' Revels (thanks, 'Shep')


September 22: Procol Harum play Forli in five weeks' time and Copenhagen a fortnight after that

Added the first part of a Bristolian's picture-album from the Palers' Revels at Lejre (thank you, Linda)

We understand that Procol's Sønderborg show is not in Alison as previously announced but will be held in Sønderborg Hus. Tickets at billetnet.dk (thanks Mogens, thanks Peter)


September 21: Procol Harum play Randers in seven weeks' time

Added a page looking back to the most recent Gary Brooker and Friends concert, earlier this year (thanks, One-Eye)


September 20:

Added part two of a US traveller's camera-diary of August's trip to hear Procol Harum in Denmark (thanks, Marvin) 

September 19:

' ...one of the great unsolved mysteries of rock'n'roll ...'

Added an article that almost-names the man who owned the original, feline Procul Harum (thanks, John)

Added the full details about Procol Harum's upcoming gig in the Italian capital (thanks, Chris)

 


September 18:

Added a good page of photographs showing Procol Harum on stage at Ledreborg Castle on 19 August (thanks, Anders)


September 17:

Added the first part of a photographic record of the Palers' Revels at Lejre through the eyes of our Danish hosts (thanks, Henrik) 


September 16:  

Added a couple of Gothenburg tickets here and here : both 29 October, but different years (thanks, Anders)


September 15:

Added the start of an American traveller's photo-diary of August's trip to hear Procol Harum in Denmark (thanks, Marvin)

September 14: Procol Harum play Randers in eight weeks' time

Added some 1971 Scandinavian dates to our tour-list, and a ticket-scan to this setlist (thanks, Anders). See here also, of course.


September 13:

Were you at the Palers' Revels in August? BtP has a video project in mind, so if you have any moving pictures of the audience, Procol, or the Palers' Band, please let us know by clicking here: we'd like to make some arrangements to see your footage. The quality is not important, so clips from digital cameras will also be of interest. Thanks!

'If God can't dig the spirituality of Procol Harum, that's His loss ...'

Added another reference ... not without errors ... to AWSoP in a novel (thanks, Jeremy)

Added some informal snaps from Domus Felix in August (thanks, Larry)


September 12:

Farewell from Lejre: added a page of pictures of Palers and Procolers at Domus Felix  from Sunday 20 August  (thanks, Solvej)  

September 11:

Five years on, added a link to Paler Ronnie D'Addario's Blink of an Eye video (thanks, Ronnie)


September 10:

Added the second in a series of good photographs taken at Domus Felix during the Palers' Band rehearsals (thanks, Paul)


September 9:

Added the first in a series of good photographs taken at Domus Felix during the Palers' Band rehearsals (thanks, Paul)


September 8:

"Hmm, I think I’ll call you ‘Shep’ ..."

Added a fascinating and profusely illustrated tale of guitar-sharing and osmosis between Procol Harum and the Palers' Band in Denmark (thanks, 'Shep') 


September 7: Procol Harum play Randers in nine weeks' time

Paling in Lejre: added a page of pictures of Palers at Ledreborg and at Domus Felix from Saturday 19 August  (thanks, Solvej)


September 6:

Overhauled this ever-growing page, with an infusion of absorbing new detail into most of its sections.

Injured in action! Here's why there are now two One-Eyes (thanks, Jen)    


September 5:

The Procol Harum dress rehearsal at Ledreborg: added pictures from this exclusive performance (thanks, Solvej) 


September 4:

Added some more excellent pictures from the Palers' Revels in Domus Felix, Lejre (thanks, Peter)


September 3:

Added a last page of photos documenting an American fan's excursion to hear Procol Harum play at Lulworth Castle (thanks, One-Eye)  


September 2:

Added a page of photographs from Robin Trower's recent excursion to San Diego (thanks, One-Eye)


September 1:

Added more Procol Harum concerts here: further details of venues and booking as we get them (thanks, Chris)


August 31: Procol Harum play Randers in ten weeks' time

The Palers on the newspaper front page ... and a whole page inside (thanks Henrik, Charles and Hans)


August 30:

Added some excellent pictures from the Palers' Revels at Domus Felix, Lejre (thanks, Peter)


August 29: Happy Birthday Geoff Whitehorn and Chris Copping! RIP David Schnaufer

Added the setlist for the Palers' Band at the Palers' Revels, Sunday 20 August  (if you find any errors or omissions, please let us know)


August 28:

Added the setlist for the Palers' Band and Procol Harum at the Palers' Revels, Saturday 19 August  (if you find any omissions or errors, please let us know)


August 27: RIP Maynard Ferguson

Read Charles Allison's fully-illustrated report from the Palers' Revels Saturday 19 August

Last Sunday shortly before midnight Radio DK P4 reissued a broadcast from 1970, where Gary and Robin appeared as guest DJ's introducing and commenting on songs from Sam Cooke, Jimi Hendrix, and  Fred Astaire(!) among others.  Listen for Yourself: Go to http://netradio.dr.dk/P4 , use the link Netradio, and then "P4 Rock"

And better still: second half of that broadcast from 30th of October 1970 is promised to be broadcasted this evening (probably around 11.00 pm Danish time) (thanks, Jan)


August 26: BtP's errant What's new page has now been completely restored. Thanks for all help

Added a fifth page of photos documenting an American fan's excursion to hear Procol Harum play at Lulworth Castle (thanks, One-Eye)

August 25: Happy Birthday Franky!

Added pictures from the Palers' Revels at Lejre, Denmark, on Sunday 20 August (thanks , Mogens)


August 24: Procol Harum play Randers in eleven weeks' time

Added Charlie Allison's illustrated review from Procol Harum's concert at Ledreborg Castle, Saturday 19 August.

Added more European dates here and here. BtP hopes to announce even more Procol Harum concerts for this Autumn within a few days (thanks, Chris and François)


August 23:

Because of the fantastic Palers' week in Denmark we have been too busy (and had too much fun) to keep you updated on what happened in Ledreborg and Lejre. But starting tomorrow we will start to tell the whole story, with reviews and photos. Webmaster Jens (now renamed the real One-Eye) is back home and ready for his normal duties tomorrow.

Added an excellent page of wedding photographs (thanks, Josh and Emma)

Added the Procol setlists from Ledreborg here and here

Added an excellent overview photo here (thanks, Roy)


August 22:

The Paling in Denmark has ended, and people have left or are about to leave the Basecamp Hotel. We will, of course, bring you lots of photos and other stuff over the next days about the great time we had. Right now the BtP team would like to thank some of the fabulous people whose help made this event possible.

See you the next time!


August 21:

Added a fourth page of photos documenting an American fan's excursion to hear Procol Harum play at Lulworth Castle (thanks, One-Eye)

We have been too busy here in Denmark to keep you updated about the concerts and the Palers' Revels (sorry), but the Danish website has done a good job, so visit them for glimpses of Nirvana

BtP will resume normal operation soon.


August 20: Procol Harum play their second of two consecutive orchestral gigs at Ledreborg Castle in Denmark

Added a nicely-illustrated report of Gary Brooker's recent Band du Lac gig (thanks, Mirek)

Procol Harum played a fantastic concert yesterday: surprises in the setlist, very nice venue, and probably the best live sound we have ever heard.

The Palers' Band was also great and had some big surprises in the setlist. Details from Lejre will of course follow, when we find time between rehearsals, concerts and partying.


August 19: Procol Harum play their first of two consecutive orchestral gigs at Ledreborg Castle in Denmark

Sorry for delayed update today, due to internet connection problems in Lejre

Added a third page of photos documenting an American fan's excursion to hear Procol Harum play at Lulworth Castle (thanks, One-Eye)


August 18: Tomorrow Procol Harum play their first of two consecutive orchestral gigs at Ledreborg Castle in Denmark

Added to and amended various details about Procol music in print (thanks Keith, thanks David)

Added more pictures of the Palers' Band rehearsing


August 17: Procol Harum play Randers in twelve weeks' time  

Today at 9 pm (Danish time) there will be a one-hour long programme about Procol Harum on Danish Radio. You  can listen to the broadcast on the net at www.dr.dk/p4 . Press the button P4 Netradio (right-hand side of the page) (thanks, Henrik)  – or this link will open up in Windows Mediaplayer (thanks, Thomas)

Added another page of photos documenting an American fan's excursion to hear Procol Harum play at Lulworth Castle (thanks, One-Eye)

August 16:

Added a transcript of a Danish Procoholic's recent radio interview (lightly seasoned with misunderstandings on the interviewer's side!) (thanks, Niels-Erik)

Palers are now gathering at the Base Camp hotel in Roskilde. Good spirits, and everybody is delighted to see each other again. The BtP team, assisted by Henrik and our families, has been to Domus Felix where the Palers' Revels will take place, and done some roadie work. So we now have a stage ready when the backline and PA companies arrive at 8.30 local time with all their stuff ... including a 5000 watt PA system.

Picture (right) showing the BtP team and Henrik Gøttrup with families having a nice meal at Helle and Henrik's house, before going to Domus Felix for the roadie work. More pictures of Palers in Denmark will surely follow the next few days. (thanks Helle and Henrik)

We just had a mail from Beverly in Florida. And since you all will probably read this on your laptops or in the PC in the reception at the Basecamp Hotel: she wishes everybody a pleasant time in Denmark. (thanks Beverly)

Palers' Band now assembling for rehearsals at Domus Felix: first pictures here

Tomorrow at 9 pm (Danish time) there will be a one-hour long programme about Procol Harum on Danish Radio. You  can listen to the programme on the net at www.dr.dk/p4 . Press the button P4 Netradio (right-hand side of the page) (thanks, Henrik) – or this link will open up in Windows Mediaplayer (thanks, Thomas)

There will be a second interview with Danish Paler Niels-Erik in Denmark's radio Programme 1 at 6.40 a.m. and 8.40 a.m. - in case of other breaking news, the interview will air Friday morning instead. Later in the morning, the item will appear on http://www.dr.dk./.(thanks, Niels-Erik)

Also tomorrow: Danish TV DK4 will show the convert 'Live from Portalen' at 21.35 (thanks Pia and Mogens)


August 15:

Added the second and final part of a Paler's epic report on BtP's 2003 celebration, the 'Leaving for the Coast' festival in Los Angeles (thanks, George)


August 14:

Added a remarkable page about Procol Harum from a young writer in Denmark (thanks, Helene)

Coming to the Ledreborg concert and Palers' Revels this week? Here is some useful information


August 13:

In the run-up to the Palers' Revels in Denmark next week, what better time to publish this epic report on BtP's last such celebration, the 'Leaving for the Coast' festival in Los Angeles? (thanks, George)

Added more people who are coming to the Palers' Revels here, and people who are coming only in spirit here


August 12: A week until Procol Harum play their first of two consecutive orchestral gigs at Ledreborg Castle in Denmark

Added more details of the final event of the Palers' Revels, 21 August in Copenhagen, the trip to the Tivoli Pleasure Gardens, one of Copenhagen's prime attractions.  All are welcome, whether or not they have been to any of the BtP parties: meet in front of the main entrance, 3 Vesterbrogade, Copenhagen, on Monday 21 August at 4 pm (1600 hrs). At about 4.15 we'll take a stroll through the garden and perhaps later have a bite and possibly a few ales (Guinness and other imported beers are available). We could have a look at the Concert Hall, where Procol played a lot in the 70s. Participants pay their own way, so just send an e-mail to ledreborg@procolharum.dk (up until Friday 18 August) if you'd like to come. Niels-Erik Mortensen will be our guide, and will be easy to recognise, 'wearing a more-or-less complete Procol outfit' as he says. Read his additional notes here.

Don't overlook this whimsical page (thanks, Bert)


August 11:  

This morning the regional radio programme P4 / Radio Copenhagen (Radio Denmark) will air a three-minute interview with Niels-Erik Mortensen about the upcoming gigs at Ledreborg. On Wednesday afternoon he had a talk with journalist Suzanne Meyer who wished to interview a Procoholic because the radio station is conducting a competition among its half-million listeners, for tickets to Ledreborg. The competition will spread over three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (the morning shows), allowing 100 additional listeners to go hear Procol at Ledreborg. The interview will contain snippets of AWSoP (naturally) and Conquistador (the Edmonton version). Niels-Erik made sure that the information in the introductions was correct in every detail; he wasn't able to squeeze in the news about the launching of the Paramounts Live 2005 DVD at BtP's aftershow party on Sunday 20 August, as Suzanne had a different angle on the coverage of the life of Danish Procoholics. A photo of Niels-Erik will appear on the P4 homepage, wearing a nice black Procol t-shirt (2004 tour, the one with typos on the back) and holding Procol CDs and DVDs.

The broadcast can be heard online in real time at http://www.dr.dk/P4/ (go to: P4 Netradio, "Hør Københavns radio", on the right side of the screen. Later, the interview will surface the same place (go to "Hør indslag" just below). 

If you know how many members there were in the original line-up of Procol Harum (was it five? was it six?) you can win tickets to hear PH play at Ledreborg Castle (even though the venue is sold out to the general public!). Click here for the quiz. (thanks, Niels-Erik)

Added a page of photos documenting an American fan's excursion to hear Procol Harum play at Lulworth Castle (thanks, One-Eye)

The new  regulations at UK airports may have effects in Denmark too. If you're flying in to Kastrup Airport (Copenhagen) you may find this page helpful (thanks, Niels-Erik)


August 10: Procol Harum play Randers in thirteen weeks' time 

Added a report on Robin Trower's recent show in San Diego (thanks, Allen)


August 9: 

'... a bond was forged in those brief hours that mere mileage would be hard-put to dissolve ...'

The first time the Palers' Band ever met there was considerable uncertainty in the air ... would the players gel, would they be up to scratch, would anyone listen? And in particular, would the petrol ('gasoline') strike that was crippling the UK mean that anything we'd ordered for the first Palers' Convention would actually arrive?

In the event we begged a van and cajoled fuel to deliver most of the gear; the Hammond C3 we'd paid for never materialised; but crucially the fans did appear for the Convention ... and Procol Harum did get to Guildford for a marvellous concert the following day! But it was a nerve-racking time for all concerned.

Out of that Convention came the first Palers' Band recording – innocent, inexperienced, and now sold-out – and its liner-note, which we add to the website here, is still poignantly evocative (thanks, Jill)

On Thursday 17 August at 9 pm (Danish time) there will be a one-hour long programme about Procol Harum on Danish Radio. You  can listen to the programme on the net at www.dr.dk/p4 . Press the button P4 Netradio (right-hand side of the page) (thanks, Henrik)

August 8: 

The reason that Matthew left? I don’t think there really is a particular one ...'

 Added an interview from the time when Procol Harum played Campione in Italy, June 2004: Gary Brooker talks about the band's 'separation' from Matthew (thanks, Gianluigi)


August 7: 

Where does Procol Harum overlap with the inventor of 'cyberspace'? The answer, of course, is DESH ... the Diatonic Elaboration of Static Harmony now read on (thanks, Peter)

Added a smidgeon of useful information to this set list (thanks, Tom)


August 6:

Added some more shots of Procol Harum playing at Lulworth on 7 July


August 5: Two weeks until Procol Harum play their first of two consecutive orchestral gigs at Ledreborg Castle in Denmark 

'The path between King Crimson and Procol Harum contains 3 steps' ... 'The path between Richard Thompson and Squeeze contains 2 steps' ... 'The path between Roy Wood and Beatles contains 3 steps'

Have fun 'mapping the rock'n'roll genome' here ... and do send them more band information (personnel etc) as the Procol / Brooker / Fisher / Whitehorn / Grabham / Palers' Project information is far from complete at present! (thanks, John)

Overhauled BtP's much-used Frequently-asked-Questions page


August 4: RIP Arthur Lee

Added a picture here with a link you're invited to click to find out whose torso it is!

Find your Procoholic neighbours and have fun with the Procol fans' world atlas ... now showing 470 names and counting ... and add your own name, town, or favourite lyric. There are some amiable curiosities in the film-strip associated with it ... click here


August 3: Procol Harum play Randers in fourteen weeks' time 

The Procol Harum shows in August are now completely sold out ... 22,000 lucky people will hear the band play with the Danish Radio Orchestra at Ledreborg Castle. Your only chance of a ticket now is to listen to local radio in Copenhagen where there will be a pair of tickets to win each day next week; there will also be a daily chat with Henrik Gøttrup, who will be speaking about The Palers' Revels – BtP's after-show parties following the Procol gigs – which he is co-organising.

Hello to Danish Radio, who we gather are following developments at the Palers' Revels with keen interest!

In various countries around the world now musicians are learning their parts, to play Procol tunes in The Palers' Band 2006: e-mails are humming to and fro, scores are being settled (as it were) and Skype is being much-employed. Click here to see the people who will be contributing to the fab entertainment at the Palers' Revels on 19 and 20 August.


August 2:  

Rectified some omissions on this page (thanks, Gisle)

Were you in the crowd at Lulworth, dancing to Procol music and singing along to Something Following Me etc? Check here!

Yesterday we sent out confirmations to everybody who had ordered tickets through the BtP shop for the Procol Harum concerts in Ledreborg on19 and/or 20 August. If you received a confirmation (and it is according to your wishes): relax and count the days. If you think you have ordered tickets, and did not get a confirmation mail from BtP, now is the time to panic and contact us immediately so we can sort this out.

We will not send similar confirmations for the Palers' Revels, as any problems here can easily be sorted out on the spot.


August 1:  

Added even more names of people coming to the Palers' Revels in Denmark in August. If you haven't already made your booking for the party hurry up. Booking closes in a few days.

In various countries around the world members of the Palers' Band are sorting out their parts for two sets of PH music at the Palers' Revels. We first did this in September 2000: read the numerous foolish suggestions as to what such an ensemble should be called ... but the one that stuck was nobody's suggestion, it now seems.

Here is a video of the world's largest viking ship leaving Kristiansand today (webmaster Jens's home town) bound for Roskilde where Palers will meet in two weeks' time. Jens will cross the sea to Denmark in a more modern and much faster ship.


Read what was new at this website


PH on stage | PH on record | PH in print | BtP features | What's new | Interact with BtP | For sale | Site search| Home