Gary Brooker sings live in Rome

Stefano Ciccioriccio reports for BtP • 25 November 2011

The graphic on this page shows part of the detailed running order for the live TV show I Migliori Anni broadcast by Italian television's RAI 1 on Friday 25 November 2011 (thanks, Stefano)

This is a show where the artists are chosen with reference to a particular year, and Gary Brooker was representing 1967. His agreed performance, completely and absolutely live, was composed of three sections:

• a new orchestral version of A Whiter Shade of Pale
• an interview
• a small portion (just one verse) of Homburg (with orchestra too)

As for the original programme of the show (see below) the three parts were scheduled one after the other (in a row) but when it was the moment to go on air the art director of the show decided to break them.  

So AWSoP was seen from 1.02.45 to 1.09.20  and the interview and Homburg from 1.27.10  to  1.32.10.  

• Both songs were played with the RAI orchestra (no choir) where the string section (violins) was predominant. Some good horns were noted too.

• According to Gary (I was with him and Chris the whole night and then to the restaurant) it was his first experience of using a device for simultaneous translation

Use this link to see Gary’s performance shared for the benefit of all the Palers. No worries about copyright because the show – view it here – is freely accessible on the RAI website.

In apologising for the lack of backstage photographs, Stefano explains that this was done 'expressly by me not to ruin the private atmosphere. For me it was a unique opportunity to spend two private (only me, the Italian promoter Francesco, Chris and Gary) nights, experience the preparation of a show, be on the backstage during the performance, have all together a few drinks and two wonderful Roman dinners (Andrea joined us on the Friday one too).'