Just listened to the 5.1 mix for the first time and not too sure it adds anything really. Another good package from Esoteric and an enlightening essay from Bill. It was on this tour I first saw the band and I'm sure I have the original tour programme in the loft, reading the reprint brought back happy memories. I'm sure Bill is fed up with the focus being put on the past but for me it just takes me back to my teenage years and its great! As Perfect Monster said, will spend the weekend listening to everything and will give the 5.1 another go to see if improves with additional playing, (possibly at increased volume when the wife is out).

Just ordered mine...can't wait. This is my favourite Be Bop album, partly for personal reasons, but mostly because its just great!

This will be my first launch party (never been to a Nelsonica either) yet been a fan since 1976!!! I know its a disgrace. I take it, based on this thread, there is usually a meet up before the event which sounds great but where do people usually stay? Will be coming up with the non Bill Nelson fan wife on the Friday. What sort of merch is there to buy, i.e. should I bring lots of cash!! Must say I am really looking forward to it.

I was at the Drury Lane gig as well so maybe it was that gig and not the Be Bop gig were Bill wouldn't play 'old' stuff. But I hope someone else was at the Hammersmith gig and has a better memory than me and can either definitely put me straight or coroborate. Red Noise gig was fantastic. I was into New Wave/Power Pop and Sound On Sound is still one of my favourite albums ever.

I first saw Be Bop at The Hammersmith Odeon, 26 February 1978, absolutely fabulous gig. The big thing I remember (and I think I'm remembering correctly) is that they didn't play anything pre Drastic Plastic with the exception of Forbidden Lovers. I'm sure Bill said something about a 'London audience' being able to cope with just the new songs. I hope someone else was at the gig and remembers this!

Just started listening to the 5.1 for the second time but after the first play I am pretty impressed. Must admit Futurama wasn't my favourite Be Bop album (Modern Music takes that award, possibly because it was my first Be Bop album after discovering them through Hot Valves) but every time I listen to Futurama I am reminded what a fantastic album it is! Think it may benefit from playing loud so will have to do this next time the wife is out.