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There are concert films, and then there are historical documents. Supertramp’s Crime of the Century: In Concert at Hammersmith Odeon 1975 falls firmly into the latter category.
Captured on March 9, 1975, at London’s famed Hammersmith Odeon, this newly restored performance documents the moment when Supertramp transformed from a respected progressive rock outfit into an international phenomenon. The concert is being released for the first time from restored 16mm film elements in high definition, with audio overseen by original Crime of the Century producer Ken Scott and presented in Dolby Atmos.
The timing of the performance is crucial. Crime of the Century had already established itself as one of the defining albums of the era, and Supertramp was preparing to take its success across North America. Rather than delivering a greatest-hits revue, the band performs the album in near-sequential order while previewing material from the then-unreleased Crisis? What Crisis? album.
Highlights of this performance include: “School,” where the familiar harmonica introduction immediately establishes the atmosphere. Roger Hodgson’s vocals are youthful and urgent, while John Helliwell’s saxophone adds the dramatic flourishes that helped make the studio recording legendary.
The classic “Bloody Well Right” finds Rick Davies taking center stage on this blues-infused rocker. The performance is heavier than the studio version, revealing the band’s roots in British rock and rhythm and blues. The lesser-known “Hide in Your Shell” is one of Hodgson’s finest compositions and receives a heartfelt treatment. The live arrangement emphasizes the song’s emotional vulnerability while retaining its grand melodic sweep.
Presented in epic style, “Asylum” is perhaps the evening’s most theatrical performance. Davies delivers the lyrics with intensity, and the band successfully recreates the song’s shifting moods and dramatic dynamics. A glimpse into the future, “Sister Moonshine”, was destined for Crisis? What Crisis? The song already sounds fully formed, demonstrating the remarkable songwriting consistency of the Davies-Hodgson partnership.
“Just a Normal Day” is an underrated deep cut that benefits from the live setting. The arrangement feels looser and more spontaneous than later studio recordings. “Another Man’s Woman” is a showcase for the Davies’ soulful piano playing. Extended instrumental passages allow the musicians room to stretch out without losing focus.
“Lady,” another rarity for many fans, highlights Supertramp’s ability to blend progressive ambitions with accessible melodies. “Dreamer” seems to have received the night’s biggest audience reaction, coming with the opening notes of this breakthrough hit. Hodgson’s energy is infectious, and the crowd response confirms that Supertramp had officially arrived as a major commercial act.
The concert concludes with the epic title track, “Crime of the Century.” Helliwell’s saxophone work is magnificent, and the band delivers a performance that captures all the grandeur and emotional weight of the studio original.
The restoration appears to be this release’s greatest selling point. The original 16mm film has been upgraded to high definition, while the Atmos mix promises to immerse viewers in the performance without sacrificing the warmth of the original recording. For longtime fans, this alone may justify the purchase. Crime of the Century: In Concert at Hammersmith Odeon 1975 is a lovely send-off to an often-overlooked band with a deep catalog.
For decades, Supertramp’s live legacy has been represented primarily by 1980’s Paris. This Hammersmith performance finally fills an important gap in the band’s visual history, capturing the classic lineup of Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, Dougie Thomson, John Helliwell and Bob Siebenberg at the precise moment Crime of the Century was conquering the world.
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