In 1974, Tangerine Dream – then composed of Edgar Froese, Peter Baumann and Christopher Franke – performed a now-legendary concert set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Coventry Cathedral. Nearly fifty years later, the current incarnation of the band – Thorsten Quaeschning, Hoshiko Yamane and Paul Frick – returned to that same sacred space in 2022 to perform a monumental, era-bridging From Virgin To Quantum Years set.
On 27th June, Kscope will release this extraordinary performance From Virgin to Quantum Years: Coventry Cathedral 22 on three stunning editions – As 3CD + Blu-ray set housed in a 48-page hardback book, featuring comprehensive liner notes, high-res & 5.1 surround audio and full video recording of the performance; 3LP black vinyl edition, including 8-page booklet with liner notes and stunning photos from the performance, and 2CD digipak edition, including 8-page booklet with liner notes + live performance photos.
From Virgin to Quantum Years: Coventry Cathedral 22 is a sweeping setlist that reaches back to Virgin Years, while also drawing from more recent Quantum material. Several pieces are performed with special guest Steve Rothery (Marillion), whose guitar work threads itself into the band’s electronic textures to create a fascinating new dimension.
One the 2CD edition, DISC 1features:‘Stratosfear’, ‘Betrayal Sorcerer Theme’, ‘Continuum’, ‘The Dream Is Always The Same’, ‘Raum’, ‘Love On A Real Train’, ‘You’re Always On Time’, ‘Choronzon’, ‘Tangram Excerpt’, ‘Portico’, ‘Ricochet Piano Intro’ and ‘Ricochet’.
DISC 2 features: ‘White Eagle’, ‘Phaedra’, ‘Kiew Mission Pt. 01’, ‘Kiew Mission Pt. 02’, ‘Cloudburst Flight’,
‘Coventry Cathedral 22 Session Pt. 01’, ‘Coventry Cathedral 22 Session Pt. 02’, ‘Coventry Cathedral 22 Session Pt. 03’, ‘Coventry Cathedral 22 Session Pt. 04’, ‘Coventry Cathedral 22 Session Pt. 05’and
‘Coventry Cathedral 22 Session Pt. 06’.
From Virgin to Quantum Years: Coventry Cathedral 22 can be ordered here.
Reflecting on the experience, Thorsten Quaeschning commented “After 2022, following the intense covid years during which we wrote the album Raum, the Coventry Cathedral concert became a key moment in reconnecting different parts of Tangerine Dream’s story with the present. Playing in that same cathedral created an atmosphere that was simply unique.”
Coventry Cathedral stands as a symbol of transformation and resilience, with its towering spire representing both a rich history and a modern rebirth – Qualities that parallel the evolution of Tangerine Dream. With a legacy that includes multiple Grammy nominations, a vast catalogue of groundbreaking albums, and an iconic body of film scores, they continue to stand as pioneers in their field, with the torch passed from founder Edgar Froese to his protégé and current bandleader, Thorsten Quaeschning, after Froese’s passing in 2015.
When asked about the band’s return to the cathedral nearly five decades after the original performance, Quaeschning noted: “The 2022 tour also marked the beginning of a new chapter – More concerts, more people discovering the band live, and an incredibly rewarding experience with a fantastic crew. This project means so much to me that I never even consider having a Plan B. I’m just looking forward to more releases, more concerts, and new studio albums to come.”
For those who did not catch Tangerine Dream on their recent UK tour, check out the trailer From Virgin to Quantum Years: Coventry Cathedral 22 before ordering the recording.
