In the summer of 2019, Dave Grohl hinted at the possibility of a second Them Crooked Vultures album.  At that point, it had been a whole decade since the supergroup’s debut release, but fans had never quite given up hope of a return.  Grohl’s comments only served to fuel the rumour mill and in many ways it’s a pity nothing more materialised, as a brand new work involving John Paul Jones at that time would have outshone all of Jimmy Page’s non-existent efforts to mark Led Zeppelin’s 50th anniversary.

As 2019 morphed into 2020 and 2020 subsequently came to a spluttering halt in April, people forgot about any TCV rumours.  In many cases, the idea of major artists even getting together for a chat and jam were shelved.  Almost a year on from that, the world didn’t look any better. With absolutely no sign of Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones and Josh Homme making their rumoured return, it’s important to look back and appreciate that the band’s first – and only – tour was so well documented: with at least three professionally shot shows in circulation, plus an excellent audio recording of the band’s Australian visit, fans certainly haven’t gone short.

The Koln show, recorded for Germany’s Rockpalast broadcast, didn’t ever get a home media release, but it inevitably made its way online.  The 90 minute set finds the famous friends – augmented by Eleven and Chris Cornell collaborator Alain Johannes – in full flow.  The whole of the debut is jammed out to the max.  There’s even time for an unreleased number ‘Highway 1’.  In many ways, the show represents the band at the top of their game.

It’s time to turn down the lights, turn up the volume, and take a trip back with The Vultures as they replicate their debut and more in front of an enthusiastic crowd…