"Welcome to the Show" is a studio album by English rock band Barclay James Harvest, released in 1990. The band, known for their signature symphonic rock style, surprisingly ventures into pop territory with this release, adding a modern touch to their traditional sound.
The album marks the band's 22nd release and includes two parts with seven tracks each, ranging from soft rock ballads to upbeat rock. "Cheap the Bullet," the opening track, is particularly remembered for its anti-war lyrics, while tracks like "John Lennon's Guitar" and "Origin Earth" highlight the band's ability to create evocative, storytelling songs.
The album is also notable for the departure of drummer and founding member Mel Pritchard, who left due to health reasons. He was replaced by session drummer Roy Martin. Despite the change in line-up, the band's musical style remained consistent, with the main songwriters John Lees and Les Holroyd carrying the band's sonic legacy forward.
"Welcome to The Show," overall, presents a mix of the band's classic rock elements with a contemporary pop sound, an evolution that was welcomed by fans and critics alike. The album is an important piece within Barclay James Harvest's discography, marking a significant period of innovation and change for the band.
