(Review from metal-archives.com, progarchives.com)

After the release of “Space Metal”, most of the cast of “Star One” went on the Intergalactic Space Crusader Tour 2002. ”Live On Earth” was recorded during the tour’s last gig in Rijssen, The Netherlands. The recording and sonics are superbly rendered and brilliantly representative of the studio recording.

“Live On Earth” draws it’s set list from both Star One and Ayreon albums. All of Ayreon albums are at least represented with one song. Star One being the reason for the tour is also quite well represented.

Anyone who is familiar with Ayreon’s material can well imagine the complexity entailed in bringing most of the material live in a form that would do justice to the studio version. First being the presence of multiple vocalists. Luckily 2 out of 3 male vocalist present in the Star One studio album are present, Russell Allen and Damian Wilson. Robert Soeterbek fills and sings Dan Swano vocal parts on the Star One material. There is no let down due to the change, Soeterbek sings with energy and passion.

The star of the show is without a doubt the vocal performance of Russell Allen. He seems that have grown in leaps and bounds since his last recorded live outing on Symphony X’s Live on the Edge of Forever (which itself was excellent). On Star One he displays more power and a smoother delivery than he did on Live on the Edge of Forever. Indicating perhaps a better mastery of live vocal techniques.

Speaking of vocalists we are introduced to Irene Jansen sister of After Forever’s Floor Jansen. Both sisters perform as back up singers throughout the set and do a fantastic job adding harmonious layers to the songs. As a coming party Irene delivers a knock out solo performance on the haunting Valley of the Queens.

The backing band is extremely solid and delivers a precise performance, that’s quite the compliment considering the complexity of some of the Ayreon material.

Highlights include “Dreamtime” and “Valley Of The Queens”, the lively “Set Your Controls”, the synth-heavy “Into the Black Hole” and the grandiose “Eye Of Ra” to name just a few.

Line-up:
- Arjen Lucassen / guitars
- Joost van den Broek / keyboards
- Peter Vink / bass
- Ed Warby / drums
- Russell Allen / vocals
- Damian Wilson / vocals
- Floor Jansen / vocals
- Irene Jansen / vocals
- Robert Soeterboek / vocals
with
- Edward Reekers / vocals
- Ewa Albering / flute

Track List:
CD1
01. Lift Off – 1:34
02. Set Your Controls – 6:19
03. High Moon – 5:28
04. Dreamtime – 2:58
05. Eyes Of Time – 3:49
06. Songs Of The Ocean – 5:59
07. Dawn Of A Million Souls – 5:17
08. The Dream Sequencer – 6:03
09. Into The Black Hole – 11:27
10. Actual Fantasy – 1:28
11. Valley Of The Queens – 3:22
CD2
01. Isis And Osiris – 8:48
02. Amazing Flight In Space – 8:00
03. Intergalactic Space Crusaders – 5:15
04. Castle Hall – 4:57
05. The Eye Of Ra – 9:16
06. Starchild – 9:21
07. The Two Gates – 14:34

Link in comments.