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Ace Frehley – Tuborg Stage, Download Festival, Donington Saturday, 14th June 2008 Set List – Parasite/Rocket Ride/Love Gun/Snowblind/I Want You/New York Groove/Shout It Out Loud/Shock Me/Cold Gin. Well since I missed Ace Frehley in April at Corporation, Sheffield as I was over in Florida at the time there was no way he was escaping my eyes and ears this time around. It was a surprise to see that he wasn't in a tent either which made a great change since last year it was way too small for Motley Crue. Anyways, you get the rumbling blasts of the rocket and on come his 3 band members – then time for the man himself, the real Spaceman – Mr. Ace Frehley without any face-paint in site and instead sports a designer goatee beard and cool black shades. Cries of 'Ace, Ace, Ace' are heard from a large crowd that appear to have gathered in seconds and up comes the 1st of a handful of Kiss classics, everyones least fave lady 'Parasite' that gets rapturous applause. It's good to see Ace still playing his famous Sunburst Gibson's. I'm sure that Bassist, Anthony Eposito (ex-Lynch Mob), has made himself up as Nikki Sixx purposely for a laugh by spiking up his hair the same way and puttin' on white warpaint strips below each eye. Drummer, Scott Coogan (of 'Brides Of Destruction') reminded me of a young Stet Howland (but he didnt have a double bass kit like he does) and Second Guitarist, Derrek Hawkins was a short haired ginger dude who could easily match Ace note for note. Baby got something she wanted fast next - she wants a rocket ride, she wants a rocket ride – oh yeah - a number that originally featured on the studio side of Kiss Alive 2 and got a quick singy bit in 'Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park' from the man himself. It was magical to get to witness this one that of course got all and sundry wailing on the chorus. Drummer, Scott sang 'Love Gun' next, giving Ace's voice a quick break but he was back up to the mike for an old lesser heard song that he said he wrote back in the 70's about snowfall called 'Snowblind' (not to be confused with the Sabbath song of the same name) that sequed into a short snippet of the Kiss fave 'I Want You' – again sung by Mr. Coogan. 'Get those hands in the air' he orders us to do next as it's 'New York Groove' time – a song that he did well with on his 1978 solo album (that was originally penned for the band 'Hello' in the early 70's). 'This one's about my hometown and I want you all to help me out' ! So we all joined in for the late, legendary Bo Diddley like number – giving us a chance to shine in our own right was well – oh yeah! Bang On, Brother, Bang On! All the band sang the falsetto 'Oos' which was real cool. Up comes 'Shout it Out Loud' thats undeniably a Kiss song at its best – a firm crowd fave funnily enough and then 'A song I wrote when I got electricuted on-satage and I ain't been the same since – I bet you can tell' and tore into the our fave number about a hot chick putting on black leather and making us feel better – the one and only 'Shock Me' – totally f*ck*ng awesome! It saw him change guitars for this one too as he performed his classic solo where he sets his guitar on fire from the top pick-up – it smoked like f*ck and gradually went out of tune when it was finally put out of its misery when a dude rushed on-stage with a fire extinguisher. 'Still Smokin', he jokes to us! Now that's what I call hot!! Last song of the set was the song that we are all used to hearing Gene do – that being 'Cold Gin' that Ace pulled off really well (he did write it!) – a ditty that had a real long ending like it does on the record, instead of wrappin' it up really quick – excellent stuff. He tells us we've been a great audience, “See you next time, Rock 'N' Roll' before the band bow and leave the stage leaving us all wanting more. So were you one of the lucky ones who caught one of his pleccys or a drumstick? Come back in your spaceship soon Ace and bring the band with you. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Fish – The Boardwalk, Sheffield, Saturday 6th October, 2007
Now here's a big guy I have never seen before in concert - a rate tall Scottish bloke who goes by the name of Fish, who was the original frontman of Marillion. Last time I saw him was on that film with guys from 'Auf Wiedersein Pet' where he played an old rock star - the film being the classic 'Still Crazy'. Well none of the guys from the building site were on stage tonight - although a duet with Jimmy Nail would have been cool - only kiddin' mate.
On stage with his own band, albeit a bit late which Fish apologised for (so tonight he was in competition with Rush were playing at the Arena up the road, who ironically enough Marillion had supported when he was fronting the band). Yes he had to postpone it from 16th September due to him catching a nasty bug - but at least we got to see him on a Saturday night.
The big man has a new album just out called 'The 13th Star' of which quite a few numbers are aired tonight, like my mate Drew's favourite that goes by the name of 'Sqaure Go' that features a nice rant about the state of the world or summat like that - very political I must add where grabs you by the balls with his statements - well not literally - lol. OK, so I must admit I don't own the new album yet - but I am going to after hearing the material tonight from it.
Fish isn't just a brilliant vocalist, songwriter and actor, he is also one hell of a fandabidozi (yep he said that word and said Jimmy used to scare him when he/she was younger) comedian as well. He told us some crackin' stuff that has happened to him personally such as meeting Dwarves - beware of the ginger ones (which we had a laugh about later because as you all know, I am ginger!! and also part scottish I hasten to add!!); being stuck on a day off in Milwaukee (a sh*t part of the USA he tells us); the hatred between Glasgow and Edinburgh that an unfortunate Tour Manager of the Foo Fighters found out about as he got pelted by the crowd by saying his favourite Scottish venue was Glasgow Barrowlands -lol.
Then there was the fact that he refers to his crew as wine waiters to mislead the VAT man; the state of current football;mineral water (you had to be there to appreciate that one) and Achtung Spitfire (that was as funny as f*ck) before he launching into the song 'Manchmal' which means sometimes, not to mention joking about broken relationships with a member of the crowd who says he's had about 25 much to everyones amusement.
Someone shouted 'Gillette' where Fish laughed and said he used those razors which is why he looks like an alcoholic tramp thats crawled out of a skip - yes he really did say that - and not many would make fun of themselves when they are the well-established main act. Yeah, that's a great thing about tonights gig - it's a one-to-one with members of the audience which doesn't always happen.
At one point Fish came out into the audience in the middle of a song where the words matched his actions where my mate Drew came out with a classic un-PC line much to the amusement of everybody - there aint many artists that do that - the last time I saw that was Josh Todd from Buckcherry at the Corporation in June this year. Other great parts of the show were when the audience clapped perfectly in time to the songs - even without Fish asking them - the best of this was a really sycopated number which was real impressive.
So many highlights overall, with songs perfromed that leave a lasting impression on you and every person who witnessed this 6f 5" legend and his band in concert. The band were exceptional and judging by Fish's website, they had not done much in the way of rehearsing for the shows but you could never tell at all - it was precision perfection in every song - and these arrangements are pretty complicated at times.
The word 'Brilliance' comes to mind. Noce to hear some of the old Marillion classics, especially the much loved 'Incommunicado' with plenty of singalong, especially during the chorus. Quite fittingly, the last song for the encore was 'Last Straw' - a cool and dare I say ironic way to finish off the set.
And if you weren't there.... well I guess you must have gone to see Rush !- pity as you missed an exceptional gig - in fact someone shouted for Fish to play 'Spirit of Radio' and he joked,"My voice has been as high as that, well nearly". Anyways crackin' concert - looking forward to many more gigs as good as this one - Fish, you are a star !! 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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FLATLINE + Existenz
+ Foe + 10ft Dolls –
Corporation, Sheffield Saturday 10th February 2007 Continually a Godsend for giving us the best of the latest local gems on the rock n’ roll roster, the Corporation’s increasing more frequent four-band bills also provide a chance to catch one of the Crème de la crème of the upcoming crop. Flatline duly oblige but tonight, they headline an all-Steel City bill, believe it or not. Ten Foot Dolls are the girl-fronted hard rock foursome I caught nearly a year ago at West Street Live and although my memory of what they sounded like is a bit rusty, I do recall seeing a distinctively better set eleven months back. Not slating them that much, they just happen to lack one or two of the better numbers I remember them playing on that previous occasion and their vocal PA brings back some of the horrid memories of the venue’s Bank Street Days. Foe are the day’s discovery, no dispute. Their brand of driving alternative rock has a very Jam-meets-Big Country feel to it at times and there are literally no tedious three-chord pop-punk ploddings to dread. Plenty of work put into the guitar here people, the singer who coincidentally sports a not-unlike Weller looking hairdo having clearly sat down to think about what he is writing and resultantly not a bad song amongst these six. ‘Make You Mine’, ‘When I Needed You’, ‘Lesser Man’ and ‘Still Waiting’ are four particularly strong tunes of which this band have little-to-no shortage. Play again sometime soon lads, please. Existenz are a familiar name to some as having been support for Brit metal legends Saxon a couple of weeks back, and though they are a little less instant than Foe, their Metallica-meets-Anthrax noise does gel in due course, and boy do they know do to solo. Catchy again for most of their allocated half-hour, I am going to need to cross paths with them again, but as first time round has it, they certainly ain’t bad. Flatline aren’t exactly either. They only have one tune from their three-track EP on the set tonight, ‘Degradation’ having practically become their ‘anthem’ by this time but their accompanying selections, including ‘I Don’t Know’, ‘Knocked Down’ and the still unexplained-ly titled ‘5 Wookie Shuffle’ plus a well received cover of Ugly Kid Joe’s ‘Everything About You’ make up the absences of those numbers more familiar to me by now. Their style still beckons for some explanation, swinging between, GNR, Chili Peppers, Wildhearts, Def Leppard and f*** knows what else but as often is the case, the less categorisable means the less predictable, and F.L.’s produce is one serious musical box of chocolates - you definitely have no hope of knowing what you’re going to get with these guys. Well just put it this way, none of them taste bad and their intense cover of Lizzy cornerstone ‘Whisky In The Jar’ tops off a set that at fifty minutes isn’t enough when this level of testosterone ridden rock ‘n’ roll hits the stacks. With a new demo apparently on the way later this year I’d rather it was sooner, as I could benefit from learning a few more of their faves before I see them again, although that still didn’t deter the sizeable throng who turned out for tonight’s proceedings (I counted at least fifty-five of you.) Local bands are like your local butcher - they depend on your support - and Flatline couldn’t deserve it more, producing some serious meat in their performance every time we see them and this was no exception. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| FLAMING LIPS - BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY, 24th April 2006 Race For The Prize; Free Radicals; Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt 1; Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt 2; The Gash; Vein Of Stars; The Yeah Yeah Song; In The Morning Of The Magicians; Feeling Yourself Disintegrate; The WAND; Cow/Duck Jam; The Spark That Bled; She Don't Use Jelly; Do You Realise; War Pigs (Encore). After a
shoddy opening set from latest trade pets the Go Team, The Flaming Lips
conquered Birmingham, Mystics, Pink Robots, Rabbits, Aliens and sinister
Santa Clauses with their drug wracked brand of deranged fun on Monday
night. Opening with
a wonderful 'Race For The Prize', the band took us delicately through
highlights from their last three albums, showering the audience with
confetti and balloons at strategic moments. Visual treats included a
giant video screen and a camera on Coyne's mike stand, so that we were
able to enjoy his moving duet with a nun glove puppet (for the coda
of Yoshimi) to the full. By
Roy Evans |
FLYZ
- Classic Rock Bar, Sheffield Tuesday 21st September, 2004
These lads deliberately spell their name the way you read it above. So-o-o-o one wonders, how does their music read? Erm, may I come back to you on that one. Apart from bl**din' good stuff that is, by the way. Fusing together pop, punk, grunge, indie, metal, AOR, funk and traditional rock n' roll, these three chaps turn out to be already one album into their career, all eleven numbers of which are included on tonight's list amongst a couple of 'new' ones -they are all are to me actually - and a few classic covers. There are immediate anthems in formation here, hooks held high by their bizarrely multi-styled onslaught and why only twelve people are in this room tonight - and about half of these are friends and pub staff - beggars belief, but at least I'm one of this dozen with the decency to support this exciting new band tonight. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
Flyz
- Classic Rock Bar, Sheffield, 21st September, 2004
Ok, there weren't loads of people in attendance but did this stop the Flyz flying out a heap of energy and emotion - no siree!! Coming all the way from Leeds, this trio filled the place with piping hot music that kind of mashed in indie, rock and punk together that had an AC/DC power and vibe. Great harmonies in the vocal department not to mention the freshness of the songs on offer like the ballad come hardcoreness of 'You've got somebody else' that Nick 'Toastie' Plant dug big style, smiling intensely in between downing the Newkie Broon!! as well as other crackingly explosive tunes from the debut album 'Aphrodisia' like 'In a hole'; 'Susan'; 'Red Light' and 'Deadmans legs' as well as pleasing furtherly with a extensive cover of Slade's 'Mama we're all craze now' that was as buzzin' to f*ck - well it is the Flyz - so what else could it be as well as a magnificient 'I go wild' by The Rolling Stones, finishing off with Paranoid by Ozzy's old lot. Ady, Jono & Simon meant rock 'n' roll business and they delivered the goods beautifully. Be sure to be there when Flyz return to the CRB on Dec. 3rd. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
FIREHOUSE
+ Danny Vaughn + Deadline + Pride -
Corporation, Sheffield, Tues 9th March, 2004 The last time we heard from Sheffield on the live side of things was in 1992 and guess who missed them that time round. All can be forgotten though as eleven years later, three other bands have staged one hell of act of a welcome back party for these guys. Brighton's Pride played the previous year's GODS fest and are always welcome on a bill like this. A shadow of the line-up from nine months earlier, they are down from six men to four with vocalist Matt Mitchell taking over vacated rhythm guitar position, whilst Balance Of Power keyster Ivan Gunn has returned to that other act of his, as yet unreplaced. They would have still deserved a longer slot than to allow for only five songs especially when tonight's miniscule set only makes time for one number from their stunning recent 'Signs Of Purity' album, that thankfully being the catchy 'Say You're Not Lonely'.
Renowned Rotherham outfit Deadline, whom we seem to be seeing more than our fair share of, lately, come on and totally slay their countrymen with a nine-song set that includes all their three best numbers, 'Love's A Battle', 'Just One Night' and 'Losing Myself'. Regulars at the nearby Classic Rock Bar venue Steve and the boys, who have just inked a deal with TB records, look to have the scene at their feet at the moment.
Oh Danny boy, you there? It's time for that man again. His fourth visit to Steel City is probably Danny Vaughn's finest hour-and-a-quarter to date and his first tour with a twin guitar line-up. The all-Brit star-studded line up ably aiding DV tonight consists of Ten's Steve McKenna and Gregg Morgan on bass and drums, while the strings are attacked by the chap out of Brave new World and also Contagious's Tony Marshall, best remembered for his escapade with Jeff Scott Soto's mike at Penningtons a year back. The set is made to melt in the mouth from the off, covering the best of everything he's done with both bands, including 'Strength In Numbers', 'Wings', 'Is That All There Is', 'Was There A Time', 'Inherit The Wind', 'Lay Your Body Down', and that other one... erm.. you know, always being played in about every hard rock night club you walk into. 'Forev... something or other'. With the announcement of the Tyketto reunion, to include a show in this very same room later this year, a set of this strength couldn't land at a better time to whet those appetites.
That leaves only the headliners for tonight and they have a gruelling task ahead of them. The opening dual assault of 'Rock On Radio' and 'All She Wrote' indicate that it's the audience's choice that counts tonight and the foursome duly oblige with their selections. 'Reach For The Sky', 'Lovers Lane', 'Overnight Sensation', 'When I Look Into Your Eyes'and predicted encore 'Don't Treat Me Bad' are tunes that the years have been kind to, not to mention the performance of CJ Snare and guitar maestro Bill Leverty, still keepin' those grooves in check today.
CJ has still yet to be seen with a guitar round him but proves himself to be a highly competent keyboardsman on quite a few of the tunes including the newies that he asks us to be 'guinea pigs to test them on' tonight. Any day, mate. A jolly fine evening - put it mildly, why don't you - for the city's melodic rock fan contingent, these four bands today all worked their arses off to deliver the sort of show that testifies that the scene remains infallible to this day.
With a bill like this, one wonders if Sheffield may play host to the GODS one day. Again soon, please boys. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Four
Star Mary (support from Audiofine) - Sheffield Barfly (CIub Zero)
28th October, 2002
So l thought the gig was at the site of 'The (defunct) National Centre for Popular Music'? - wrong - the venue had been changed to some club near Belins (a Sharon and Tracey nightmare) called 'Club Zero' l was told by a couple of rock fans. It's a good job l knew Sheffield well as I soon found it. Club Zero's an averagely large-enough room usually housing dance nights and is a great venue for bands - no wonder it was chosen. As soon as I get in I greet the Four Star Mary lads and disappear onto the tour bus with Zu and Tad to conduct an interview (on the site soon !!!) missing the majority of the local support band but saw the whole set of Audiofine - who play a bunch of rah-rah pop punk type ditties that sound like a whole batch of rah rah pop punk type ditties that every other band are playing at the moment to try to be the next Blink 182 or something - boring - but they do crank out a brilliant take of 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and The Waves'. So what about the deadliness, Four Star Mary - well they are as tight as f*ck and beatin' out new numbers from the 'Welcome Home' CD - their second release - which is well worth investing in. 'Bleed On' played electric (it's acoustic on the album) should be a single for sure as well as 'As I Rise' (which is in fact the opener on the album. The kids treated them like the crown jewels, not that you could see them. Tad exclaimed that they'd left their Lighting Engineer in Newcastle - so thank god their two friends used small flash lights to brighten up the somewhat other dark stage. A small stage at that and vocalist, Tad dripping in sweat within the first few minutes - the emotion pouring from his face in ecstasy. Of course they played the best of the debut album 'Thrown to the Wolves' with the major standout being Dilate that created a mass singalong from all present in the crowd. A large white poster was held up, 'Play Rio Please' it read which caused Tad to exclaim, you're gonna do that at every gig aren't you Cherry'?' (he obviously knew her), but of course they please her and all by finishing on a storming version of 'Rio' by Duran Duran which l have to say was better than the original version - another singalong was granted for sure. Man, Zu can't half play his guitar on this classic - well let's be honest - they were all exceptional - just that the soloing stood out quite a lot. After a 'Goodnight Sheffield' from Tad it was all over but everyone left happy knowing that they'd be back next year for another round - some may even have gone to some of the other shows on the tour, like Cherry perhaps complete with her 'Play Rio' sign. A killer show from a killer band and that's without stage lights. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Faster
Pussycat - Rock City, Nottingham 09/02/02
It's years since Taime Down's band have been this side of the pond - about 13 years to be exact. Times, looks and line-ups have changed but musically it's pure pussy power. Alongside Taime in the reformed 'cat line-up is original guitarist, Brent Muscat - who ain't aged a bit plus Newlydead members Danny and Chad on bass and drums respectively as well as Pretty Boy Floyd's 'Kristy 'Crash' Majors also on guitar.
Coming on stage to the theme from the Exorcist is pretty damn weird but I guess this must a joke of Taime's - mass applause engages the band before the stage lights have even lit them up, let alone sang or played a note. Around 30 seconds later, it's eruption time - the lights go up and they blast into a heavy, dark, slower, gothic rendition of 'Bathroom Wall' - God knows what the hardcore Faster' fans must have thought to it - it must've f*cked their heads up no end - still they appeared to like it all the same judging by their reception to it (I actually knew what to expect having witnessed it at soundcheck and was later told by Mark Owen of 'RPM Records' that they open with it and play the original version at the end of the show).
So as not to veer the crowds attention Faster Pussycat soon whipped into some old favourites that every well respected Rock DJ has firmly stapled in his set list - like the 12-bar zaniness of 'Cathouse' , 'Don't change that song' and 'Whipped Up' which pleased all the audience no end. Now the congregation was firmly in the band's hands so Taime asked, 'you don't mind if we play another Newlydeads number do you - well let's face it - why should they - and who's to argue if they did - there's more to these guys than 1987 and the like - so why live in the past. Those samples and loops and samples are highly entertaining anyway.
From
what I could see, the Newlydeads material didn't seem to go over as
well as the well-established material. I personally think that many
of those present could have been more positively receptive to this 'dead
songs - because as Taime told me earlier - "it's not about nostalgia
sh*t" - but it seems that this is what man of the followers wanted
to hear all the same (it's happened to many bands who've toured the
states - so The P-P-P-P-P-P Pussycat trademark 'Babylon' with altered lines sorted out the core fans out though which graciously encouraged plenty of sing-a-long action - as did the 'Wake me up when it's over' track, 'Slip of the Tongue' and the heart rendering, tear jerking ballad 'House of Pain'. Even bassist, Danny got to sing one of his 'Motorchrist' songs which he appeared reluctant to do until he was urged on by Taime.
It was also proved that you could have a chat in-between songs without losing too much momentum. In fact there was quite a bit of this going down - maybe they were deciding what songs to do next or they were missing a set list or two - who knows ?!?! Later in the set a tribute was paid to the lead vocalist of 'Betty Blowtorch' in a cover of the straight in the face, 'Shut up and f*ck' - of which Taime announced he'd always do it from now on. It went down real swell as did cover versions of Zodiac Mindwarp's 'Prime Mover' and Motorhead's 'Killed By Death' - which was a real surprise in the set.
Finishing off, of course with the original version of 'Bathroom Wall' featuring the lead vocalist of support band, Neon Bomb- Faster Pussycat delivered exactly what the crowd wanted - Nice !!!!
Then there were the rather delicious girlies dancing on then wooden boxes at the back of hall who looked like they'd they been pulled straight out of an 80's promo video -especially the one wearing the thong - these girls should've been on the stage!!! An all round 8/10. By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| FEAR FACTORY, GODFLESH & JANIS STARK - NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY, November 5th 2001 As we entered the Rock City through the back under the supervision of a security guard, we were taken down the stairs to where Burton, Dino and Justin were finishing off their evening meal, a quick smile and hello were given out to the members of Fear Factory as we were lead towards Justin of Godflesh. An interview with Justin had been kindly set up by Music for Nations (see interview section for outcome), as we sat talking to Justin for a considerable time we missed Janis Stark do their set, but never mind. We were then
lead out to the packed crowed who were waiting eagerly for the appearance
of Justin and Godflesh. As Godflesh hit the stage a not so enormous
applause came from the crowd. I realized then that this crowd had not
heard of this wonderful band that hit the underground scene in the middle
eighties. As I watched Justin walk off I sensed he was disappointed with the reaction from the packed crowd, he had told us earlier that with changing labels and touring with Fear Factory it was like he was given a second chance. I hope it pays off for them. Then you guessed it, the lights dimmed the interlude music stopped as Fear Factory hit the stage with an enormous welcoming and the gleam on Burton's face as he peered into the crowed was like he was home. As Fear Factory went through their set faster than a vindaloo after a night out with the lads, playing the favorites like 'Self Bias Resistor', 'Linchpin', 'Shock', 'Resurrection', 'Edge Crusher' and 'Martyr' they got the floor of the Rock City shaking - you could not describe the electrical aura that surrounded everyone unless you were there.
Fear Factory played for just over one hour with no encore, the crowed was still buzzing and was wanting more, but to no avail, it was short and sharp and when they play like that who gives a damn if they came back on or not. It was probable one of the best Fear Factory gigs I have ever seen; they were hard and fast with a couple of seconds for a breather. Ecstatic.
|
| Firebird
- NMB, Sheffield 19/11/01
When Bill Steer's Firebird took the stage they didn't have a very good audience turn-out at all - hopefully there'll be a lot more next time. Bill's current output doesn't bear any resemblance to Death or Grindcore - it now has more in common with Retro early 70's Blues Prog Rock. Take the set opener 'Dirt Trap' (which incidentally is the first track on the 'birds new and 2nd album 'Deluxe') which saw the trio possess characteristics that put me in mind of 'The Jimi Hendrix Experience' and 'Cream' - the number is a Blues-Rock ecstasy that many can only dream of reproducing or take '???She's there'??? with it's dirty wailing guitar solo.
I know what you are asking - can Bill sing? - well actually - and pretty well at that - with his moderately high-pitched tenor vocals which soar with delight (when they can be heard above the guitar, drums and bass !!! as sometimes the voice was often lost in the mix - which spoils many a good gig these days). Firebird overall have a musical presence that's a real excitable melting pot of Hendrix, Humble Pie and Rory Gallagher in large doses. Bursting out with colourful sounds from Steer's Six String, John's Bass and Tolles drums Firebird are definitely one of the forerunners of excitable Electric blues. Easily one of the sets highlights was the closer 'Slow Blues' featuring the damning best harp playing ever to grace my ears - Bill is up there with Sonny Boy Williamson and The Black Crowes 'Chris Robinson' - completely awesome. There was no guitar in this track at all - Bill actually sang through the harmonica which produced an authentic distant monaural quality - so that's how it was done in the studio for the 'Deluxe' album!!! 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Four
Star Mary - Rock City, Nottingham November, 2001
California's Four Star Mary really know how to put an energetic live show. You probably heard them earlier last year on the hit U.S. series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' where some of their songs were featured. Due to this, the kids in the U.K. have built up a large interest in them - even more than in the U.S. - hence their U.K. Tour in November 2001. The debut album, 'Thrown to the Wolves' cooks well live and the newly found fans can't seem to get enough of it. The 30 minute + set in the small room goes down incredibly well -in fact it was packed in there. As you can see from the pictures, there ain't much space on the tiny stage but that didn't stop FSM - they appeared to revel in it. Bursting with enthusiasm they ripped through songs like 'Dilate', 'She knows', and 'Thrown to the wolves'. Shortly the set, the band signed autographs as well as posing for piccies with fans as well. Steve Carter's crew had won the crowd over well and truly - I can't see it being too long before they are back on British soil. I reckon that 2002 could be the year that brakes 'em big-time if this was anything to go by - hopefully they'll be supporting someone pretty big next time (in fact, they'd love to support 'The Who'). A festival somewhere in the U.K. would be a pretty cool affair. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| FUSE
- Earl Of Arundel &Surrey, Sheffield, 20th November, 2001
Another young Sheffield band getting some deserved respect in the live arena are this female-fronted nu-metal act. They actually play some noticeably older styled material as I find out this winter evening in Heeley. The four-piece are barely out of their teens by the looks of things but handle their own material very well, plus the covers they choose to include which are mixed in amongst their original cuts. Eurythmics classic, 'Sweet Dreams' - played Marilyn Manson style, obviously and Metallica's 'The Cure' go down well with the er... 20-odd people gathered round the bar and surrounding seats, and the lad on guitar, appropriately enough plays a scaled down version of James Hetfield's legendary black Gibson Explorer. Also noticed is that for once, a local band playing here have brought their own PA in rather than having relied on the renting of Earl regulars Tikaboo Peak's blasters, princely sum that they may actually charge for such privilege. All in all, quite a pleasant Tuesday evening for metal fans (and for Jerome's wallet). 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Fydolla
Ho - NMB, Sheffield 26/11/01
A totally new band to me and for the majority of the UK are Fydolla Ho - an aggressive Emo metal 4-piece who turn the usual Nu-metal sound upside down and inside out. It's real in-your-face wacky madness from a musical point of view - a sort of Dead Kennedy's meets Hole and L7 on acid is a fair way of describing them. The 'Ho are fronted by the gorgeous actress, Shawnee Smith, who's been in the X-Files and also been a Maxim Centrefold - and by all accounts - a member of Baywatch who softly sings and screams manically throughout the performance - not to mention the highly charged sexual poses, girations and hand positions.
Performing material from their seven track demo - 'Red Headed Woman' which included the somersaulting screaming opener 'Maja' and even a 100% perfect cover of Black Sabbath's 'Fairies Wear Boots', Fydolla Ho proved that they could match the Brummie's rankings with ease - Completely mind-blowing, especially the drumming of Carl (who looked like Sting as 'The Ace Face' from the film 'Quadrophenia', dressed in a blue boiler suit) - it's a wonder his kit was in one piece after that. Fydolla Ho are an incredibly different band that should have been signed up months ago - I wish them nothing but the best. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
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