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- Rock City, Nottingham, Monday, 9th June, 2008 Set List - Don't Let Him Go/Take It On The Run/Keep Pushin'/Find/That Ain't Love/Tough Guys/Can't Fight This Feeling/Dangerous/Poor Man/Smilin'/(Time For Me To) Fly/Back On The Road/Keep On Lovin' You/Roll With The Changes. Encore - Ridin' The Storm Out/157. Well it's been a good wee while since I saw a gig at this here venue but this was definitely worth the effort as one of the top US AOR Kings make a return to the UK soil for a 2 or 3 gigs and this just happens to be one of them. Man, we are lucky people ain't we!
After getting there at around 8pm we realised straight away there was no support band, so we had a beer and chatted away while some pre-recorded soft-rock was being fed through the speakers to us all – not too loud of course – that was left for the reason while we were all here – the legendary REO Speedwagon who ambled on-stage a few minutes after 9.
Starting up with 'Don't Let Him Go' it became totally obvious that although these guys were getting on a bit, they could still kick out a good bit of rock between them all. Frontman, Kevin Cronin sounded as good as he did when the band first started in way back when so he has really looked after the voice to say the least – the backing harmonies from Neal, Dave and Bruce were spot on too and then there was Bryan Hitt kicking *rs* on the kit!
Kevin told us that they used to play clubs like this back in the day or words to that effect and that we wanted us to pretend it was a Saturday night as opposed to a monday – a pity many of us no doubt had work the next morning – but we made the most of it all the same. The sound was spot on as well – it sounded just like the records darlin' – and the stage lighting was great too, lighting the place up as glowing as a Christmas tree but without the tinsel and bells of course.
After the 'wagon performed a killer version of 'Tough Guys' Mr. C said he couldn't remember if Pete Townshend wrote 'Rough Boys' before it or after but decided that he would call it a tie – haha – maybe some of you die-hards out there may know the answer to that one – answers on an e-mail to the usual address.
“Is there beer and shit in here?”, he asked us, “As you appear rather sober to me' which gets a good laugh from the crowd and tells us about the fact that on one occasion he was doing too much drinking and too much thinking which for him is 'Dangerous' – a perfect cue fort a perfect song indeedy.
Other notable highlights in the set included the major hit single 'Can't fight this feeling' 'Smilin' that saw Kevin alone on the stage armed only with his acoustic guitar (well the rest of the guys needed a crafty cigarette outside the backdoors – only kiddin lads) but return back to the stage for 'Time For Me To Fly' that we were all invited to sing on the chorus to – magical !!
'Back On The Run' saw Bassist, Bruce Hall take centre-stage attention on lead vocals. He has a a softer rounded but still high voice compared to the sharper shrill sounds of Mr. C's. Love the screamy solo section from the guita-work of Dave Amoto and the synth sounds from Neal Doughty were cool as – not to mention the sweet vocal harmonies towards the end of the song.
I don't think the set-up of the piano was to the approval of Kevin as he bashed out a few notes in the style of the late, great UK comedian Les Dawson and said, “I'd sooner f*ck*n' stand up”, but did indeed return to tinkle the ebony and ivories for an outstanding rendition of 'Keep On Lovin' You' that no REO Speedwagon set would be complete without – absolutely outstanding it was too that rolled straight into 'Roll With The Changes' that saw the entire audience sing along too – brilliant !!
After leaving the stage they returned to play 'Ridin' The Storm Out/157' and then gave a real nice bow to us all – what a great set. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Ratt/Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction + Support - Corporation, Sheffield, Friday 30th May, 2008 Well I was totally blown away when I found out the headliner was coming to town - sees that the Pied Piper was not needed in order to thing these rodents to our side of the pond. I was also chuffed to see that Zodiac were the main support as well.
Some poppy goth outfit opened up the night with overloud backing sounds coming from a keyboard and a drum machine - anyway, we gave that a wide birth and opted for a chat with some mates and the downing with a pint or too was done until Mark Manning's Men hit the stage - oh yeah !
Not seen Zodiac Mindwarp and The Love Reaction for about 3 or 4 years - last time was at this very venue when Steevi Jaimz's version of Tigertailz support with Robin Black & The Intergalactic Rock Starz. Anyways, it was great to see 'em back on the same stage again giving us a dirty deliverence of songs such as the opener for the set 'F*ck*d By Rock' - well let's face who hasn't been - haha or f*ck*d to rock - more tear vicar.
2 members in worn out, wear in the garden, street clothes - these being original members, Mark Manning AKA Zodiac Mindwarp and Guitarist Cobalt Stargazer and the other two, Jack Sh*t and The Apocalypse in rock 'n' roll stagewear - what a comparison. Who cares though as they got us going with some thunderous greasy old classics like 'Prime Mover' & 'Back Street Education' to name but a few.
They went across well - no doubt that many Ratt fans (the world Roland not needed - sorry guys) were into the Love Reaction band of brothers as well here with their riffy AC/DC like ditties and sleazy songs with full-on lusty lyrics - it made, good, good sense. A pity we didn't have time for an encore after 'Prime Mover' because I reckon that Sheffield was well up for it.
Soon it was about 9:15 which meant only 1 thing - time for Ratt - who many of us have been waiting years (some around 25) to see them as their UK Tour a year or 2 ago got cacelled for whatever reason - but let me tell ya - thwy totally made up for it tonight and gave us a real good smattering of hits. Nice 'n' loud they were too from the front to the back of the room - man, how that sound carried. Stephen informed us that it was the 1st gig of their UK tour so he was taking notes on us.
Ratt were really tight and together without a mistake in sight from beginning to end - Pearcy was in top form vocally - note perfect and very strong all the way through every single song - he was also very audience related too and made a big fuss of us, complimenting all the crowd all night. Highlights of the set were those well loved rockers like 'Lay It Down'; 'Lack Of Communication'; 'Walkin' The Dog' which was either the 2nd or 3rd song in the set and of course, 'You're in love'.
The backing vocals for each number for bang one as well that were provided by Robbie Crane (Bass); John Carobi & Warren Demartini (both on guitar) -Bobby Blotzer stuck to playing his rather massive drum kit though and didnt do a Don Henley, Phil Collin's or Stet Howland on us by having an overhead mike set up!
"You guys familiar with 'Giving Yourself Away', we'll find out?", said Stephen teasily to the crowd - of course they were - there were some hardcore fans in tonight by the looks of it who sang along to the song. No doubt my mate Rach was chuffed to f*ck when they played her fave 'Nobody Rides For Free'.
The rest of us were well pleased too when Mr. P said that we were way f*ck*n' cool before they launched into 'Way Cool Jnr' stoppin in the middle and getting the crowd to sing a bit - 'It's right here right now, you got that' he tells us. Of course we have mate.
As if we wouldn't want them back - especially went they climax the show with the timeless and riveting 'Round & Round' that everyone knows and sings the chorus to - it's often a Rock club dancefloor classic - and goes down brilliant. Thank You, see you next time Stephen tells us - no doubt they will be back again in the next year or so.
Can't wait!
10/10 |
Riders on The Storm / Ricky Warwick - Corporation, Wednesday 20th June, 2007 Well when I saw that the new version of 'Riders on The Storm' had been booked to play here in this very city of Sheffield I nearly jumped out of my skin - a gig in Sothampton had been cancelled that was meant to take place the night, so instead of having an extra free day before their gig in Dublin, Eire, this 'ere date was brilliantly slotted in . Less than a month aint a long time to promote such a spectacle but it appeared to have been an extremelely worthwhile venture as the large room was a good half full. There was even enough time time book in a pretty big name support too. The Almighty Man, Ricky Warwick hit the stage to a small handfull of peeps - well it was mid-week and the stage time was about 7.30 - a wee bit early but there was a club night tonight, so what the hell. It was the 1st time I had ever seen Ricky Warwicke in solo mode - only ever witnessed him with his band, The Almighty in 1992 at Sheffield Arena when they were the support slot for Iron Maiden - what a packed noisy night that was. It turns out that there's quite a connection between Ricky and the headliners tonight. He was briefly in a band called 'Circus Diabolo' that features the frontman of 'Riders of The Storm' Brett Scallion and guitarist, Billy Duffy from 'The Cult', whose frontman Ian Astbury fronted The 21st Century Doors' - so there you go - coincidence or what !! Anyway, back to the plot - he was lone up there equipped with just an acoustic guitar and harmonica - delivering some real gutsy folky stuff - that had a kinda southern like Bob Dylan edge to them with a partly Irish tinge but with more balls.
All taken from his solo CD that was produced by famouse Sheffielder, Joe Elliott, not that he's around our neck of the woods these days. I really was impressed by his songs one of which was about a guy in jail that he dedicated to Paris Hilton and another about an Irishman - I remember him saying the typical Irishman was one with red hair, long beard and a pint of guinness - sh*t, he was on about me - lol - well I am a quarter Irish, love the black stuff and have an Irish surname. He also joked that he and Bob Dylan had one thing in common - both of them were crap harmonica players - oh well! Actually he has another thing in common with Mr. Zimmerman - he is also sharing a bill with the Doors (or at least members of). Since he was armed with an autographed wooden six stringer, it was rather a bit - 'let's compete with people talking at the same time as he was performing' but that didnt seem to bother him too much as he got a warm loud enough reception each time which he seemed pleased about - I would definately see Ricky again in his own right and check out his CD as well. Great Set !
Riders On The Storm Set list - Love Me Two Times/Break On Through/Peace Frog/Blue Sunday/Strange Days/When the music's over/Moonlight Drive/Wild Child/Spanish Caravan/Alabama Song/Back Door Man/5 to 1/Texas Radio/Band Introductions (.. is a Sex Machine)/Touch Me/LA Woman. Encores - Riders On The Storm/Light My Fire How can you match an act who were to come up next 'Riders On The Storm' who feature the 2 most famous legendary rock icons to ever enter and play at Corporation - I'm talking about a couple of founder members of The Doors, ladies and gentlemen, Ray Manzarek & Robby Krieger on piano and guitar respectively (and backing vocals) alongside drummer Ty Dennis (a long-term muso friend of Robby's), bassist Phil Chen and Fuel Vocalist, Brett Scallion who start up the set with 'Love Me Two Times' and then encourage us to Break on through' to the other side - we did exactly that. It had come 'Full Circle' (scuse the pun) that Ray & Robby started in the clubs and gone back to the clubs 40 years later - it's like playing 'The Whisky A Go Go for them again', my good friend Saul Bennett said to me and was indeed correct as tonight as was an extremely intimate performance that the band really enjoyed giving to us.
There were numerous highlights of the show that included 'Spanish Caravan' in which Robby Krieger played a real interesting looking acoustic guitar that he plucked all alone on stage while the rest of the band had a breather, before joining him for the full-on electric section of the song. Throughout the set everyone was up for plenty singalongs that included among many the impressive bluesy 'Back Door Man'; the extravagant sinister 'When the music's over'; and the quirkyly mesmerizing 'Peace Frog'. I must admit I have never seen an audience in here so with it and excited as I had tonight in this soon to become well talked about UK venue. Seems that Ray had took an interest in British sporting events too, informing us that he wanted to wear a posh hat like they were wearing for the horse-racing at Ascot - even Robby placed a bet on a horse that was racing that day but sadly he couldn't remember the name of it and made us all wonder if it won or made it all the way around the track - I think it was 'good to firm' on wednesday or at least good - since we have been getting a bit of rain of recent. Hey Robby, loved the guitar solo on one of the Gibson SG's - especially the tapping section. Was really cool to see Ray play the keyboards with his foot in good old Jerry Lee Lewis style which caused an entire room to be a visual of bl**dy camera phones which is why there are two or three on my photo !!
'All these years on and we are at war again' or words to that effect quips Ray Manzarek - what goes around comes around it seems - did they ever learn the 1st time - it seems not. The band huddled into a group meeting in the centre of the stage and we hear Doors numbers being shouted for in the crowd - Saul get's his wish by screaming for '5 to 1' - a nasty voilent lyric of a number that Ray dedicates to George Bush and Dick Chaney as well as other members of the US cabinet who he says we will probably of not heard of - amid a roar of appreciation from all and sundry in the room - seems Bush and his army of warmongers ain't liked anywhere - can't think why - NOT ! Instead of doing the usual boring introduction of the guys on stage, Ray instead worked everyone up into a funky improvised jam where he called every member a sex machine and went on to dedicate the next song 'Touch Me' to the late, great funkster, James Brown.
To say that this outfit were the most incredible unit to ever play in this club would be something of an understatement - I would go as far as saying Sheffield or even the whole of Yorkshire for that matter - Ray told us that he really liked Sheffield with its canals and waterways and that he really liked the audience - likewise matey, likewise. Brett came across as an exceptional frontman and it takes something special to perform Doors songs with 2 of its founder members. He perfectly pulled off the extremely difficult task, sounding very like Jim but not trying to look or be Jim - let's be honest there was only one Lizard King and he sadly passed away in 1971 - this is a true celebration of the man and the repertoir that 'The Doors' performed in thier original form. Something that made the set even more special was the fact that some songs never had the opportunity to heard live on stage way back in the day - yes I'm talkin' LA WOMAN here and the band's name title song 'RIDERS ON THE STORM' since Jim left for Paris and as well all know, sadly never returned to US shores or to the stage for that matter again but left an incredible legacy and some unbeatable performances.
The atmosphere throughout this concert was full-on frenzid crazy atmospheric excitement all the way from 'Love Me Two Times' to the closer 'Light My Fire' which the guys told us was celebrating its 40th Anniversary as being their No.1 single that was released during the summer of love '1967' - it sounded just as good as it did then especially that instantsly recocognisable organ played riff and that uplifiting guitar line that goes with it. I reckon it's a safe bet to say that 'Riders On The Storm' will be returning the this club the next time they play some UK dates - judging by the reception of the crowd not to mention the positive vibe of happiness and pleasurable words that oozed from the stage that night. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan & Saul Bennett |
| Rise To Addiction – Corporation, Sheffield, Monday 21st May, 2007 Well it’s been a wee while since I last saw these guys in Sheffield, last time it was above a small pub on Trippet Lane – Sept. 8th 2005 to be exact about it, so it’s been a good wait – they made it totally worthwhile tonight though. After the self titled E.P. comes their debut album, ‘A New Shade of Black For The Soul’ on Mausoleum Records (based in Belgium of all places) – this gig is a crackin’ way to launch an album before they hit the road properly with Doomsters ‘Trouble’ from late May to 1st week of June and then some…
So how was the gig? – well, the band sounded f*ck*n’ great in the little live room, so I guess they must have done a decent amount of sound-checking before hand – everything came out pretty damn clear – it was as tight as hell and Leigh’s voice could be heard perfect – every word was crystal clear in clarity above the near-deafening molten metal of RTA ! The whole band was really pleased to be in Sheffield again and made it known so both vocally and musically.
What I was impressed with was the fact that they have touched the ears, hearts and souls of the younger listeners of the local metal institution as well as the older members of the audience as well – pure proof that ‘Rise To Addiction’ are right on the boil of the button with their bright but deep, heavy ‘n’ energetic in-your-face, loud ‘n’ proud innovative, near-unique sound ‘n’ style of Heavy Metal.
The set was amass with numbers from the new aforementioned new album & EP (as some of the numbers were re-recorded for the long-player. Blasters included ‘Falling As One’ where frontman, Leigh Oates, allowed one of the young members of the crowd sing a line of the chorus much to the little guys delight; Black Sabbath’s ‘Children Of The Grave’ (that has become the only cover in the set – yes the originators would be very impressed); the aggressive but very melodic ‘Cold Season’; the fresh as ever ‘Everlasting Wave’; not to mention a slower number called ‘The Hive’ with as much emotion as its predecessors that was inevitably the last tune of the night.
‘What we’d like to do next is….’ ‘A ballad’, I shouted. They laugh ‘n’ guffaw at the fact of doing a ballad in their set ‘A ballad – this is the Corp’, Leigh jokes and has a vote on who wants to hear one or not – and guess what? That was my ‘Moth To A Flame’ – coincidentally enough the title of another great number played tonight as well.
Gotta say that they know how to work a crowd who are thanked a good few times for coming down and giving them support – ‘Better than Wakefield’ we are told. These guys are in their element and while guitarists, John Slater & Steve Wray’s old Muso-Boss resurrects Wolfsbane, these guys are out makin’ thier mark alongside frontman, Leigh Oates (formerly of NineDeNine), Bassist Joel Graham and Drummer, Aynsley Dickinson with what can undoubtedly be one of the finest Metal Quintets in the UK by far !
Next stop at this venue I reckon will be the big live room of the Corporation – oh and parts of Europe with ‘Trouble’ – err did I mention that already. I just knew this band had got the ‘X’ factor or should that be the ‘M’ factor – think I should have a job in A&R. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
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PAUL RODGERS + Deborah Bonham - City Hall, Sheffield, Sunday October 1st, 2006 Gutted at not being in time to get a ticket for Bad Company’s 2002 visit here, I was left pondering the prospect of ever hearing the legend that is Paul Rodgers in performance. And then the ultimate godsend occurs as he suddenly returns at only about two months notice, four year or so later and I am able to correct the big mistake I made last time. Deborah Bonham opens tonight with a supposedly acoustic set, though the first song is electric. Minus her drummer due to a bereavement, they go down well but I’ll have to listen to her blues rock fodder over a few times more to get into what it’s about in proper.. Doing the old rock legend thing, Paul Rodgers is the last man to walk on, his band already drilling away at the opening licks of ‘Creepin’’ and the volume of the greeting he receives from the crowd all but adds an extra instrument to the mix as is to continue to be the case for the ensuing 100 minutes. Free, Bad Company and PR solo classics fire in equal barrel loads from the start and there’s not one person not seen to be lip-synching in sight amongst the 2,200. After six established faves, its time to squeeze in a new one, ‘War Boys’ a classy tune in the typical vein of Paul’s previous material apparently receiving its official live debut this very evening. Being in front of the audience he is he still receives his due applause and reciprocates with a raunchy double helping of B.C faves, ‘Feel Like Making Love’ and ‘Bad Company’ itself. Already half way into the set and the punters look like they can’t take much more, the only thing keeping them going is the wait for a couple of certain Free classics I might mention. Paul seems to insist on introducing ‘Wishing Well’ like he thinks it’s some album track hardly anyone’s heard of but he knows energy has probably got to be saved for set closer, ‘All Right Now’, the only song so far in which standing up in front of one’s seat fails to incur the wrath of the City Hall security staff. Obviously the guy’s not going to get away with disappearing just like that (although Ozzy only played 80 minutes when he was last here) and those still gathered by the stage make ample noise to beckon the bearded one back on again. Following ‘I’m A Mover’, guitarist Howard Leese (yes, the ex-Heart man in case you were wondering) treats us to a beautifully performed rendition of Hendrix gemstone ‘Little Wing’, Rodgers’ vocal range even doing its best to ape Jimmy’s. You wouldn’t think to expect an acoustic tune to end the set, but ‘Far Distant Shore’ with Paul on acoustic guitar and Leese wielding a mandonlin holds the full attention of all listening. And to correct you it doesn’t end the set, second encore ‘Hunger’ not actually being on the set list but this doesn’t put Paul Rodgers off paying another quick visit to the people that have made his first night of the tour one to remember. I think he means us. One to remember indeed, Mr Rodgers first visit to the City hall in over four years, and my first visit to the City Hall to watch him in performance ever was ruined by only two things. No ‘Can’t Get Enough’ or ‘Rock n’ Roll Fantasy’ tonight surely makes people talk, me amongst them, but as I’m a forgiving man only half a point goes off for each. A crème de la crème classic rock gig that I hope to attend more of in the future. Next year Paul. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
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The Rolling Stones – Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, August 27th, 2006 Well this was a last minute chance thanks to my good friend Jane who managed to get Metalliville a pair of tickets to see The Rolling Stones at this 33,000 capacity sold out venue in the Attercliffe area of Sheffield – as I only found out the day before – Wahoo – as if I could turn that offer down – ya must be jokin’ as I ain’t seen the old boys since 1995 on the Voodoo Lounge tour at this very venue. I decided against driving into the area as it would be snided and instead left the car in Sheffield Centre and trammed it in with my fellow work colleague David Blomfield who was real excited about seeing the Stoo-ans – rightly so as well. We had a trek to the seats all around the stadium but it was worth it since managed Block 1, lower tier tickets giving us a real good view from Stage Right. At around 8.30 the lights went down with an amass of cheer from the crowd and we could see them entering from the side underneath our block of the stage area with Mick in a red sparkly jacket, the fireworks went up and Keith walks on and cranks into the opening riff of ‘Jumping Jack Flash’, followed by ‘Start Me Up’ and ‘She was Hot’ (and I’m sure the guitar was out of tune – not that anyone seemed to care). Seconds later the rest of the band are there on that giant stage that looks like a mini car-park at the front of two space age blocks of flats – with two tiers of people on their – obviously the competition winners who were given a birds eye view of the gig (and it was funny to see them up and down the stairs with security when they wanted the toilet or a beer). It was by all accounts going out live on BBC Radio 2 which is cool, not that I can find any info regarding that in the guides – DOH – not to worry. Mick was real happy to be back in Sheffield asking us how we were doing, congratulating us that one of teams was back in the premier league (not that have any idea which one I may add ) mentioning that it’s the home of Def Leppard so they were do their version of ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ or maybe it should be ‘The Greasy Chip Butty Song’ – which caused a big round of laughter, before they kicked into ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together’. Then what happens not too much later, the heaven’s open and it p*ss*s it down, just like it did in 1999 (well it is the UK at the end of August, so I guess you are askin’ for miracles if you expect it to keep dry for every concert on the UK leg – sods law that Sheffield is the place for loadza raindrops. Taking no chances their crew carpet the front of the stage so no-one slips over and Mick commends them by a big thankyou and that they are doing a great job, “Charlie’s gonna keep dry though, he’s alright”, he laughs (as Mr. Watts has a large canope over him and the kit). They don’t let it bother them too much and get on with the show as normal – well what else can they do. That new single called ‘Streets of Love’ (a ballad) was performed as well in the set and Keith got to step up to the microphone and apologises for the rain and goes into a couple of numbers as well – ‘Before they make me run’ and ‘Slipping away’ – personally I wish he had sang ‘Happy’ – maybe next time eh ? – it’ll put a smile on my face at least. Ronnie Wood remains away from the microphone for lead purposes and concentrates on guitar duties – he don’t look too impressed with the showers either and dons a purple hat through a lot of the gig. When the old disco hit ‘Miss You’ comes into play they move centre stage which comes out to the middle of the stadium and looks like a boat type craft with Charlie in the cabin – lol. The bangin’ ‘Rough Justice’ rocked like a mothereffer, as did ‘Get off My Cloud’ and ‘Honky Tonk Women’ that were all on the mini stage as well. When it went back to the main area again you just knew that the proceedings were starting to come to an end when ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ starts up with a blast of fire from the side-stage towers with Woo-hoo’s in aplenty from everyone in the entire stadium, followed by ‘Brown Sugar’ where the video screens showed a giant topless black girl strolling around major landmarks of the world – gets my vote darlin’! The encore was excellent – ‘You can’t always get what you want’ and ‘Satisfaction’ that both included a ton of singalong section and then it was all over till next time – let’s hope there is a next time – hmm- maybe I’ll go and see them if they play somewhere in Florida in 2007 !! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
The Rolling Stones / Feeder - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, 20th August, 2006 The Rolling Stones set list - Jumping Jack Flash, Start Me Up, Oh No Not You Again, Sway, Ruby Tuesday, Streets Of Love, Tumbling Dice, Midnight Rambler, Night Time Is The Right Time, Slipping Away, Before They Make Me Run, Miss You, Rough Justice, Get Off My Cloud, Honky Tonk Woman, Sympathy For The Devil, It's Only Rock And Roll, Brown Sugar, Encore - Satisfaction Stage Times - 8:25 - 10:20 The heavens opened as I arrived in Richmond after a lengthy journey across London, so I took shelter in a delightful pub called the Orange Tree, from whence I discovered that those nice London Transport people had provided free buses to the stadium. After several lagers I arrived at 'Twickers'. I managed to avoid any souvenirs; the rugby-ball style tongue shirt I had coveted looked look a baguette being eaten so I passed. Nothing as good as my Detroit shirt was on offer anyway. Feeder provided the support slot, bounding on
stage at 7:10 to face a virtually empty stadium; as it was pouring with
rain the bars were more inviting. The sound was appalling for most of
Feeder's rather lifeless 5/10 The road crew battled valiantly to keep water from the uncovered stage, and at 8:25 the opening crescendo intro was followed by 'Jumping Jack Flash'. he stage set was dominated by an enormous video screen, flanked by two tower blocks, which also served as VIP seating. Jagger showed no signs of his recent throat problems, and sang well throughout, notably on 'Ruby Tuesday' and 'Streets of Love', both of which were incredible. It was a treat to hear 'Sway', which hasn't been played in England before I believe. The set was two songs shorter than they were playing in Europe, partly to save his master's voice, and partly due to a curfew at Twickenham. This meant that they only played one encore unfortunately. 'Midnight Rambler' was a mid-set highlight, and featured a terrific jam between Ronnie and Keith. Richards' solo sings were great, a lot better than in Europe last month where his voice wasn't so good. The mid-set move to the centre of the arena was even better than 2003 – this time an entire section of the stage carried the band along, while they played 'Miss You'. If there is a better way to close a show than with 'Honky Tonk>Sympathy>Rock N Roll>Brown Sugar, I don't know what it is. An absolutely tremendous gig. As Jagger cracked, 'Wembley will be open for the Arctic Monkeys farewell tour', but I have a feeling the Stones will open the stadium next year. 9/10 By Roy Evans |
| Rainbow Rising – The Boardwalk, Sheffield, Sunday 30th October 2005 I never got the chance to see Deep Purple with Blackmore or see Rainbow in any shape or form so this is the next best thing - 5 neat cream of the crop musicians with a passion for some of the best classic rock bands around.
Around 90 people attended this gig and they thoroughly dug every second of it. What made the set special was the fact that it wasn’t your usual greatest hits by numbers set – thank god, as I can’t be doing them – saying that tho – since when have Rainbow been a band that Tracey & her dance around their handbags to.  
Raggie has got that Dio like high octave well rounded voice (he’s a few foot taller tho) but I have to admit that their bass player has Ronnie’s facial looks and if you think you’ve seen his face before it’s because he was the one fronting the band on the OXO adverts. Kicking off from the ‘Over the Rainbow’ introduction (From ‘The Wizard of Oz’ film) we were transported right to the pot of gold with the galloping ‘Kill the King’ and it just got better and better.
A cross section was performed that included material from the debut self titled album right through to Joe Lynn Turner material.
As for highlights for this show, there were so many to choose from that ranged from the hits like ‘I Surrender’; ‘All Night Long’; ‘Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and ‘Since you been gone’ where our vocals were tested out to the upper limits (we passed of course) to the more obscure numbers such as ‘Eyes to the World’; ‘Tarot Woman’ or ‘Do you close your eyes’ to epics including ‘Catch the Rainbow’ and ‘Stargazer’ with its whips and chains in the heat of the rain.
Would have like to have heard some Dougie White stuff like the cover of ‘Hall of the Mountain King’ or the brilliant ‘Man on the Silver Mountain’ from the debut with Dio but ya can’t have everything can you. 9/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
Rise To Addiction – The Grapes, Sheffield, Thursday Sept. 8th, 2005 Now here’s a band that guarantee a hot
and sweaty night of Metal !! They are one of those acts who know how to excite
from the stage with their constant up-tempo presence and blinding arrangements
both musically and vocally. They pose and gyrate like they are playing
to umpteen thousand in a shed – as opposed to a handful in an
upstairs room of a backstreet city boozer. Fusing together so tight I can't see it being
too long before Rise to Addiction are supporting someone pretty big
- at the moment this god is unknown, maybe it'll be the Metal God himself
- Rob Halford and his Merry Brummie Men next time they hit the UK !! By
Glenn Milligan |
Rich Robinson - The Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, December 17th, 2004 First time I've ever been to The Rescue Rooms - the sister or brother venue to Rock City and it's just around the corner. It also marks as the premier occasion that this Crowe Bro has been here too - a solo outing for the Guitarist and now frontman - Rich Robinson with his band. After a CD playedon the PA of a bunch of songs that he's probably compiled himself that included Hendrix live with band of Gypsies, early Paul McCartney ('Too Many People' from the 'RAM' album - not heard that for a while), Led Zeppelin and an obscure Rolling Stones number, Mr. Robinson and the band assembles the stage on a simple low-key basis, amid claps and applause from the hardcore Black Crowes fans here tonight.
Beginning with an extensive instrumental jam that none of them appeared to know when to end, he thanked us for coming down and was greeted by a comment from a crowd member which went something like 'Out solo tonight Rich' which he found amusing. They then powered into material from the newly released debut 'Paper' such as the very Black Crowesy 'Yesterday I saw you' and then a classic old 70's Stones song 'Hand of Fate' from the 'Black 'n' Blue' album which went down really well. Plenty of six-stringer swapping took place, keeping his tech busy - seems that each guitar gave a different sound and atmosphere to the song and despite the rusted one looking a bit worse for wear it sounded raw, crunchy and incredible. Bandwise, they are a tight unit, where Bassist Jeff also provided some perfectly harmonised back-up vocals. Rich ain't got a bad voice either and is kinda lower 'n' softer not to mention, less wailey than brother 'Chris's'. Set-wise it was a mix of Rich's own tracks from the 'Paper' album like 'Know Me' and 'Veil' that were mixed in with some of his favourite covers that included numbers by Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and last in the set a song by The Grease Band (well it was in the encore actually).
What spoilt the night somewhat is the fact that he expected the audience to go crazy to this new material (which many had probably not heard before) and said that one guy in the front was making it worthwhile for him as many were simply watching and listening to what was going down. In defence of the audience though, he does not exactly put on much of a show (unlike brother, Chris) and spends a lot of the time being very self-indulgent on the guitar playing, dragging two or three songs out for over 15 mins, especially a Hendrix 'Band of Gypsies' number !! - an offence that The Black Crowes were often guilty of in the early 90's, which I think bored many people in the audience tonight. I was also rather taken aback that there were no Black Crowes songs in the set either - he could have given us a couple that he could vocally manage but it wasn't to be.
On a good note however, the unused for the 'Paper' album song which he said was called 'Walk by Myself' (if I got that right) was excellent - coming across like a classy, bouncy BC number and he did make a joke about the fact that Chris and other 'Crowes members were gonna come out on-stage for an-all star jam - now that would have something quite spectacular!! I guess we had to be content with what we got but overall it was missing something and in all honesty it was that magical spark to take this gig to the 1st division - this being the energetic on-stage charisma and forever liveliness that I remember of Black Crowes gigs at Sheffield City Hall from over a decade or so ago. Maybe in a few years or so Rich will prove he has just that - in the meantime though, you can experience him in solo format until the ultimate takes place 'The Black Crowes' Reunion. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan |
Raw
Gallagher - Classic Rock Bar, Sheffield 18th September, 2004
Sometimes you get caught up in other things and end up missing a bands first set - big mistake. Not to worry though as after ordering a pint of the good old Guinness, the 2nd set mightily starts up. Founder and frontman, Steve has a new bassist and drummer as the old guys have Ron and John Maloney have since left - bassist Ron has since jumped out of retirement and is a Status Quo tribute called 'Fakers Quo'. Anyway, the new boys Steve Norton (Bass) and Phil Vincent (Drums) are electrifyingly dynamic and incredibly tight - not that the other guys weren't of course. The set delivers some of Rory's finest moments like 'In Your Town'; 'Bullfrog Blues'; Continental Op'; 'Shadow Play'; 'Follow Me' and 'Out on the Western Plain' much to my absolute pleasure - yes I am a fan of the late Mr. Gallagher. The material was accepted very well which in one way was surprising as this an audience were expecting a rock covers band who mysteriously failed to turn up, therefore Raw Gallagher were promoted to the main room and rightly so. The band found it hard to get away from the performance area (the CRB is at audience level if I haven't stated in previous reviews) as it was a case of more, more, more which they got. They even sold a few cd's afterwards. Raw Gallagher prove that the music of the late Irish Blues 'n' Slide Guitar legend is still in great need - as this performance in Sheffield showed. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
Rob Rock and the Rage of Creation/Luna Dementia/Overlord - The Full Moon Saloon, Daytona Beach, Fl USA 7th May, 2004
It was a hot day in Daytona, FL and what better way to end it but with a night of metal and I'm talking old school at that, at The Full Moon Saloon, a big bar that had been specially opened for tonight's feast of music. I found out about the gig after meeting Anthony of That's Entertainment Magazine when we were in the House of Blues photo pit shootin' pix of Iced Earth. In fact, he presented me with a flyer for the gig so how could I resis - it turned out he was the lead vocalist of Luna Dementia. After a spiled high stack of metal coming from the PA, it was time for band number 1 of the night - a heavy as f*ck thrash piece going by the name of Overlord. Thus was pure old-school, I think they even came from Tampa, Fl. so nuff said on that score. It was loud, it was heavy and it was fast and just like listening to a healthy helping of Megadeth, old school Metallica and Slayer in there. There was hair spinning big style and I wouldn't have fancied untangling that lot, let me tell ya!! They entertained us with some some blistering cuts from the self-tited 'Overlord' debut and latest release 'War Songs' find out more about them via their website Overlordsite.com
After a rather long wait, Anthony's band 'Luna Dementia' from Daytona, Fl who are a dark gothic progressive, power metal outfit who took the stage for a short set since once of their dual lead guitarista, Jeff Rankin had recently been involved in a head-on collision car accident and was fresh out of hospital, hence hardly any time for rehearsing at all. From the music on offer, you would have been none the wiser as they were superb, especially the song, 'Blackened Mind' (with it's mind-blowing guitar solo and dark echoey keyboards) which incidentally is available to download on their website LunaDementia.com I was extremely impressed with them as their arrangements were so incredibly complex and would have liked to have witnessed more.
After a lot of stage shifting headliner Rob Rock and his band 'Rage of Creation' hit the stage and f*ckin' hell this was like watching a performance by Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force crossed with the fierceness of Dio- jesus - it was that good - A full on symphonic power metal with interstellar vocals from Rob. Just wish the vocal sound was a bit clearer on the mix because some of it was hard to make out what he was singing when he hit those high notes.
Musically, it was serious stuff and pristine perfection at that - the band have been doing a lot of support slots at Orlando's House of Blues of recent so it was good to see 'em on the hold pivotal spot. They mesmerized all of us with selections from the latest album 'Eyes of Eternity'; their debut 'Rage of Creation' plus material that Rob recorded when he was the lead vocalist with with Impelliteri and beyond. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
