Well I am glad that all the snow has gone because I missed the 1st planned gig of the year I was gonna go to over in Nottingham, not to worry though as this was a mighty night to start the gig calendar off with.

Opener Larry Miller and his blues rockin’ trio start off with ya typical bluesy sound and get better and better. Larry’s a full on agressive blues guitarist and lets it rip throughout – you’d think he was from a southern state of the usa but actually comes from the southern part of Britain which you realise as soon as he starts chatting to us. He has the power of a guy like Rory Gallagher and even performs ‘Messin’ With The Kid’ very impressively.

Seems he has some of his fan club in tonight as a dude near the bar is shouting for songs like ‘Mr. President’ and ‘Shame On You’ – “Shame on you”,; Larry shouts but of course he’s joking as its one of his songs. He says he can’t play them due to his new bass player not knowing them who he had only just joined the band that afternoon and he didn’t wanna plod through songs and hope for the best. He was so thrilled to be supporting Skinny Molly and did a great impression of Mike talking as well.

A brilliant selection of songs was played including a real crowd pleaser that went by the name of ‘Backstabber Blues’ & Larry humorously said to treat the songs as though we knew them, even though we’d never heard them before in our lives. Though we did know the last couple or so - outstanding renditions of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)’ followed by ‘Star Spangled Banner’.

He is definately one guy that guarantees a future of the blues and we can’t wait to see the man himself with his band back at the Boardwalk very soon – next time headlining.

Next up is a set jam-packed full of southern promise presence – the 2nd time that Skinny Molly have been at The Boardwalk, now with a new guitarist gracing the stage who is none other than an ex-member of Blackfoot and Lynyrd Skynyrd who goes by ther name of Jay Johnson, son of Johnny Johnson, the owner of Muscle Shoals Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA where Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded many of their albums – we really do have royalty in the house tonight.

We get an hour plus set of songs which simply can’t be beaten as far as I am concerned and many fans here tonight. With so much on hand, picking highlights from the show is a tough job – well I could lazily say all of it – well it was actually. Starting off with ‘High Price of Low Livin’ they set the standard from the 1st note – one hell of a killer number that’s followed up with ‘Skynyrd’s classic ‘Saturday Night Special’ and later on the brilliant haunting ‘Cry For The Bad Man’ that you don’t hear Gary & the boys play much these days.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Jay steps up to his microphone and they give us an awesome rendition of one of my fave Blackfoot songs ‘Fly Away’, not to mention the old Free classic that Blackfoot had a hit with just over a decade later – the song that no rock covers band is complete without – yep – the brilliant ‘Wishing Well’ and we couldn’t have wished for anything better – apart from some more great tunes of a similar standard that was guaranteed with a repetoir that these guys have between them that include ‘On The Hunt’; ‘Devil In The Bottle’and then some...

The excellent thing about this band is that their own material stands up as good the bands they were like the humourous ‘Left Turn On A Red Light’ with Mike telling us about the fact that they got a roundabout in Georgia and there were a few accidents as a result ) – but no casualties thankfully. Mr. Estes is used to them in as he’s driven on many in the UK (his second home just about as he’s toured here a good few times in the last few years).

Well worth mentioning that you must here if you werent there (shame on you for that) include ‘Whiskey, Cocaine And Blues’; the outstanding almost balladeering epic ‘Better Than I Should’; ‘Too Much’ & ‘Two Good Wheels’ that he joked was about being divorced for the 9th time, saying after so many times, he was beginning to think it was something to do with him – lol.

Taking us way back to the beginning but to the end if that makes any sense we got spoilt stupidly with some of the finest well known Southern Rock songs known to man and womankind –the amazing ballad ‘Simple Man’; a Blackfoot milestone in ‘Train Train’ with the set closed with ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.

Of course there’d have been a riot in here if we didn’t get that biggest well known Southern Rock standard of them all – yes, that’s the one ‘Freebird’ and of course no song can ever follow that one – a perfect end to a perfect Southern Rock & Blues filled night.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Killer vocals throughout from Chris Appleton not to mention that epic closer where he amazed us with his fancy guitarwork and positioning of the hand on the guitar that was part Maiden, Malmsteen and more. The peeps in here loved 'em and even had a number dedicated to them.

MSG Set-list:
Ride On My Way/Cry For The Nations/Let Sleeping Dogs Lie/Armed & Ready/Are You Ready To Rock/I Want You/A Night To Remember/Into The Arena/Solo/Lost Horizon/Rock My Nights Away/On & On/Attack Of The Mad Axeman.
Encore: Dance Lady Gypsy/Rock Bottom.

We had to bind the time a bit for the main man and his band - yes we are talking Michael Schenker and his band or for short, MSG, who are running a a little, late tonight for whatever reason. They hit the stage at 9.40, as opposed to the advertised 9 but it just excites the crowd who are in full anticipation to witness the German Metal Legend. The more so, when they see the customised guitars of sat at the side of stage right - with many of photo being took by the fans of them.

How good is this, an ex-AC/DC drummer on stage too - the dude who played on 'The Razor's Edge' and was witnessed on 'Live At Donington' from 1991. Well Michael only marks his shows with the best in the business and little wonder that Gary Barden is back on the vocals.A brilliant Frontman and what a rhythm section in Wayne Findlay - guitar/keyboards & Bassist, Chris Glen (also of ‘Sensational Alex Harvey Band’).

It’s obvious that Mr. Schenker was in a good mood as he was smiling and grooving it out with the guitar- playing killer licks and really getting into it – even letting fans strum one of his custom made Explorers which must have been one hell of a kick for them. Michael had detuned the guitar and made it sound more like the bells of ‘Big Ben’ during his ‘Solo’.

Highlights of the night included well-known MSG numbers like ‘Armed & Ready’; ‘Are You Ready To Rock’; the instrumental ‘Into The Arena’ & ‘Rock My Nights Away’. Of course singalongs were inevitable which took place during ‘On & On’ – though the crowd seemed rather reluctant to join in with Gary on ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ – miserable bahhumbuggers – lol.

Funnily enough when UFO’s ‘Rock Bottom’ chirps up during the encore, you can’t shut them up – a great way to finish the night off – just a pity there wasn’t enough time to play ‘Doctor Doctor’ because of the curfew – in fact the house lights went on before the band had all left the stage.

Solid set, great sound but unless you were right near the front the visibility was poor in the venue. Looking forward to seeing MSG return soon – Download Festival 2010 on the main stage – now there’s a great idea!

Overall it was well & truly ‘A Night To Remember’!

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Another number 1 Wizzard song comes in the form of, 'See My Baby Jive' that guaranteed a sing-along for sure then a slight reworking of a number that he said we'd recognize when they got into it - 'Blackberry Way' it was that was coolly proceeded by the James Bond theme for some reason - it worked though.

Of course the last song of the 45 minute set was the epic Christmas Anthem, 'I wish it could be Christmas everyday' that got most of the peeps on their feet dancing away. Would have been cool to see him dress up in the classic Santa Suit for it - but you can't have everything. This was a thoroughly enjoyable set that got us all in the mood for what was to come.

10/10

30 minutes or so later and it’s headliner time and none of us can wait – the lights go down and we hear that familiar ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’ intro that signifies that the Quo are revved up and ready for action. Not to mention the odd cranks from those Fender Telecasters as a teaser that the boys are right behind the curtain.

We hear that fave familiar opening (with a long intro) that is the live staple ‘Caroline’ spark up into action and that’s it, they wander onto the stage in their jeans, shirt and sneaker glory (sorry I mean Trainers – because we are British – lol). After a bout of Bronchitis, Francis Rossi is sounding really well because he took his doctors advice and rested, sadly postponing a few other gigs – but not to worry as these guys never let any of their fans down – no matter where it happens to be.

It’s bloody loud – just the way we like it and they giving it all they got – incredible really to say the main guys are in their 60’s – since it doesn’t tell too much on their vocals and the playing is just as good as it was when they were at their peak in the early to mid 70’s. There was no stopping them from thereon as it was straight into 'Something 'Bout You Baby Like' with a guitar-chick from Parfitt and then the 'Blue For You' brilliance of 'Rain' before they stopped for a quick breather to say a big hello to everyone, in the true Rossi style that we have all become accustomed to.

This was the first ponytailess concert I had seen Frame do in person - though it wasn't a shock so much since I did see their set from Glastonbury this year on TV. Plenty of old and new highlights alike continued and it was spot on to see they had still kept the early 70's 'Mean Girl' and Hello's 'Softer Ride' in the set - a real standout for the Quo Army indeedy.

Who was to know that they had some really special surprises in store, 2 songs that they surely can't have sung and strummed since those monochrome days of 60's Top Of The Pops' - having heard the intro taster at the start of the show. I had to pinch myself to see if this 'is this a dream or reality' - yep it was really happening - a magical high-ended played pair of Telecasters couple with the organ sounds of Andy Bown reaped out 'Pictures of Matchstick Men'.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better than this, they seque it into 'Ice In the Sun' with vocals sounding as good as they did from way back when it hit the hit parade all those many decades ago with Rossi getting us to sing the chorus and the odd line in the song with no strong beckoning needed at all.

Younger highlights included 'Beginning of the End' from their last studio release, 'The Search For The Fourth Chord'; 'The Oriental' & 'Creeping Up On You' but were easily bettered by as full version of 'Livin' On An Island' that was written by Rick when he was waiting around doing something he shouldn't and the person never showed up, according to Francis - it beat it being part of a medley coupled in with other numbers like it had been in the past - especially when the lighting backdrops set the scene with the georgious lit island sunsets.

Not too long after we are into the homerun of live-staple numbers like 'In the Army Now'; the 2 numbers with Down in the title that revs everyone up again and wanting the night to go on forever - pity about the 10.30 curfew then aint it! The nice thing about some Quo songs is that you only have to hear a chord coupled with a certain guitar tone and you have a good what is coming and 'Whatever You Want' is a particular number that examples the statement beautifully and that's just how it sounds - or should that be boistorous, brightening or bombastic? - you choose.

Anyways, the lads rocked in sequence and leapt in the air in good old blue jeans Quo fashion with only one song left for the set ender - yep the one with the words 'Rockin' and World' in it - another of their epic anthems that never gets tiresome when played live - no matter how many times you have heard the studio version all over tv and radio, then they disappear from the stage leaving is leaping and yelping for more and the eternal 'Quo wow-o-wow-o' (or summat like) that the hardcore have been screaming at the top of their lungs for about 30+ years.

This makes us all wonder what we are gonna get for the encore but we are chuffed to pieces when they crank into Piledrivers' 'Paper Plane', finishing the night of with some good ole chuck berry standards - all good things must come to an end, but we had a damn good one.

See ya next year no doubt.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Steel Panther were preceeded with a dude who mimed to various songs that were coming out of the PA but when they hit the stage, the whole place was totally packed and the fans were simply going wild for them. They started up with one of their own numbers, 'Death To All But Metal ' and later, 'Eyes Of A Panther' and their tongue-in-cheek 'Community Property'. These guys had completely honed their craft to pure excellence and I have not seen a band look so completely image conscious and photogenic since witnessing bands like Skin, Danger Danger and King Of The Hill back in the days of the early 90's.

It seemed that it did not matter what songs they performed - even though a lot of the material was in fact covers of numbers by the likes of Def Leppard (Photograph), Motley Crue (Kickstart My Heart), ZZ Top (La Grange), Kiss (Rock And Roll All Night), Bon Jovi (Livin' On A Prayer) and many more. This was definitely a full-on heavy metal and hard rock revival if ever there was one.

The cameraderie between each band member was amazing and came across completely natural - 4 mates on stage enjoying each others company, not to mention the unbelievable exceptional performance abilities with regard to the high powerful vocal somersaults of Michael Starr, the supreme drum work from Stix Zadinia and the second to none riffery from Bassist, Lexxi Foxxx and Guitarist, Satchel.

It was like a comedy show up there on stage with Lexxi checking his hair in the mirror every chance he could - even getting his hairspray out on accasions - lmfao!! Not to mention, satchel saying something to the big, black security guy that p*ss*d him off a big - lol - man it was funny though. Steel Panther even got the hottest f*ck*n' chicks up there on stage with them, getting them to dance as horny as they could as well as asking them to make out with each other and get out their t*ts and p*ssys for the band and audience - although it didn't happen for the down below section - hahaha.

One of their buddies was in that night - a dude called 'Sparky' - who had at one point been in a band who were big in south east asia, according to Mr. Starr so he got him up on stage with them to peform an old Alice In Chains 'In A Box' - the one with the deep 'Yeah, Yeah, Yeah' in it - never been a big fan of that kinda stuff to be honest, but seeing these guys do it totally rocked!

Tonight they even filmed their new video - a cover of an old Journey ballad that they had already filmed in front of a few thousand peeps in London's Wembley Arena when supporting ZZ Top. Michael said they just had to film some in LA too on the strip with their fans there - the song was played twice, since Michael jokily shouted, "Thank You San Diego!" It worked a treat and it's gonna be a killer promo.

Blow-up condoms were thrown all over the place and the band members joked about safe sex, girls t*ts they could see in the crowd and beckoned may to get them out and after a bit of persuasion managed just that. Hotties were again invited onto the stage for the last song, a cover of Guns 'N' Roses 'Paradise City' where loads of long stripped confetti fell onto the crowd to signify the end of a tremendously enjoyable show of full-on excitable rock 'n' roll to the extreme of 100% pure greatness.

Can't wait to see the 'Panther again when they visit us again in the UK soon.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Static X have been doing the circuit for 10 years now and it’s the first time I have seen them in Sheffield. Like most bands that play the Corporation they are restricted to what they can do on stage, which to me only gives the audience a little insight into what they do and this is probably why I have to give them an average score.

Static X live do sound like the CD’s but the trouble with that is that I have become bored with their material. Static X have not really changed over the years and have started to be a Status Quo with a rhythm that works for them, which was clearly shown throughout the show, as they ripped through ‘ Cannibal’, ‘Destroyer’, ‘Get to the gone’, ‘Destroy all’ and ‘Enemy’ to name a few.

Static X I felt struggled to get me enthralled with their show or even entice me into their world of metal. Static X only got the crowd going with their biggest songs that are played constantly within the clubs.

Maybe it’s me or is it the club or a mixture of both that struggle to get me excited but whatever it is or was let’s hope next time is better.

5/10

By Tony Watson

I don’t often get the chance to catch Silverjet as much as I did in their early post-inauguration days but six years on they still have it loaded in their favour with two albums and a deal to their laurels. So it’s to their favourite little room in Sheffield again, but now a growing crowd awaits their headlining sets with a few recognisable from House Of Lords last year for very good measure.

Also impressive tonight are Dear Superstar whose sound is something describable as a cross between Poison and Sound garden (wtf?) and their seven energetic tunes bring some noise from the watchers as well.

A band with ‘hits’ their set list is split proportionately across their discography tonight, with plenty of the anthems they have built their popularity around from 2004 onwards brought out to stand alongside the stuff from their newest disc. ‘Lay your Wings’ ‘Deuce’ and ‘Won’t See Me Bleeding’ are all personal faves themselves while ‘By The Way’ and ‘Mardi Gras’ have been around for a good long stretch and are tunes no Silverjet show could possibly exist without. That said though, ‘Crazy’, ‘Hell Yeah’, ‘Rock Show’ and ‘Get Me Up’ are creeping up on the ladder as well - this being only about the second time I’ve heard these tracks on stage but the incessant levels of sass and swagger with which they are delivered, leave no time to differentiate between old and new at all - you just enjoy them whatever.

Stage presence is something that also has taken a revitalisation for these lads too with new bass chap Pais Hill covering his half of the floor very well, and mounting the stacks at selected points during the night, Dave Kerr also doing likewise for closer ‘Face To Face’.

A hour gone and they are gone with it, sadly leaving an encoreless show to disappear into the murk of the Corporation smoke. Still, they came, and until they went, we loved them as always and plenty more seem to by the second. Hoping there’s a third album likely before too long, these guys never run out of rock n’ roll for those who love it.

Not another several month’s wait please, lads. (well it won’t be Dave as they support Heaven’s Basement on 28th April on this very stage).

10/10

By Dave Attrill

* We apologise for not being able to cover the sets by Society Crisis and The Sweethearts in the review - we missed them due to unforeseen circumstances.

Just over a year since I last saw tonights headliners, who are in a bigger room than I when saw them headline in Sheffield. Plenty of peeps here in the Academy 2 room with the Swedish Metallers, Hate Gallery up 1st. I got the impression that the audience didn’t know what to make of them to be honest as they were a brutal band with a rather different musical direction to the headliners and more like a Punky, Quirky, European Therapy.

Was interesting to hear their shouty heavier in-ya-face version of ‘Getcha Rocks Off’. They band worked theirs off but the crowd seemed lukewarm and quiet towards them. I do remember a number called ‘ES Quire’ about a close friend who had just died. We were told to Download or steal their album as their frontman didn’t give a f*ck before their last song – a so-so impression on the punters overall for their set.

6/10

Local lads, ‘Black Spiders’ took the stage next and I guess they got the middle slot as there were so many of their friends and fans in the room tonight. Funnily enough they go downh and win over before they even play a single note. They play Stoner Metal that I have personally have heard many times before but its done really well with wailing vocals and guitar riffs and grinds to match.

Their drummer stands up and greets the crowd as often as he can with his sticks in the air and ‘Sheffield’ is said as often as possible in the set to keep the crowd happy. They inform us about 3 times at the end of their set that they’ve been ‘Black Spiders’ and finish off with a number entitled ‘The Full 7 inches’. They could do no wrong on home turf.

9/10

Now here’s the band we’ve come to see – Stone Gods, There’s plenty of stage smoke present to set the atmosphere from the start, with frontman Richie Edwards greeting us with ‘You are Steel City’ and wins the entire room over straight away with his powerful presence.

The beautiful ‘Magdelena St’ comes about a thrd way into the set and this splendid acoustic works so well in mellowing out the crowd and even get them to sing along with him and unattended to an appropriate Sheffield band number, ‘Love Bites’.

The reaction to the band is simply incredible and they sing along to every single song much to the delight of the ‘Gods when prompted or not as the case may be. ‘Start of Something’ is a number that the crowd love – well they love them all to be honest with ya!

It’s totally rock ‘n’ roll to see the guitars being posed to the ceiling and Dan Hawkins is immensely active, headbanging as much as he can and killer riffage coming from his guitar – excellent stuff. Richie got us to get those hands in their air and he wasn’t dissapointed with the reaction either.

This was as easy for him as using the remote control to turn up the volume as it works so well. Guitar swapping takes place a lot – well it saves retuning guitars doesn’t it. Even the snare drum needs replacing which is something you don’t see too often.

Stone Gods are a band that like to throw a cover or two in and tonight is no exception and they thrash the place up with an imcredible version of Metallica’s ‘Whiplash’ that was lapped up for all it was worth and later a Girls Aloud tune – WTF – no really you read that right – if only the girl band sounded as good as this – ‘Something Kinda Ooh’ is the number too and sounds f*ck*n’ ace - rocked up like hell!! There was some really great highlights of course from their own songs too such as the excellent holiday tune ‘Don’t Drink the Water’; the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyled ‘I’m with the Band & ‘Wasted Time’.

A wander out into the room came from Mr. Edwards while still thumping out some corker 6-six sounds with Toby laying down the bass and Robin being the time-keeper on the kit and Dan well he was still kickin’out awesome riffs as ever. Nice to see all the Jager freebies thrown out to the fans as well - can't beat Jager!

The encore featured 2 of the best songs on the ‘Silver Spoons & Broken Bones’ that were the heavy enjoyable riffed and killer chorused ‘Burn The Witch’ (influenced from where Toby comes from) that we rocked out to big style and a number that should become part of English Folk Legend – the outstanding acoustic closer for the night, ‘Oh Where ‘O My Beero’ that also closes the album too.

See you guys at Download 2009 – I personally can’t wait.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Dave Attrill

After the band not playing last year for whatever reason, it was really special to see them return to this landmark more than 2 decades on – proving that the old oldies are most surely the goldies.

'Get out of the way', we heard the security staff shout as a van was driving through – we looked and turned out to be none other than Saxon themselves – with those of us in the know giving them a cheer and a scream of the band name which resulted in them giving us nods, smiles and devil signs – think they must have spotted out Sheffield Saxon Shirts as well that me and Al were wearing.

The van pulls in at the side of the Gibson Tent and we see the band bail out who are no doubt ready for a well-needed rock out. It seems a good while before they hit the stage amid a very enthusiastic crowd that had an extensive age range from young kids at around 15 yeas old to guys and girls who saw them at Donington all them many moons ago.

Their 1st two numbers were heavier tunes from recent releases which received an incredible reception from the completely packed tent of followers old and new. “I though this was supposed to be a small gig?”, jokes Biff Byford, and then questions us with, “So what do you want to hear a new song or an old song?”. “An old song” we all reply – right answer, “This is called 'Motorcycle Man'”, Biff shouts to us – oh yes – the classics are being unleashed !! Great sound, great mood and atmosphere on and off stage ensues throughout the song.

Here's one I wrote about Festivals – it's from 'The Inner Sanctum' album and it's called, 'Let Me Feel Your Power' before launching into the power recent tune – the whole place lapping it up from start to finish. “It's good to be playing back in Britain again”, Biff says cheerfully with the band saluting us with the staple Saxon classics '747 Strangers In The Night' where we were taunted to sing on the chorus – we obliged funnily enough and the mighty 'Heavy Metal Thunder' much to our delight.

“I can't say anything about this – it's f*ck*ng fantastic” Biff tells us, who isdeeply moved and flabbergasted with the amazing reception and love the band are receiving from the crowd. He goes on to say that they were out playing with Metallica last week but this was much better than that – mass applause ensues that saw Mr. B introduce his fellow friend and mainstay guitarist, Paul Quinn who launch the band into the steamtrain singalong 'Princess Of The Night' – you see the writing on the wall!

To us, the writing on the wall is plain to see - Saxon should have headlined in here or in our opinion been the guys topping the bill on the mainstage since they've treaded the boards and are more deservedly of it – I wonder what the guys in the band thought about that fact?

Anyways, no set from these boys would be complete with the showstopper that we hold fondly to our hearts – 'Wheels Of Steel' (rather fitting really with it being Donington don't you think?) that is raced through as opposed to its usual 10 minute+ duration due to time restrictions – we still get the crowd participation part though – the song wouldn't be complete without it – magnificient – 'She's got - Wheels, wheels of steel, talking 'bout my Wheels Of Steel' – we all love that thunderous riff!

Off the stage they go with deafening applause but they ain't gone for long as they return with Biff telling us that people have been asking them all day long, “Are you gonna play it? Are you gonna play it” before the band finally thought 'F*ck It' and made it the encore number – Ladies and Gentlemen, 'And The Band Played On' – Sh*t hot – never seen them play it ever – what a momentous occasion it turned out to be – they must have done it here in 1981 and its been a song everyone wanted to hear since that day on this 'ere land.

Bows took place here after the song and you can guarantee that no-one wanted Saxon to leave the stage. See you on the Tour this November with Motorhead & Danko Jones – by which time a new Saxon album will be released – it'll be a good un.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

First gig that Metalliville have seen at the Corp this year – 1st of many no doubt for sure. Anyways, it’s into the small room for this – would have been nice to have been in the massive one but there ya go – rather cramped but plenty of atmosphere and heat guaranteed. 2 supports from Sheffield and a headliner from the South who have 2 members from The Darkness in their unit.

A band who are new to me and must be one of the best trios I have seen since Strongheart and the mighty late-great rock cover band CRF. They go by the name of ‘The Venkman Heist’ who have very strong songs held together with a tight structured performance from each member of the group being rather gifted at their chosen instrument.

They have a unique fresh balance of rock, metal and even funk in their music, gripping vocals, grooving bass-playing and solid and extremely enjoyable drumwork goin down here. Highlights included the funky ‘Time Change’ & the very rhythmic ‘Taste’. Easily the best band on the bill by far and the most interesting musically. Expect big things!

9/10

The other local boys the melodic rockin’ ‘In The Name Of’ have a strong crowd of friends ‘n’ fans here but are weak but I find them to be weak with regard to the strength of their songs in comparison to the previous Sheffield band.

They are good enough players with an adequate frontman but they need way more in the way of hooks and fresh originality to stand them a chance of making it further afield.

The frontman, Steve was good with the crowd though – like the funny line about pointing out some granddads out there watching. They have the potential to be a really polished outfit – what they need are stronger, sticking in your mind songs with more melody and lyrical hooks. I look forward to seeing future material from them as I know they can do it.

6/10

Onto the headliners, who seemed to be rather late getting to the stage, 2 of them of which were in a rather famous rock act a couple of years ago going by the name of The Dark-you-know-who. Well Dan Hawkins is here on Guitar and the replacement to that bands original bassist.

Hardly any of their material has been heard before apart from maybe a couple of tunes on their myspace page – the audience are wild for them as well with their frontman thanking everyone for coming out and being there for them.

The Stone Gods have a variety of different rock and metal influences with genres including Classic Hard Rock, 80’s Arena Rock, LA Sleaze, Thrash Metal and even a bit of folk and country on a couple of acoustic numbers.

Tons of stage presence is guaranteed and comes in bucketloads. Confidence here is second to none and their bald-headed frontman oozes personality, zest and a real honest friendliness about him too that instantly makes him and the band a hit with the people of Sheffield.

I have a sneaky suspicion that this band may make a trip back to Sheffield sometime later in the year – hopefully with enough people to fill the large room – that’s unless that other band that are a polar opposite to light don’t make a comeback.

Looking forward to hearing the studio album if this hour long set is anything to go by.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Well I was only here last month for 2 nights running, but I’m back again to see a band who I have been a fan of for 30 years – it’s nice to see the venue has gone back to its former name as well – like in the good ole days when Rock gigs were plenty on this patch.

Frontwoman, Bernadette of ‘B & the North’ is none other than Francis Rossi’s daughter but you’d never guess that from her looks, vocal style and choice of music – this outfit is more Country, Canadian Folk and Commercial Pop than her fathers band. The get a chance to play Rick & Francis’ Fender Telecasters as well which is pretty cool.

The audience are very warm towards them and Bernadette comes across very humble apologising for technical difficulties up there, laughs about her guitarist breaking a string causing her to give up the guitar she has been using as well as informing us that in 3 days time she will be shovelling sh*t and even nearly forgetting to tell us who the band are. They are a tight unit who have both electric and acoustic elements where the guys are a supreme spring-vault for Bernadette’s high and shrill voice that fills the arena tonight.

Not too long after, well about 30 mins to be exact the house lights go down again, we hear the familiar intro to that 1st major hit, ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’ then the curtain drops revealing those British 12-bar boogie legends ‘Status Quo’.

The boys power straight into ‘Caroline’ with mass excitement and applause from the crowd followed up by fave live cuts of both fans and band alike such as ‘What you’re Proposing’ ‘Forty Five Hundred Times’ and ‘Rain’.

Francis forgets the odd word now again but adlibs with his own creative lyrics on the spot it seems – unless it’s a well rehearsed ploy – one can never tell with a well toured act of this status (scuse the pun).

One thing you can totally rely on with Quo is that they let the songs do the talking and don’t rely on flashy effects one bit – they have a similar lighting set up that they’ve been sung for a couple of decades, probably longer – it’s really bright, which is a godsend from a photographers point view, hence the extremely great shots with no need for a flash.

They are full of humour as well and never seem to take themselves one bit seriously, having a laugh with people in the front rows and beyond not to mention cocking up the ending of ‘The Oriental’ and blaming each other for it much to the amusement of everybody in the building.

Francis joked with us saying that he was told they had to come to Sheffield to play at the Arena as well as visit the fly that lived there – lol – the one that’s always buzzing around the bands, ‘Not any more it isn’t’, with a smile on his face he quips and remarks that he’s put an end to that right there – dude that winged creature is a local landmark!

Having enjoyed their current album ‘The Search Of The Fourth Chord’ I was really pleased when the Quo performed a couple of the best songs from the album, the Rossi lead-throated ‘The End Of The Beginning’ and the Rick rollertongin’ ‘Gravy Train’ as well as my brother-in-laws fave ‘All Stand Up (Never Say Never) from the ‘Heavy Traffic’ album – excellent stuff!

The band get all Christmassy on us as well and play an instrumental version of ‘Jingle Bells’ for us that is followed by the old number ‘Gerdundula’ – a staple part of the set these days and always prove they are still one of the tightest bands around on the UK soil today where Andy Bown joins them on an extra Telecaster, giving him a break from the keyboards.

Nearly 2 hours of pleasure is what was received from Status Quo tonight which was a real surprise as the Arena’s website stated that they would be playing for 90 mins – the lads must have had a great time and as a result pulled out the stops for us, finishing on ‘Rocking All Over The World’ and Chuck Berry’s, ‘Bye Bye Johnny’ – then it was bye bye fans, bye bye Quo.

Let’s do it all over again in their 41st year.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

When Talisman announced they would be passing through a SHEFFIELD venue on their UK jaunt earlier this year, it seemed too good to be true and then some, and sadly turned out to be as the inevitable cancellation put paid to a dream. Fast forward a few months and Jeff Scott Soto, having recently - and scandalously – been shown the door by Journey, appears on the Corp’s live listings.

And.... in additional compensation, Crimes of Passion return a week after having trod the boards opening up an almost sold-out gig for Gotthard. Providing the punters with a near identical set to that we heard seven nights before, Dale and the lads do air a couple of further newies, soon to be heard on their debut album. The full EP in the meantime gets its usual full airing - personal favourite, ‘Exit Wound’ included – as does their stomping ‘Holy Diver’ cover with a crafty adjustment to tempo during the second verse which peppers it up pleasantly even if what Ronnie’s got to say, I’m not too sure.

A slightly stronger set than last week’s already above decent effort, the two tracks added this time show us their teeth for diversity well bared, especially the progressive-sounding latter, and how long a way these chaps have come since Steve Lunn departed the ranks over two years back. Probably the last time I’ll catch them this side of the ‘07-08 threshold, next year promises fireworks both from and for the Passion lads.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Jeff Scott Soto Set List –
Mysterious/Soul Divine/21st Century/Drowning/Drum Solo/Stand Up and Shout/New Position/Colour My XTC/Broken Man/Long Train/Hey/Crazy.

Acoustic: If This Is The End/Nobody Said It Was Easy/Cheyenne/Shed A Tear Goodbye/Send Her My Love/Gin & Tonic Sky.

I’ll Be Waiting/I Wanna take You Higher/Separate Ways

Encore: Play That Funky Music (with Disco Medley).

Some concerts you just know will be outstandingly good and this is one of them. This is the 3rd time I have seen Jeff live – the 1st time was at The Gods in Bradford in 2003, with Talisman who are sadly no more (but never say never) and 2nd time fronting Soul Sircus.

He’s been awake 26 hours straight after flying from LA the day before and even asked what the time was – jet-lagged, I’d say so but you’d never have guessed it from the exceptional performance at my fave club.

He’s so full of life, dancing around like he’s won the pools, throwin ‘n’ catchin’ the mike on a regular basis and not dropping it once – he’s like on a spring – there’s no wonder that he perspires so much on stage, dripping in sweat throughout much of the performance tonight.

A nice healthy audience gladly took it all in who needed some charging up at one point by the man himself, ‘Sh*t, it’s like ‘Gods 2002 all over again”, he quipped – but soon got the people into the act with some fun vocal warm-ups.

Oh yeah, the whole gig was recorded – not sure if that will be available in its entirety or it will be segments from a variety of gigs – I guess we will find out in due course. Howie Simon is still there on guitar I am chuffed to say, what a voice he has as well, as does bass guitarist, Gary Schutt – high tenors or what !!

They easily match their musical abilities. The drummer is a damn fine hitter of the skins and goes by the name of Dave Dzialak and like all the other guys, capable of playing some real nice rhythms.

The set is broken up nicely, getting the crowd rocked up and into it with songs like the brand new ‘21st Century’; the epic from the soundtrack of the film ‘Rockstar’ that we all love called ‘Stand Up & Shout’.

A new number was aired - a great bouncy pop-rocker ‘Hey’ that he especially wants to capture on film tonight, closely followed up by Crazy – the amazing song that was originally by ‘Seal’, ‘No we’re never gonna survive, unless, we get little crazy!’ – works a treat tonight.

The acoustic section featured Jeff sat at the piano that really brought his passionate, loving, heartfelt voice to the forefront on beautiful songs like ‘If this is the end’ & ‘Send her my love’ – even Howie Simon got in on the act as well, by changing to a warm, wooden six stringer.

I remember Jeff doing this when he played in Soul Sirkus – and just like it did then it worked perfectly in a way that only professional like this can easily pull off.

When Jeff came back from the piano he immediately pleased the fans again as they gave us the Talisman stormer ‘I’ll be Waiting’; the funkiness of Sly & The Family Stones ‘I wanna take you higher’ followed up by the Journey smoothey ‘Separate Ways’ that always guarantee everyone singing along.

Then he funked us off our feet with a pile of disco that was built around ‘Play that funky music’ that was real out-there but worked a treat. Only a rocker like Jeff could pull this off and get thoroughly praised for it.

After the gig the whole band came out to spend time to sign autographs and have pictures and chats with the fans. All round great people. Brilliance is an understatement.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Now this was one of those gigs that you just didn’t know what to expect since I ain’t seen the headliners for 16 years– more on that later.

Young Sheffield band, GU Medicine took to the stage first who I was informed by my buddy Steve had played the venue many times but this was my 1st dose of them (scuse the pun). An aggressive hard-edged stoner outfit who don’t take no prisoners or suffer fools gladly when it comes putting their material across to the crowd – think heavy as sh*t Monster Magnet and then some. Was funny to see their little tech dude nearly lose his jeans as he raced onto the stage to put a mike stand upright again.

7/10

Main support band by Sign are big Skid Row fans so rumour has it they got the tour – don’t know how true that is – you know what the rumour mill is like in rock ‘n’ roll! Anyway, these Icelandic Geezers come across like Marilyn Manson meets White Zombie – they are ok I guess but hardly much to write home about to be honest – all songs virtually blur into one and I can’t understand why they need 3 guitars up there especially since they got the keyboards banging out as well. Would have sooner seen a good sleaze or cock rock band up there – but there ya go.

5/10

The last time I saw Skid Row was when they supported Guns N Roses with Nine Inch Nails at Wembley Stadium in 1991 – I remember that being a rather haphazard gig, kinda sloppy & crap sound and one of the guys getting his male member out much to the delight of the girls there. Well none of that happened tonight, the sound was clinically perfect, the band as tight as humanly possible and said organ kept firmly (scuse the pun) in pants.

Only 2 original members in the band now – Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo and Rachel Bolan, so some would argue how authentic the band are – well fear not – without wanting to rub salt into ex-members wounds – the replacement members are just as good as as Scotti, Rob and Seb – yeah, I was surprised as well!!

Vocalist of the last 9 years or so grabbed the audience straight away – well he had to because Seb Bach played here with his solo band a couple of years ago, not to mention supporting the Gunners up the road as well last year and appearing at Download with ‘em. OK, he may not be able to get those top couple of notes and drops an octave during an acoustic ‘I Remember You’ at the appropriate moment, but this Texan Redneck Dude going by the name of Johnny Solinger is damn good and matches song by song to his predecessor. Was awesome when we got to sing some of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ with him.

Set-wise it was mainly a retro look-back at at the 1st two albums since they wanted to keep the crowd happy so of course we got the classics like the opener ‘Big Guns’; ‘Makin’ A Mess’; ‘Get The F*ck Out’; ’18 & Life’; ‘Slave to the Grind’; ‘Sweet Little Sister’ and of course that definitive closing number ‘Youth Gone Wild’. A ton of singalongs of course took place and some nice guitar solos. A couple of Solinger era Skid Row numbers were thrown in as this was the ‘New Generation’ of the band which were greeted with as much enthusiasm as the big age-old rock night staples.

To say I was extremely impressed is an understatement.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Strongheart Sets (Give and take a bit of swapping about)

1: Thunderbird/Freight Train/Whiskey River/Peace Love Dope/Immortal With A Kiss/The Kids Are Wired/Rising Of The Phoenix/Mr. Lonely Eyes/Better Get Up/La Grange

2: Immigrant Song/Hot Jersey Nights/Moby Dick/Whiskey Man/Cocaine/Psychotic Episode/Smooth As Silk/Whole Lotta Rosie

How good it is to be back at the Boardwalk again – and making it even more special is the return of Wilbur Hess and the incredible Hard Rock Sheffield Come American Trio ‘Strongheart’.

Anyways, 1st up were a great young band called Van who warmed the room up with their sleazey come modern rock sounds. They were as tight as tight and even Strongheart Drummer, Bobby Arachega was mightily impressed – out front to lap up the majority of their set. It seems that looks are deceiving as I thought that they were gonna be an Oasis like band due to how they looked – thank god I was proved wrong. Be interesting to see them do another support slot somewhere as I can see them making quite a stir around the city (that’s if they haven’t done already) – so where does the name come from, I wonder?

Now I had seen the name Hellhound around recently – that’s it, they are one of my myspace friends and believe me they sound awesome on that. Like the headliners they are a hard-rockin three piece that featured seasoned musicians Janson Ward (Drums); Mick Shedd (Bass/Lead Vocals); Alex Oliver (Guitar/Vocals) who deliver a set that mixes classic rock; Southern Rock with elements of bands like Mountain, Molly Hatchet and even Van Halen.

They are in your face with their full-on style and have a crackin set that features original material of numbers like the instrumental ‘Gypsy Dance Single…’ that gives them a vocal breather; ‘Sons of the night’ that reminds me of Hawkwind (Chronicle of The Black Sword era with Huw Lloyd Langton on vocals) – nice solo Alex! or the controversial ‘Like Politicians’ that are mixed in with splattering of covers that include ‘Sunshine of your love’ amongst a few others. They go down great and are a perfect direct support to Strongheart – no wonder they are supporting at Grimsby.

Soon it’s that point of the night that everyone in the house has been waiting for – the splendid ‘Strongheart’ who start up with rapturous applause the ZZ Top’s ‘Thunderbird’ – I was only saying to my workmate Matt last week, that I hope they open with it and ‘Hey Presto’ they did – nice one!

They deliver many of the best songs from the legendary ‘Hard Wired’ album that everyone in the venue more than likely owns in one format of another such as crowd favourites such as ‘The Kids Are Wired’ and believe me, The Boardwalk was wired tonight; ‘Whiskey River’ that Wilbur says was all about floods over in the USA somewhere – the place escapes my memory – but the song is indeed fitting for Sheffield (especially after the excess flood water around the City in June).

Much to my delight are inclusions from their second album ‘The Ritual’ which are ‘Peace Love ope’ and ‘Immortal With a Kiss’ – nice one dudes. Wilbur, Bobby and Chris sound as good as ever – no need to tell you who does that as most you will already know that.

These guys can do no wrong no matter what they play, Wilbur can solo over a nursery rhyme and it’ll sound incredible. ‘Mr. Lonely Eyes’ was a turn-up for the books – a country ballad that is pre-Strongheart (actually from a previous band that I was told were called ‘Sex On Vinyl) – lovely stuff – I must get hold of some of that bands material.

Set 2 opened up with the Led Zeppelin classic ‘Immigrant Song’ – as Strongheart are so good at aggressive 70’s based stuff – southern or otherwise. The girls are loving it down the front dancing throughout the entire gig – eye candy, grrr, eye candy – it seems that blondes definitely have more fun on this occasion and not one of them would argue here.

Talking of Led Zep again, Bobby blows everyone away with his exceptional drum solo in Moby Dick hitting everything in sight with absolute precision every smack and bash of the way while Wilbur and Chris have a chill at either side of the stage with a huge grin on their faces.

I dare anyone to follow a drummer like Bobby apart from maybe Stet Howland – in fact I’d love to see those two solo together and get French Fred in on the act as well. Anyone fancy some more ‘Whiskey’, I know Wilbur does after asking us to fetch him a bottle before launching into the bluesy ‘Whiskey Man’. Chis also gets a chance to highlight his vocals on Eric Clapton’s bumping white liner known as ‘Cocaine’ before going into the instrumental ‘Psychotic Episode’ and the fantastic ‘Smooth as silk’ (wonder what that one is about – more tea vicar).

No one ever wants a Strongheart gig to stop but as the old-age saying goes – all good things must come to an end and when it finishes on a song about a well-endowed big girl, being ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ everybody is left with a smile on their face – I bet she had one too! A killer night with aruguably one of the best bands from our Area – come back soon.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Now these guys are Sheffield’s answer to the stoner equivalent of vintage Black Sabbath – a three piece made of Rich (Bass/Vocals); Kev (Drums) & Brian (Guitar/Vocals). I have been meaning to see them again for some time now but due to bad weather, crappy cold it’s took me a while to get round to it.

They happened to be on a bill with two other bands but I had purposely come to see these guys. It was a funny sort of setting in this here little room – since most of the kids here appeared to either still be at high school or still not old enough to drink – pop and crisps all round then. Ok, there was a handful of us older more mature rockers as well and I am pleased to say that many of the kids enjoyed the band as much as what we did.

Shrine showed how it should be done with Brian & Rich both taking role of lead vocals which is a rare commodity these days in rock and metal as it’s usually average to good frontman with bad backups – not the case with these guys who can both sing damn well – just a pity the vocals were a bit quiet in the mix. As Rich put it later, ‘That’s the joy of being the support band and only being allowed a short sound-check’. Anyways, that didn’t put them off as we could probably hear them better than they could themselves.

Brian is one hell of a guy to watch – crazy facial expressions along with the stage-poses you get from guys like Ted Nugent & Paul Stanley and then some…. Not to mention the mindblowing guitar-word – fingers all over the place and sounding incredible and swapping between his two swanky red axes– a real joy to watch, while Rich rocks out on the bass pumping out those deep, aggressive tones bopping the head throughout. Kev is a cracking drummer too who bashes away like it’s his last ever chance to play the kit and makes the most out of every possible second.

Songwise we got a 30 minute set that included songs from the ep like the song ‘Shrine of The Monkey’ itself and ‘Anthem’ that seemed to be the main crowd pleasure and a few newies from the forthcoming album that I am really looking forward to sticking in the CD player. Each number was a strong as the previous as well – not a filler in sight – which is what you want ain’t it.

I am real glad I came out to see this power-driven trio play tonight – make sure you get to see ‘em soon too.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

It’s February in Sheffield and what a surprise it’s damn near freezing outside but here in this very venue the music is hot, despite the lack of peeps here tonight – opening up the preceeding were a local band called ‘Manilishi’ – but not a bit of Green sight (only kiddin lads) but plenty of blues-like rock which a lot appears to be very Hendrix. They include a cover of a Johnny Lang song (a funky-bluesy ditty) as well as ‘Cold Shot’ by Stevie Ray Vaughn. The star of the night is joins Manalishi on stage for a jam as well, a pity that Mike’s Gibson SG was out of tune to the song – oh what the hell – who wouldn’t be happy having Mr. Estes playing with them.

When Skinny Molly take the stage we are greeted straight away with some crackin’ Lynyrd ‘Workin’ for MCA’ which appears to be the order of the night – pure Southern Sounds - that's how I like it, that's how I like it. Man I was amazed at just how tall Mike Estes was and he had to duck his head to see us at times when he came right to the front of the stage due to a low ceiling curtain. Such a marvel to watch as well, with guitar poses a plenty throughout the performance.

I missed out on seeing ‘Skinny Molly’ a couple of years ago at The Rock & Blues in Pentrych because most of the band got holed up in customs due to not having the right work permits – ‘we got ‘em this time tho’ Mike assured us. The Gibson SG of his was mindblowing – proper original from way back – like as though Angus Young had used it since he was like 14 or something – well worn and well played.

Believe me if you are into Skynyrd then this was the ultimate place in the UK to be that night – you just couldn’t go wrong with songs like ‘Down South Jukin’ ‘What’s your name’ or ‘Gimme Three Steps’ – it’s completely impossible. Everything was done so tight as well and Mike has got such a great voice – and then there’s that Tennessee accent of his as well – ‘Not many people talk like me around here do they?’ he jokes to us as well as congratulating Sheffield on having the best beer he has ever had – this being ‘Pale Rider’ – one of my favourites as well – good taste dude, good taste.

He joked about the fact that they had a fun gig in Glasgow the night before but was p*ss*d off because he wasn’t allowed to smoke – which he likes to do on stage – even asking us to vote on what we thought to the idea of the ban – he ain’t looking forward to June (or is it July) let me tell ya – lol.

When Kurt (the bands drummer) decided he needed to go to the bar we were treated to a real rarity – the not very often played ‘Four Walls of Redfearn’ that featured just Mike and fellow guitarist Chris who gave us some beautiful slide sounds – now that was something else!! Mike joked that it took him a long time to learn the f*ck*ng thing as well – lol. A song of Mikes was also performed - a southern rock ballad which was class – pity I don’t know the name of it.

Nice covers of Keep Your Hands To Yourself (The Georgia Satellites); Stevie Ray Vaughn’s ‘Pride & Joy’ & ‘When the going gets tough the tough go fishing’ – awesome song that before spoiling us with some more from the L.S. Boys that included an outstanding ‘I know a little’;

‘Tuesdays Gone’ (best number of the night) before closing the night off with the only 2 possible ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ (featuring ‘Dixie’ that he informed us was a termed coined by a yankee) and the epic ‘Freebird’ which Skinny Molly mesmerised us with – Mr. Estes even invited us to sing some of the words as well that I went down to the front of the stage for.

I have to admit that this was the best time I have ever had at the venue despite the lack of people there and my buddy Martin Bellamy had to agree with me that they were best band ever to grace that stage – if they come back on a Friday or Saturday make sure not to miss them.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

This was the big one, the return of Saxon to Sheffield after a number of years away – booked by renowned Promoter, Harvey Goldsmith who had the gig filmed as well for a one-hour special entitled ‘Harvey Goldsmith Presents …’. This is be aired on Channel 4 (in the UK) in April - so if you happened to be at the gig you just might find yourself on TV for a second or two or maybe more.

The band were also in the City on 20th January at Hillsbrough to try and break the ‘Air Guitar World Record’ as well during half-time where they aired the new single ‘If I Was You’ to Sheffield Wednesday & Sunderland Football fans – some of which entered the fun while others didn’t know what to make of it by all accounts. Not being a football myself, I missed out on this episode, but opted to attend gig at the City Hall.

Support act were local young rockers, Exitend who had the chance to promote their Metallica meets Megadeth Metal to the old school of Rock & Metal fans who I had previously seen at the Boardwalk last year.

No doubt they turned a few heads their way. They played in front of a red backdrop of ‘The Saxon Chronicles’ and you could see the mighty right wing of the ‘Eagle’ shining through as well.

When it came to Biff and the boys to striding the stage the City Hall got rather full and the lesson of how to command an audience began – Mr. Byford is a Ringmaster Supreme at this game and from the start the set proved to be an absolute winner from the 1st note onwards.

There was a splattering of classic cuts tonight that included ‘Never Surrender’; ‘747 Strangers in the Night’; ‘Princess of the Night’; 'Heavy Metal Thunder'; ‘Strong Arm Of The Law’ & ‘Solid Ball of Rock’ that my mate Al joked he’d come especially to hear them play – well worth the money if you ask me.

The new single ‘If I was you’ was played to well appreciating audience that Biff got us all screaming our lungs off during the chorus and told us that it was available to purchase on download and that it was the 1st single they had released in about 17 years – let’s get the single high in the charts – read my review on it and get it blasting out of your speakers !

Awesome to hear ‘Lionheart’; the title track from their last album and ‘Metalhead’ from ‘Metalhead’ – their best selling album of all time. These songs were loved like the older numbers as well like ‘To hell and back again’ and ‘Denim & Leather’ – a song that he got us all singing to as well & he joked about the fact that some of crowd needed to stop smoking (correct me if I’m wrong on that).

The whole band were f*ck*n’ mindlowingly brilliant – the dual guitar soloing of Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt were totally complimentary to each other and the rhythm section of Nigel Glockler (Drums) and Nibbs Carter (Bass) was immense as well.

Boy that Eagle looked amazing – as bright as 10 trucks on full beam, especially on ‘The Eagle has landed’ – it dazzled you to hell and was probably the brightest lighting rig I have ever seen at the City Hall – god knows what that big bird of prey must weigh – I wouldn’t have fancied being the roof holding that up all night – ouch !

Since the fans were having such a good time, Saxon played another new song to be included on the forthcoming album ‘The Inner Sanctum’ that is gonna be the next single that will features Biff’s good friend Lemmy on vocals that was about being able survive because they’ve got rock roll keeping them alive or summat like that – belter of a number too – so look out for that when it comes out. Biff then joked about them playing the entire album as well – lol.

After a good 80 minutes or so onstage they went off, amid deafening appreciative applause and shortly came back on again encoring with 3 songs – the first of which was the awesome ‘And the bands played On’ then one that Biff said gets them into trouble with various countries – the patriotic ‘Crusader’ – not that anyone was at all upset to hear it here tonight.

‘So what do you want to hear next?, the Mexborough man shouts and his greeted with a unanimous ‘Wheels of Steel’ – as if it would be any other.

The ultimate Saxon song was extended to 10 minutes where we were given 3 chances of singing the title chorus on our own – Biff was pleased with our vocals as well – top man !!

As soon as the band finished the number, Harvey Goldsmith was invited onstage and he announced that Saxon would be playing at Donington – best news so far this year. Can’t wait to see them in the middle of that famous race track in Leicestershire – until then we will all reminisce at how good these guys were in Sheffield.

My mate Tred said that it was mega and it was the best he had seen them (The two of us last saw Saxon at 'Rock 'n' Blues' at Pentrich, Derbyshire in 1995). Looking forward to seeing them again in Sheffield soon as this was a consistent show of pure pleasure.

Good to see young kids enjoy the concert too.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan (with added help from Stephen Goodison)

I was really looking forward to this gig and for good reasons too – firstly I hadn’t seen The Quo for around ten years and secondly, I find out that the support band is a new supergroup that aint been together too long.

That just said band in question are ‘Casbah Club’ – a fantastic collective trio that brings together Simon Townshend of The Who on Lead Vocals and Fender Telecaster – and before you ask, yes is he is the brother of Pete; Bruce Foxton of The Jam on Drums/Backing Vocals and Mark Brzezicki of Big Country on Bass/Backing Vocals.

Soundwise although it sounds like I am copping out on this, they sound like a mix of the bands they come from which creates a unique sound indeed – a kind of contemporary up to date Who gone Weller with a dare I say it almost poppy groove – a brilliant amalgamation of the mod 60’s brought up to date without selling out to the current trends of student like Indie or anything of that ilk.

They get to play a good 40 minutes or so before ‘Quo’ and they appear to go down very well to a crowd who are getting ready for a big bag of 12-bar boogie with highlights being ‘Sex Change’ about wanting to be a girlfriend as opposed to your boyfriend; ‘When She Sleeps’ about a woman who loves her man; ‘Save Me from Me’ that reminds me of a rather famous Simon and Garfunkel song’ plus a rather exquisite number that I can’t remember the name of that’s very ‘Pavardigar’ – now if you’re a fan of Simon’s big bro – you’ll know what I’m on with here – if not, go check out PT’s ‘Who Came First’ album for a spiritual enlightening. Excuse my blabbering but I to say I was real impressed by Casbah Club and if you weren’t there to witness them at Sheffield or one of the other gigs then I urge you to get hold of their self-titled 5 track e,p that will hopefully be available via www.casbahclub.co.uk very soon.

Hey Ho, next up are Status Quo –

Yes, hose on-going matchstick men of rock ‘n’ roll are this year celebrating 40 years of doing the rounds on the world’s stages – it really was 4 decades ago when Francis Rossi first started playing in a band with Rick Parfitt. No doubt a good few guitar stings have snapped and been replaced along the way as well.

They’ve got a new album out that backdrops all of the stage area which disappears when the usual concert intro of ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’ has faded out amid a mass of applause with Status Quo immediately sending everyone wild with the Hello hit single known as ‘Caroline’ and a bunch of other good old 70’s numbers like ‘Roll Over Lay Down’ and ‘Forty Five Hundred Times’.

Musically they are bang on form as always but we discover later that Rick could have a cancer tumour on his throat and he struggles with a lot of the high notes - let's hope he's well again soon - our thoughts are with you mate. Only only one song is aired from the new album ‘The Party Aint Over Yet’ (as if it ever will be) that Rick and Rhino wrote called ‘Belavista Man’ that those here take a shine too.

I personally would have liked to have heard a few more from the 'Party' album boys as opposed to three from the ‘Heavy Traffic’ of which gave us a laugh when Mr. Rossi forgot some of the lyrics to ‘All Stand Up’ – credit to them though – as these guys don’t use no autocue screens like many other similar aged artists seem to rely on these days !!

How ironic it is when the best part of the night happens to be the appearance of one of their oldest songs in the set – the 1971 number ‘Gerdundula’ or ‘Gerdun Dula’ as Francis pronounces like it’s a womans name or something. Keyboardist Andy Bown leaves his stationed area picks up an acoustic to the other axemen for this folky ‘n’ quirky epic from 1971’s ‘Dog of Two Head’ album that even featured a drum solo in the middle from new stickman ‘Matt Letley’ who makes a really big impact on us all.

Because Status Quo have such a large repertoire it’s simply impossible to play every song in its entirety, therefore a medley or 2 is completely unavoidable. But when you get some surprises thrown in they really aim to please.

I was blown away when segments of the rarely played ‘Dear John’ and ‘Red Sky’ were cranked out, not to mention ‘Down The Dustpipe’ – nice one lads – one of my faves is that. ‘What you’re Proposing’ in its entirety is a turn up for the books as well – a song I thought had well and truly bit the dust and I’m right they dusted it down and presented it us – talk about getting your moneys worth.

Of course they rocked out the masses of Greatest Hits Fans in the audience too with classics like ‘Whatever You Want’; ‘Down Down’ and the obligatory ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’.

They closed the night with an extended ‘Bye Bye Johnny’ with Ricky P on vocals of course – a song making anybody who was anybody stand up and party their a*s* off to – we were even invited to sing the chorus as well – which many obliged to.

This gig has to be one of the finest I have seen Status Quo – just a pity that some of the audience were a miserable set of so and so’s who moaned at others enjoying themselves to their fullest – this is a Rock N Roll Concert not a F*ck*ng Funeral – what happened to rest of the denim and leather clad Quo Army – are they really to be replaced by boring bankers who sit there emotionless like they are having a bad day at the office!! Bar that qualm, it was a faultless night.

Here's to another 40 years of Status Quo !!

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Holy Moses, or should it be ‘Midnight Moses’ in this case, I’ve never seen the Boardwalk so packed and it's little wonder why as some of Scotland’s finest are in town. A band who I first learnt about in a Top of The Pops Annual from about 1977 – I was intrigued by this band because one of them had clown make –up on – well I was only about 4 at the time. Years later I got my hands on the essential ‘Next’ album, then I get the chance to witness them live in my own City at nearly 32 years of age – man, where has time gone?

Anyway, cut to the chase, main-man, ‘Alex Harvey’ is no longer with us, he sadly passed away in 1982 but The Sensational Alex Harvey Band reformed in 2004 with madcap vocalist/performer, Max Maxwell who some of you may wish to recollect from The Shamen - he played the onstage part of Ebeneezer Goode.

Tonight he jumped around on the stage like a kitten on speed kinda reminding me of the late, great Ian Dury (of The Blockheads) crossed with Dave Vanian of The Damned. Alongside Max were the original SAHB members, Zal ‘Harlequin’ Cleminson (Guitar); Chris Glen (Bass) and of course the two brother Hugh and Ted McKenna on Keyboards and Drums respectively. A few years older but still as brilliant who show us who can do it best – I’m talking about performing on stage of course, what else do you think I meant – lol.

A pure greatest hits set with plenty of numbers coming from the already mentioned ‘Next’ album which included ‘Swampsnake’ which was second in the set if my memory serves me right – that’ll be the day; the milestone title track that Max apologised for c*ck*ng up twice – not to worry matey – I’m sure Alex was looking down and laughing away, sensationally at that and later on, the super-sexy fat woman song that is ‘Gang Bang’ – she took 27 guys ya know !!

And how can I forget the wondrous ‘Faith Healer (can I put my hands on you?)’ and the rockin’ ‘Vambo Marble Eye’ who’s coming to the rescue.

We were overjoyed to be treated to a song about a Witch this being ‘Isobel Goudie’ or a nice slab of blues - ‘Framed’ that gave Ted the chance to perform a tasty drum solo. And what Sensational Alex Harvey Band gig would be complete without going to the ‘Boston Tea Party’ with ‘Delilah’ in which Max joked that the band hated playing The old Tom Jones classic that they had a big hit with featured Mr. Maxwell falling about the stage as well as Chris and Zal doing a funky walk as well much to our amusement.

The craziness was non-stop which included plenty of posing, gurning and general larking around on that stage that was all done in the best possible Scottish taste of course. The rock ‘n’ roll professionalism was neverending and one of the best concerts that’s ever taken place at The Boardwalk – I’d even go as far to say that this was one of the best concerts I have ever witnessed. Twas splendid to see archive 70’s footage of them on The Old Grey Whistle Test as well with the man himself, Alex Harvey, God bless him.

Tonight, these guys did their late frontman proud and no doubt they do every night. Let’s raise a glass to Alexander Harvey and long may his band continue.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

STATETROOPER/Deadline/Double Cross –

The Boardwalk, Sheffield, Sunday 29th May, 2005

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

We've waited a good 13 years for a member of Journey to set back on English ground again and first on our Island is guitarist, Neal Schon in his other band, Soul Sirkus - more on the headliners later.

Hitting the Corporation stage with new vocalist in tow is Deadline and I have to say that Dale Radcliffe had some big boots to fill as original vocalist Steve Lunn has one hell of a set of pipes but the ex-Tikaboo Peak man did really well. OK the first few songs were a bit shakey because he wasn't 100% familiar, but give the guy credit, he's only been with the band two weeks and they've written a number already which ain't bad goin is it - what a corker it is too, harder edged than the bands other offerings.

Dale leapt around the stage in the kind of way that I can describe as a Ted Poley meets come Seb Bach in Bruce Dickinson kinda way. Nice to hear a bit of Skin in the set as a closer too - was weird not to hear 'Losing Myself' tho but no doubt that'll be part of the set at future gigs. The rest of the band were as exceptional as ever with drummer, Kev Tonge being at the right hand side of the stage pounding the kit as ever - I guess sharing skins wasn't an option tonight. Tonight as ever, Sheffield loved 'em. Be good to see them a few gigs in when Dale's fully found his feet with the material - crackin' start tho.

Around 30 or so mins later, it was time for the double SS that is Soul Sirkus, made up of Neal Schon, Guitar, Marco Mendoza (Bass/backing and some lead vocals); Virgil Donati (Drums) and Jeff Scott Soto (Lead Vocals, Great Dance Moves and Keyboards). Romping it up with some of their own stompin tunes from the 'World Play' album such as the bluesy funk of 'Highest Ground' and 'Alive'; the full-on rock of 'New Position' they had no fear of anyone dissapearing to the bar or to the toilet due to a boring song becuase there weren't any at all !! It didn't matter if you didn't know the Soul Sirkus material as it was all firmly riveting.

The bands presense was overtly immeasurable and when it came to creating a musically gripping, passionate atmosphere these guys are extremely hard to match up to. It was very heart-warming to see Jeff Scott Soto solo at the keyboards teasing the crowd with segments of Journey hits like 'Who's Crying Now' and 'Don't Stop Believin' amid shouts of 'Neal, Neal' when it was time for the guitar solo section of the song - he even wandered on-stage and played us a bit - Sheff went crazy for it too!! I must say, that I've never heard a Sheffield audience sing so well - seriously !! Full of sweet, sweet joy their voices were to those Journey faves!!

Jeff also played Prince's ''Purple Rain' (sounding just like him) and a snippet of the intro of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which Paul Rodgers did not sing at Birmingham - well neither did Jeff at Sheffield - LOL. It was also nice to hear the Talisman covered tune 'Crazy' by Seal - Jeff's a chameleon Neal Schon told me and I couldn't agree with him more.

In fact, each member performed their own solo spot - an unbelievable Rock come Jazz drum solo from Virgil, a mad jazz-fusion bass solo with soundy words - a la Cleo Laine entitled 'Abalair To Mundo' from Marco Mendoza and salute to Cream with 'Sunshine of your love' - good voice Marco has too - not to mention being DJ Mutley's Doppelganger - I heard that I wasn't the first one to say that either. Neal presented us with a ton of soloing too as well as a slab of Jimi Hendrix in the form of 'Voodoo Chile' and '3rd Stone from the Sun'. Now this is how the classics should be played - putting your own stamp on them as opposed to same as the recorded version - tribute bands take note !!

Other songs from their album included some gorgious ballads such as the atmospheric 'Periled Divide' and 'Soul goes on' that has lyrics that Jeff said mean a lot to the band. We were also bowled over by the gospel like' My love, my friend' that shows they can sing like angels; the racing Deep Purple-like 'My Sanctuary' and the rather brilliant 'Praise (your body)' with it's Glenn Hughes like feelin' that got everyone goin' (hence the great dance moves inclusion). Another highlight was the classy worded into another great track by saying that for the first few days of the tour you are good until the day off and that's 'When friends become lovers' - hey it just might a true story - one can never tell.

Other great parts of the show were when Jeff and Neal were trading musical phrases or the audience partication - getting us to sing the high notes and how could I forget my favourite song from the film 'Rockstar' - this being 'Stand Up and Shout' - man I love singing along to that - made my night!! God knows where Jeff Scott Soto gets all his energy from - no wonder he took a break while the other three did their solo spots in the middle of the show - he never stops still when on-stage and he couldn't believe that his top was so dry around chest area of his body. It was extremely funny when a girl in crowd wanted him to take off his top too - his remark went something like 'I will if you take off a garment too - it took place - so it was Jeff's naked top half for the women and a classic tits oot for the lads from the female fan - plus Marco Mendoza wearing her bra on his head - what a larf in the best possible taste !!

Soul Sirkus and everyone in the building had an absolute blast - every second cherished - we even got a tribute to 'James Brown', called after the man himself - a mean vibin', groovin funky affair that Soto loves to dearly - can't blame him either. Jeff told us that he'd been checking the internet and noticed that people had moaned that the band had not played any Journey - well, tonight it happened - much to the Sheffield crowd's delight - well it was the last date in the UK after all, so why not - a bit of solid rock 'n' roll with 'Dead Or Alive# from the Escape' album !! No-one wanted to leave the auditorium, especially Mr. Soto who Marco Mendoza had to nearly carry off the stage - he just didn't wanna budge - he was having such a good time and he would have performed forever - well they all would and we'd have let them too.

We (and I can't put the we strong enough) can't wait to see Soul Sirkus playing Sheffield again in the not too distant future - Jeff Scott Soto is back over in July - wahey - I'll be there for defo. Rumour has it that Journey are playing the UK in 2006 - until then dig Soul Sirkus and anything else the bands members are involved with.

Be sure to invest in the band's album 'World Play' - available via www.SoulSirkus.com

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Set-list: Won't see me me bleedin'/Like a fool/Hangin' on/South of Soul/Get me up/Over the will/Face to face/Honour amongst thieves.

Seems that Silverjet don't need no warming up at all as they bound onto that boardwalk stage cookin' in confidence as though they've been on there for a while. Tonights set comprises of full-on dirty southern fried rock 'n' roll from the opening note of 'Won't see me bleeding' (from the E.P. 'The Amalgram Sessions') - a song that's become a firm favourite with their highly enthusiastic fanbase - in fact, every number made an immense amount of impact tonight.

Frontman, Dave Kerr has come on leaps and bounds in the larynx deptartment and he appears completely at ease while talking to the fans and friends - hey Dave, what was that, you have a new album on sale available for sale to tonight - good lad - self promotion - and why not indeed!! Time to introduce the rest of the band in no particular order - Lead Guitarist, Andy Mewse works that mojo brilliant, while, Big Jon the Kitmaster looks as cool as ever sporting the cowboy and thundering away behind the boys on the drums with Bassist, Paul Oates complementing at every given moment (well every single second actually).

If you wanna stick a stamp on the offerings of The 'jet, it can be said that they are the up 'n' coming millenium version of 'The Quireboys' (or alternatively, the British answer to the Atlanta Georgia legends, 'The Black Crowes' since there are comparisons to one or two of the ditties in the set). Man, this band are so tight and they really impress me with their new material like the title track of the just released debut album 'Honour amongst thieves'; 'Hangin' On' (that's comes across like a salute to Chris 'n Rich Robinson) and 'Like a fool' (a real CroweQuiring number indeed).

Silverjet really enjoyed their support stint tonight and it shows with smiles amass and it appears that Quireboys frontman, Spike loves them too. Take it from me, it's impossible to give this band a sh*t review since they are the real deal - a practise what you preach rock 'n' roll band, delivering a driving sermon filled with a genuine love for the music and fans - the way things should be!!

Can't wait to hear the new album 'Honour Amongst Thieves' - available via the website www.silver-jet.co.uk

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

SILVERJET/CRUEL DEVICE -

Classic Rock Bar, Sheffield, Friday 7th January 2005

The first time I've been able to review a headlining gig by Sheffield's own southern rock n' roll starlets Silverjet is a double honour for me as we also finally have the privilege of watching the much anticipated Cruel Device in action.

Singer Steve and bassist Dave were, as some might recally, two parts of Jury's act, another well-talked about act from out of town, before they disbanded two years ago. With a (brilliant) new guitarist and new drummer in tow, this latest formation seem set not to disappoint. Nor do they as most of their tunes drill in almost immediately as the variation of musical backgrounds these four lads each spring from takes its full effect on their style, mostly Purple-meets-Priest-meets-Alice Cooper classic hard rock but with occasional distinctive nods towards Therapy and The Wildhearts to boot.

Two of the ten numbers were apparently from Steve's erstwhile band so some compensation for those who didn't catch them last time around. That plus an instrumental break consisting of an up-gear blast through the Ghostbusters theme -that was a cool idea by the way, boys- and a belting rendition of the Cult's 'L'il Devil' and we ain't done badly for forty minutes. Equipped with some promising tunes in the shape of 'Clean Up', 'Call Me Frankenstein', 'Don't You Call This Love', 'This Time' and 'Somebody Saw You', plus a strong set of pipes in Steve's voice, this impressive selection showed me what I'd been missing all these years. Definitely worth the wait - I just hope they have a release sometime this year.

Silverjet take to the blue carpet only ten minutes or so later and kick in without a second though, ripping through a seventy minute set that packs in just about all their existing material or at least that with which they're most proud to select for their slot. The foursome seem to have identified their crowd-pleasers by this stage, the three numbers from the EP seeing another healthy boxful of copies go before the show's over.

Dave, Andy, Paul and Jon have, in case you don't know, only been on the live circuit for three months at time of writing and by their mounting reception, already deserve by now to be snapped up by larger venues, even if the CRB eventually is packed almost beyond breath point this evening - well it's Friday, innit.

As if I wasn't thoroughly savouring most of their own anthems, 'Lay Your Wings Down',' 'Ode To Spike', 'Won't see Me Bleedin', 'South Of Soul', 'Hard Time Lovin' and 'Keep 'Em Knockin' amongst them, as indicated by my air guitar antics down the front all evening, they make a surprise encore with Dogs D'amour's 'I Don't Want You To Go' that kicks the ol' Khyber Pass like no-one predicts. Hopefully a Quireboys number will also make it onto their set one of these days too, but with a support slot with Spike and the lads imminent, I think that's (more than) enough for most to keep us content for the moment.

Two of the most promising young bands on the Sheffield hard rock scene, Silverjet and Cruel Device may only be in their early days but with substantial support look set for success, and good luck to both.

A fine evening down the pub for lovers of live hard rock.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Nike Turner's Space Ritual -

The Boardwalk, Sheffield, 7th November, 2004

A year on and the ex-Hawkwind members wereback at the Boardwalk doing their spaced out, OTT 70's trippy thang a band fronted by one of the original frontmen, Nik Turner (who's axed the rubber suits tht he was wearing last year and gone for a more jazzy classy looking black suit and white shirt number - no doubt he was a wee bit cooler as a result on this famous small Shefffield stage. Gathered around him were his old cosmic chums Dave Anderson , Thomas Crimble, Terry and Sam Ollis and Michael Slattery, John Greves on keyboards/synths and dancer extraordinaire Miss. Debbie who's put on a few pounds since the last visit.

Set wise it was very much the same as last year - old classic like 'Born to Go'; 'Brainstorm'; 'Silver Machine'; 'Watching the Grass Grow' (by Inner City Unit); Sonic Attack and a load more ancient 'Windy numbers that came complete with gallons of dry ice (much to the annoyance of my camera) plus newer bits and pieces such a stack of wacky avante-guarde poetry from Mr. T off sheets of paper and the odd current Space Ritual track like 'Chant' and 'Sonic Savages' that are soon to become available on a studio album.

What was very striking was the fact that it was absolutely packed in here as there were hardly a half full in 2003 - therefore word must have gone round just how good it was so nobody in their right mind wanted to miss out this time around - credit to the crowd for turning up too as no-one went home dissapointed, especially the dude from Bristol who after presenting Nik with some artwork was handed a new just released live Space Ritual CD. Performance-wise they had become a lot tighter to what I remember from 12 months previous and seemed to be enjoying themselves more as well. Miss. Debbie was as splendid as ever with her insane dance moves and even crazier costumes not to mention getting totally starkers towards the end of the night's set - but remember it was all in the name of art before you starting calling it pornographic out there in surf-land.

When the band was done Nik enterntained us with a bit of solo sax playing - piping out splended renditions of '(The Theme from) The Pink Panther' and Glenn Miller's 'In the Mood' and believe me, those in attendence tonight definately were - clapping away to the beat of the tunes and giving an appreciative oy at every relevant moment. Top Entertainment by Top Entertainers.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

What a weekend!! - I was here last night for Motorheadache and Girlschool and now tonight it's another dose of rock 'n' roll in the small room. I thought it may have happened in the big room next door where his Murderdoll side kick Wednesday 13 played a few months previous - but alas the small room it is. It's a similar audience though - young kids aged between 15 and 18 mostly all dressed in Murderdoll attire who live and breath rock star idolism.

The support act had by all accounts been around a few years and came from Bridlington, UK, who went by the name of 'Torsohorse'. They had a negative noisy outlook and played a bunch of dingy numbers that slobbered away like a poor mans Black Sabbath that contained a downbeat nu-metal influence. The frontman had a deep throaty growling voice - I guess you'd say a more audible cookie monster rasp and the material on offer was very samey and didn't have a lot goin' for it whatsoever. They received an average to not too bad response from crowd who were to go absolutely mental for what was up next.

In between the changeover we were entertained with some great glam like Kiss and Motley Crue to keep many of those mums and dads happy who'd brought the kids. Guitars went back and forth before the 'Vision took to the stage amid teenybooper screams for the devil below. Sh*t, when Acey hit the stage the decibel meter would've gone straight into the red. For the next hour or so his name was screamed at psychotic soprano pitch. His 'Trashlight Vision' didn't resemble his other band at all - they instead resembled glimmers for the new millennium as opposed to the dark corpse like Murderdolls. Musically it was full-on hardcore, rough edged punk-sleaze (think GNR meets The Misfits). Man this band was wild, not keeping still for too long as well as there not being much in the way of light - talk about being hard to get decent photos!! This made no difference to the fans though who were equally as mad on every possible occasion - well to be perfectly honest about it, these kids were mad for it from the second the set started.

Acey Slade spraying water around appeared to be a customary part of the proceedings (it was bottled mineral though and not tacky tap water). Acey even teased with what appeared to be a full bottle of red wine which he tipped over his head. We were all fooled as it was sparkling red glitter that he threw on the front section of the crowd that stuck to 'em, thanks to the specialised H2O from earlier. What made this gig amazing was the fact that only one song had been heard by the audience - 'Heros and Halos' that's been available for download on www.trashlightvision.com. It really was as though the fresh unheard material had been devoured by this bunch of fans for quite a few months as one guy climbed onto the right PA stack and appeared to be able to sing or is that shout along to many of the songs - surely Napster (or something similar) hadn't grabbed hold of the songs already - unless this fan had been to a few of the other shows and learnt them in the meantime.

"Can you say just two words for me?", Acey enquires, as if he'd get a negative response, where he beckons them to give him a 'F*ck You' with the fingers up high. The gesture is well received. I personally remember seeing Frankie, the long, blonde haired frontman from 'King of the Hill' do exactly the same thing all those many moons ago at Sheffield City Hall in October, 1991 - god am I that old - 'fraid so and it seems like yesterday. Anyway, back to 2004, it's fair to say that 'Trash Light Vision' know how to pose and by watching them it seems they learnt the craft from legends like Kiss and Hanoi Rocks as Acey on many an occasion looked damn cool sticking his guitar out into the crowd - in fact at the end of the set, Acey tricked the crowd by making out that he was about to throw the guitar at them - it was on elastic - we were fooled yet again!!

The only weird thing about tonight was that there were no encore numbers - in fact the kids didn't even shout for more - probably since Acey said they'd meet them straight after, therefore the kids were more interested in crowding around the tables at the left had side of the stage in order to receive autographs and pix with their heros. When TLV came for the good ole meet and greet they spent the best part of an hour pleasing their newly found friends, who all lined up in perfect order as though it was a school assembly or fire drill. All went home happy - even the club staff when they eventually managed to get out of the building.

There seems little doubt that Trash Light Vision will return to these parts (of course depending on what Slipknot and The Murderdolls have in mind for next year. Watch out for the bands debut album out hopefully soon.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

The venue that brought us two of the best AOR shows Sheffield could wish for, with the Mitch Malloy and Bob Catley gigs, over the past years, now plays host to further royalty. Jeff Scott Soto, for many wiped the floor with virtually every other act at the Gods 2002, bar Harem Scarem. The mere announcement of his first visit to Steel City knocked many fro six but not as much as tonight's performance.

Hometown giants Tikaboo Peak open up with an impressive collection of new and old numbers - their latest stuff growing on me more by the minute. Ravenscar's brand of classic rock-oriented fodder impresses me less but they still find a few new friends in the swelling crowd.

Then da man appears and for all of eighty-five minutes we are reminded as to why the mere mention of Jeff Scott Soto's name makes any melodic rock fan worth his stripes go weak at the knees. The opening selection for tonight is a powerful double barrelled attack of 'Livin' The Life', the opening credit theme tune from 'Rock Star', and 'Mysterious', an undiminised stage fave since day of creation.. The faves come thick and fast tonight alright and his solo material from latest album 'Prism' seems to have gelled quite quickly with a lot of tonight's gathering too, with 'How long', 'Eyes Of Love' and 'holding On' capturing applause of matching volume to to that incited by 'Dragon Attack', 'Stand Up', 'Colour My XTC' and of course the cover of Seal's 'Crazy'. The acoustic medley that ended the main body of the Penningtons set is still an integral part of a JSS live show, this time tailed by Talisman anthem 'I'll Be Waiting'.

With three quarters of the last line-up still around, messrs Simon and Schutt now joined by new drummer Dave, Soto is seemingly indestructible. Gary Schutt demonstrates his further talent on second guitar on a couple of numbers, Jeff borrowing the bass in the meantime, and Howie Simon, Jeff's deputy in the charisma department tonight steals quite a portion of the show's appeal himself with his performances, including taking the mike for 'Listen To The Music' and especially his solo stint after 'Holding On'. There's also a jam that the foursome have for a few minutes during the set which is also quite amusing with every renowned hard rock/metal number on the plantet -including certain selections form Metallica, Deep Purple and The Darkness - getting a quick abusing.

The encore is another medley, this time of classic seventies boogie/pop numbers… yes including a certain Bee Gees tune we might mention, but surprisingly, despite containing no Soto-related material, there are all cheers and singalongers and not a single boo audible, Jeff's raunchy stage posing during the ten minute amalgam keeping the entertainment intact. One of the most hard-working men in the world's melodic rock scene, Jeff Scott Soto has today merely let us taste the produce of a master craftsman, an opportunity which here in the UK should be taken with both hands and a couple of hundred people tonight just happened to walk in on this particular craftsman at work.

It would have been nice to have brought Bob Catley along for us too, Jeff - not that Tikaboo Peak's set was poor or anything - but when we've got you there…. well we can't be greedy, now can we.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Sound psychedelic, it sure was - a band comprising of ex-Hawkwind members who had named themselves after 'winds famous live album 'Space Ritual Alive' with a line-up featuring Nik Turner (Vocals/Saxophone), Thomas Crimble (Guitar), Terry and son Sam Ollis (Drums/DJ Strike Lightning), Michael Slattery (Guitar), and Dave Anderson on Bass.

Baffling and titillating the place with set opener 'Indian Chant' where Nik Turner played way-out sounding jazz on the Sax while walking out onto the crowd with a thick spiky red mask on his head following up with early Hawkwind classics such as the rarely heard 'Born to Go'; the tongue-in-cheek or should that be reefer in cheek splendidity of Inner City Unit's 'Watching the Grass Grow' and the Space Ritual's own ditty called 'Sonic Savages'.

We were all engrossed with the madly dressed, wig wearing and exotic dancing of Miss. Debbie' who at one point completely naked and swirled to the thunderous repetitively brilliant music that these guys are legendary for. She's the updated equivalent of 70's beauty Miss. Stacia who regularly paraded the stage with Hawkwind - tell me, do Dave Brock's crew still have this on a regular basis (by all accounts they do actually !!).

This was a night that dreams are made of and made new fans for the band, in fact my mate Alex Kotziamanis was completely engrossed by it all and he's a hardcore Yngwie Malmsteen/Def Leppard fan - "I gotta hear some more of these guys", he kept saying to me.

How could you go wrong with a mighty pack of songs that included Nik Turner wrote and co-wrote in his Hawkwind heyday like the bizarre 'Sonic Attack'; 'Shouldn't do that'; the bluesy 'Orgone Accumulator' and pen-ultimate milestones such as 'Masters of the Universe' and the huge well-known hit that is 'Silver Machine' for the encore.

Did we want to go home when the song list had come to an end - not likely and neither did Nik Turner who furtherly entertained us alone on saxophone by with renditions of 'Theme from the Pink Panther'; 'In the Mood' and 'Tequila' which were sang to. He had the time of his life and so did we - now there ain't many performers who'd do that.

A spectacular night provided by one of the most original bands out of the UK. It makes you proud to be a Brit - judging by the reception they'll be back at Boardwalk very soon.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

At 5.00pm I check the mobile phone - I have received texts from Chris McMahon (CRF/Strongheart) and Fred (CRF) to say that Oliver/Dawson's Saxon have pulled out of their headline spot - dammit!! - 'Bummer days dude' (as Chris said on his text) which makes Strongheart tonight's headliners - at least that's something - giving them the chance to play a lot longer.

I kill an hour and cross over to the Boardwalk at about 6.00 to meet up with Fred, Chris and Nick (of Toast Plant Project). We hear the news that Wilbur Hess is still in York but will be driving down shortly - ahhhhh - Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare. Bobby Erechiga soon arrives though with his full of life LA accent and big chunky brown overcoat and not long after Rick (from CRF) who's driven straight from work to get down here tonight.

Next step - get the gear in - don't you just love that job - not!!! Ow, that's heavy man - the classic moaning of 'What you got in that drum box?' and 'Is that a block of lead in that cabinet'?' are the order of words at the moment - not to mention shifting the cumbersome wooden drum riser - since Bobby's kit is way too big to fit on it.

The next couple of hours are then spent getting the gear ready and sound-checking - first the drums and then the bass - plus a quick trip to Maccy D's to fill a gap in the gut. Then as if by magic, Wilbur arrives when all the lugging about has been done immediately plugs in and does a quick sound check with the rest of the band - a corkin' 'Thunderbird' by ZZ Top (from the 'Fandango' album - released in '75). Sorted, now it's time to chill in the dressing room while the audience arrive - well apart from Nick who's drawn the short straw and is doing the door - poor b*st*rd - to reap the good news that Saxon aren't playing and grab in the cash.

We joke around in the dressing room and I interview the band as well - check that out - it's a scream!!! The odd friend or two come round to say 'Hi' to the band and before we know it it's gone 9 which means show-time. 'YOWSER' (used with kind permission from Bobby).

Jesus, it's pretty packed out there and it appears that the non-turn-up of O/D Saxon has made no difference at all - which must mean that Saxon fans are also Strongheart fans or something like that.

Bursting into the opener - the cocky rocking 'Immortal with a Kiss' from their second album 'Ritual' which sees the crowd cheer their asses off. Wilbur jokes, 'So you are who I owe money to' - which guarantees a laugh - even from hardcore Saxon fan before moving into familiar territory - cuts from the 'Hard Wired' album like the steamin' guitar riffing of 'Hot Jersey Nights', the cheesy almost Saxon styled 'Better get up' and the AC/DC orientated 'Smooth as Silk' with it's 'If you want blood (you got it)' riff.

All you hear from this venue are roars of 'Wilbur, Wilbur, Wilbur' like they are trying to wear it out - Mr. Hess is completely overjoyed with the response and overall the band are absolutely buzzing on-stage and grin like Cheshire cats a lot of the time. The co-ordination on stage is phenomenal and nobody would guess they haven't played some these songs in well over a year - now that's what I call 'Sheer Professionalism'.

2 sets are performed tonight with the second one beginning with the aforementioned ZZ Top classic and I noticed that the drum volume has been heightened quite a bit. Many great numbers are performed in this set including 'Whiskey Man' and 'Big Mountain'. It's reckoned that Graham Oliver himself will show up for a jam but there's no sign of him at all - never mind. Everything is so well received especially Bobby's mind-blowin' drum solo that lasts about 15 mins or so with out getting at all bland not to mention his giant smiles - so that's where CRF Fred learnt all his tricks from.

The set closes with Covers of AC/DC'S 'Whole Lotta Rosie', which Bobby dedicated to me and last but by no means least, Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs'.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Originally put together by Alexx 'Skunk' Michael in the taxi 80's - they now feature Pretty Boy Floyd front-man Steve Summers on lead vocals, make-up and groovy hat. So it's the Rig - the first time I've seen someone play in here - it's small but it work is Vocally brilliant the man is with outstanding clammily muses backing him up. We were delivered a healthy helping of a good hours worth of tracks from the 3 available albums - 'Queen for a day', 'Backstreet Anthems' and the newly released 'Splashed' as well as Pretty Boy Floyd classics like 'Shock the world' and 'Rock and Roll (is gonna set the night on fire)'.

Good to hear the Shameless track 'Backstreet Action' - there was quite a lot from the new album though that dampened it a while and I would've like to have heard more from the album it comes from 'Backstreet Anthems' - that said, the set was thoroughly enjoyable with hands being shook throughout by the band members. Nice to see the mike handed to the crowd on occasions making us pad of the show - not to mention a Kiss track.

Glamtastic !!

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Going into the theatre, I fealt a great warmth from the crowd upon entering. Everyone was there to see a great performance, and I had a fealing that they were going to get it. As soon as Aeron Lewis ( Lead Singer) stood out on stage to perform, there was a huge cheer from the audience. This was going to be one of Stainds greatest live performances yet.

From old albums to new, the songs flowed fluently between eachother. "Fade" bringing the crowd to its limit, then later to "Its been a while", just to cool the crowd down enough, not to lose thats energy that was created previousely. Also the very much popular "Outside" won the audience over, with 97% of the theatre singing along.

As I was taking photos, the photographer from Kerrang said to me that light was goin to be a big problem. B****CKS!!!! Everything was set up perfectly to create the effect of escapism. Which, from my opion is what Staind is all about. But anyway, I'll let you be the judge of what the light was like........

When the concert was drawing to a finish, I waited out side and got some feedback from the crowd. This is what they had to say:

Jason Clark and Friends from Cheshire: "Staind were beter then ever, 98%".
Chris Sewards: "85%, excellent".
Some goaty guy: "100%, excellent, couldn't ask for better".

Overall, I think the audience were happy with the performance. Personally, I think that 2002 is going to be Stainds year.

10/10

By Simon Moorhouse

System Of A Down's World Tour would come to its climax at the Nottingham Ice rink, and what an ending it was.

The loud thunder of the opening track "Prison Song" would be the song that would set the standard for the nights performance and from there on, the night would be hard to forget. The lighting and special effects would compliment the music quite fluently. Fire from each platform that they were standing on would be the sign for them to enter and as the night went on, people were jumping from all sides of the arena, just to get a close up of the worlds most famous new comer into the heavy metal scene.

The style of System of a Down is very abstract compared to what your used to hearing lately. Their songs have a particular meaning behind them and when System are live and in front of you their songs become a lot more meanigful when they're performing them to you!I know thats how I felt.

I first saw System at the Leeds Carling festival 2001 and their performance was average, which would be expected because they were playing in front of a huge crowd, but one year later or so, their energy on stage and how they present themselves is a lot more exciting and powerful.

An excellent night out.

Well done lads.

9/10

By Simon Moorhouse