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Thunder/Heaven's Basement/Get Vegas - City Hall, Sheffield, Sunday 23rd November, 2008 Well I ain't been out to Steel City to see a gig since July and its over 3 years since I seen the headliners as well. On a cold night I ventured out with a hot-water bottle, hat, scarf and three layers of clothing - yep you know when Winter is coming. But me and my buddy Al did not regret a minute of it, even though we both have got dodgy backs and just recovering from cold in my case - hahaha - I make it sound like we are 80 don't I - lol - oh well - there ya go - and we is only in our mid 30's. Anyways after finding a decent car park, braving the cold on the short walk to the city hall, we pick up our tickets and down a beer each in the downstairs bar, only to bump into Steve from Sheffield band 'In the Name Of' as well as Al, the drummer of another Sheffield Band 'Seventh Son' and sadly missing the majority of 1st band, 'Get Vegas' (they were on too early man!) but I can say they were a decent enough band but I reckon they were just a bit too on the alternate/indie side to really cut the meat with the sold-out crowd. Good to see one of our other Metalliville Scribe's Tony Watson and his wife Rachel at the gig too who we chatted to for a wee while. Well we weren't missing the next band, not for a pint of anyone's beer, so after relieving the bladder (well beer goes straight thru ya don't it, even more so when its cold, we sat down, well Al did (as I took some photos - as seen below) and enjoyed the uplifting 'Heaven's Basement.
They who were previously known as 'Roadstar' who were previously known as 'Hurricane Party' - but find out about the name & line-up changes elsewhere because I ain't going into all that right now - so take it from us, they are 'Heaven's Basement' alright - unless they change their name again - god forbid - scuse the pun!
Their frontman even came out into the audience to drum up the excitement a lot - something that not many have the guts to do and even said something like 'Come on Sheffield, Thunder won't let you sit in your seats' and wanted to see everyone up, rocking out to their latest songs - it worked a treat as well! You could tell that these guys could really work a stage and their were rock poses galore from every member of the group.
Strong vocals and killer musicianship, not to mention songs that have some sort of nucleus of staying power - I dare say that Heaven's Basement have these skills beautifully honed to prefection and there's no doubt that many will be going down to check them out at Corporation (Sheffield's Rock Club on Milton St.) on 14th December for a repeat of this angelically brilliant band. Join them!
Anyway, after a short break the lights go down and we hear the familiar sounds of AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' with screams of Thunder from the fans to Brian Johnson's vocal line, we then get a bit of pyro and the band hit the stage, firing it up straight way with the old age classic 'Backstreet Symphony' and the crowd go bezerk when Danny strolls onstage.
This number is followed up by one that we can download immediately after the show as Mr. Bowes puts it, that turns out to be 'On the Radio ' - the opening number on the new album 'Bang' followed up by the memorable ballad about the homeless 'Low Life In High Places' with Luke Morley on acoustic guitar. There is a funny moment towards the end as Danny plays with the crowd as he lets them beat him to the final high vocal sections much to his and our amusement. '
They slow it down with the well known ballad 'Love Walked In' and I pick up the fact on how strict the security are in here tonight, making fans put their mobile phones and cameras away. Anyway, danny works up the crowd more getting us to scream louder, saying that we are very, very noisy on a sunday - well it is a rock 'n' roll show matey - not 'Songs of Praise' - lol.
I thought the introduction to the band was really funny when Harry James was introduced minus kidney stones (who ahd to pull ot of a show or 2 and have them removed - luckily a mate of theirs called John was able to man his stool). Again Danny had us singing on the comeback 2002 single 'I love you more than rock 'n' roll'. Then after the song leave the stage and all are screaming for more.
Their well-known anthem that I remember hearing them play at Donington 1990 (OK, I listenened to it when it was broadcast live on Radio 1 - them were the days). 'I see you, walking by, you got that far away look in your eye....' - you knows the words baby! They bash out the song in full splendour and it goes down great lads and lasses!
Here's to Thunder hitting Steel City again soon as we know there will be many more occasions.
10/10 |
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TIANMEN/FLATLINE/ART’s
GOT A GUN/HUNDRED MAN HORDE -
Casbah, Sheffield, Thursday, 11th December, 2008 Thanks to relatively lower bus fares mid week, I am able to attend city centre venues on a more frequent basis to sample the current local scene’s shinier gems. Only a fortnight on from witnessing Maeven and In The Name Of pull them in at the Dove & Rainbow I take a trip down the murky black stairs of the Casbah to see another clutch of Steel City noises. Once again, its two established names and two others I have yet to have encountered even by name that I am standing watching this evening.Hundred Man Horde play majestic brand of old school scream core metal with the vocals being the only contemporary component. Their sound is otherwise engineered by everything great written between 1970 1978 in metal and their classic rhythms sound incredible for a one-guitar outfit.
A more-than-just-a-little noticeable Iron Monkey whiff rises in the smoke but hopefully nothing illegal too. A good solid act with a reputation in front of them, about forty five more people fill the room before half of their set is finished and the clapping is reasonably loud. Art’s Got A Gun are vocally almost the same thing but with a punk metal edge that leaves no space for relent and uses it all for ferocity as they belt from one 100mph number to the net. Hearing the same number seven times over seems a little less a worry about halfway in and it soon takes hold of me that each song stands on its own. Gleefully bereft of stage presence difficulties, their vocalist is more often seen on the piece of floor in front , pulling all forms of demented shape throwing but their style, matched with NYHC kings Vision of Disorder isn’t exactly the most misfitting of combinations as it is.Took three tunes to drill in but not at all bad, - I would still however need to check these lads out a second time, preferably as a headlining act to make a stronger judgement.
A band that needs the least introduction, Flatline might still need one for those in the shame of not having heard of this excellent band before. I’ve watched these guys progess through their five years in existence and the dominant quantity of brand new material on tonight’s show is yet another token of their constant slodarity as songwriter and song-player. Still retaining their impressive fusion of hard rock and grunge, the former of the elements is more strongly felt with their latest workings and applause is as much reserved for these as for favourite oldie ‘Degradation’ which comes as a sweet half-time orange in the match. As with Art’s Got A Gun’, one man has to spend the set standing somewhere adrift of the stage although bassist Tom has an excuse, as being the only band with more than four members , there just isn’t the space for all of them. Not that John doesn’t take up plenty himself, obviously along with most of the attention, as he attacks his solos on his low -slung axe with Slash like strut and does this fella know how to headbang or what? Looking forward to the next number, I notice to my horror, that after just seven tunes, they are suddenly nowhere to be seen on the stage. Mightily impressed with what I did get to see of them tonight, I am as much less so with the Casbah people for only allowing a band with such a swelling profile only 28 minutes stage time.
Finishing the day are Tianmnen, who appropriately for a band named after a world famous square, pretty much square in their musical output. As with the first two acts, the vocals are largely of the scream-oriented type but here they sing too and play very well, absorbing me quite promptly with their, at best described, prog-core style. Struggling to wash the slightly sour taste left in my mouth by the criminal brevity of Flatline’s set I may be at the start but the par-able creativity of these four young men takes attention off everything. A mostly industrial sounding act with hardcore, old –school metal and the aforementioned progressive take all demonstrated in balanced ratio, and again with a vocalist not content with just standing on the middle of the stage holding a mike, I will look forward to seeing these guys again for certain.
A fantastic and promising programme once again, the only flaw is as mentioned before, that why are highly revered scene acts like Flatline considered worthy of only 30 minutes stage time especially when they finish at only 10.30 – come on, guys its not Sunday here. And to think there was a twice bigger crowd here than Ricky Warwick two months earlier. Next time, I hope this is rectified or a fifth band included. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
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Moorfoot Tavern, Sheffield, Saturday, June 28th, 2008 Surely this can’t be right. They only split like a year ago. No mistake though, the boys are back, and in our town too as bonus, for their first gig since their rather short-lived sabbatical.
Putting a full-two hour set on in a pub for no admission charge is one fine way of saying sorry for ever having even considered packing up so obviously my incentive to attend was healthily established here.
Frontman John Trowbridge, has managed to keep hold of guitarists Craig and Richard but brings a brand new rhythm section even though until I was told of changes to the line-up, I still assumed it was the same five that I’d last seen in action three years before, at the Herringthorpe Centre in Rotherham.
Giving their absence, opening with a new number is possibly a less than best idea but ‘Natural High’ is immediately what we’re on as regarding the tone of the evening. Chequering covers and own produce for the ensuing forty minutes.
‘Drive Me Home’, ‘Wild Frontier’ and ‘Closer You Get’ recieve a reception warmed up in respective synchronies by high octane runs through ‘Why Can’t this Be Love’, ‘Aint Talking About Love’ and ‘Fool For Your Lovin’ (come on, you know the bands) but we are humming along to each and every number, no matter the composer.
An hour gone, there's no stopping these chaps tonight as a couple more of their own self-crafted belters sandwich a barnstorming 'Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting' before they proceed to pull the bravest stunt an AOR act dare - to cover a song by a 70's DISCO BAND.
Swedish melodic rock favourite Tommy Denander's old outfit Prisoner did however get away once with performing Britney Spears 'Crazy' on an album so what's the crime in digging up Kool & The Gang's 'Ladies Night' eh guys? especially when you turn it into a full force hard rocker than replicate the manufactured dross backing the original artists of the piece.
An eerie reggae re-work of Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ catches a lot of attention - the different playing style totally failing to deter a sing-along but I think that using the vocal medley from the 94 acoustic re-mix helps too.
Sticking purely to originals from hereon in, it is a directly balanced mix of old and new with ‘One More Chance’, ‘Love Shy’, ‘Homeland’, ‘Train Of Love’, ‘Final Regret’ and ‘My Reward’ - who ever met a band who could put all their covers in the first half of their set instead of at the end?
Dave, their new bass-boy also shows his multi-instrumental abilities alongside Craig’s by also sticking in some solid keyboard work on one number so in the process reminding people its not only the songs that this band are good for, as well as generous set durations.
Not having a dressing room at the Moorfoot Tavern means that the lads just step out of view while we cheer them back for an encore. and yes, we they’ve got time for two more. ‘In Movies’ gets Buffy and select others dancing along in the background but not as much as the next song should, Zeppelin’s ‘Rock n’ Roll’, a title which sums he set up in two words ... and a letter.
A great Saturday night for classic rock fans is witnessed tonight and an even greater band witnessed playing it. Tara’s Secret celebrate their return in style with a strong and faultless play and one it is hoped will be repeated.
In the meantime, another album from these lads is keenly awaited. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Tesla – Corporation, Sheffield, Thursday 19th June, 2008 Well we missed out on seeing them in November but not this time around. Tesla were Sheffield bound and the best came to those who waited as we got an extended set due to the support band not being able to make it over due to whatever reason.  
 It had been 22 years since the band had played here - 1st time with Def Leppard and the 2nd time was a sell-out in their own right – tonight thought the big toom was a good half full – so about 300+ fans had turned out to see them.
Charged up and ready for action they were too with Guitarists, Messrs Dave Rude and Frank Hannon making their presense know first alongside Drummer Troy Luccketta, by duelling on a solo that led into the way to start a Tesla show, the powerful 'Comin' Atcha Live' where Jeff, sounding in fine high voice led the way forward throughout the 90+ minute set of classics (with a newie or 2 chucked in for good measure).
Brilliant vibes were guaranteed with Jeff joking that no-one had asked how he was doing and keeping the audience happy with a variety of favourites like 'Getting Better' and melodious ditty fondly known as 'Song & Emotion' that was written about a friend of theirs from Sheffield.
They really did sound great up their on the big Corp' stage with everything totally audible despite being pretty damn loud. Major highlights included 'Love Song' that had a really exquisite extened electric and acoustic introduction that saw everyone get the chance to sing the 'I know' section of the song'; the slide playing bluesiness of 'Time' & the positivity of 'What You Give'.
“It's Party Time', screams Jeff Keith that sees them launch into that famous cover called 'Signs' that I love to see my buddies Bryce Barnes & Joey Monroe do in Fort Myers that was originally by the Five Man Electric Band – a real revolutionary number that has stood the test of time where the front flies the 'F*ck You' flag in the can't get in without a membership card section of the song – brilliant.
We get another cover too, this time a sprinkling of UFO – the hit-hard 'Rock Bottom' that Telsa recorded for their covers album 'Real To Reel' that had plenty of guitar solo widdling in it and then of course their rock dance-floor hit, 'Modern Day Cowboy'.
The number sees the interstellar notes being hit by Jeff with no problem at all – unbelievable as well – matching the record perfectly without a vocal flaw in sight (or should I say sound). The fans go crazy and even crazier when Tesla leave the stage.
They ain't gone for long though as they entertain us with a couple more hits – the splendid crank up the bluesiness with 'Lil Suzie' and lastly but by no means leastly another piece of perfection in 'Edison's Medecine'. Due to the set being so enjoyable it seemed to go in a flash.
All had a great time though - there's no doubt about it with the guys wanting to return to a venue that really impressed them. Corporation claims another USA well-established Rock band to its boards – something that I'm really proud to say.
Afterwards all the guys came out to meet the fans, posing for pictures and signing everything that anyone wanted – a real friendly set of guys who are completely professional and totally approachable – credit to you lads – there's no doubt that you will be coming back at a later date. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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Turisas –
Corporation, Sheffield, 2nd March, 2008
Wow – this kind of music really exists – Nordic Folk Rock (you got the copyrights to that one Rach!) or as they put it Battle Metal. They came in their Viking Longboat all the way from Hameelinna, Finland. I wonder if while they were here they bumped into the other Finnish musos – this being the Sleazekings ‘Hanoi Rocks’ as I saw them the night before elsewhere.
Coming on in red and black warpaint, these guys and a girl on accordion really meant serious business and they gave it to us as well. Musically it was like a cross between Skyclad, Blind Guardian, Sheffield’s own Bal-Sagoth and a lot of Classical & Traditional Folk music from that part of Europe. Many of their hardcore fans got in on the act too sporting swords, furry costumes, sandals, horned helmets and warpaint too – not very often that happens around here let me tell ya!
Never have I witnessed anything like this at Corporation – the frontman really knows how to work the crowd, mentioning Sheffield at every foreseeable chance. It was like he was getting paid a royalty for saying it – every utter of the word created a massive cheer.
Their violinist had a real good rapport with the Sheffielders too asking if his instrument was better than guitar and he managed to get them on his side as well – nice one dude!
The accordion player had only been with the band at one weeks notice and they considered her to be better than their previous member and those her watching appeared to agree. Highlights of the set included – well all the f*ck*n’ lot really but I was really impressed with their version of Rasputin by Boney M – haha – no I am being serious there and their epic ‘Battle Metal’ that was their last number of the night.
No doubt they will return again, judging by the absolute up to the buffers filled room tonight. The Vikings definitely conquered when it came to putting on a good show as this was visually and musically stunning.
Think I’ll go to Valhalla as opposed to Heaven if this performance is anything to go by. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| THIN LIZZY/Diamond Head - City Hall, Sheffield, Tuesday 4th December, 2007 Yes that’s right, the night after the Thunder gig. Thin Lizzy’s fifth visit to Sheffield in four years should have been an exciting near sold-out event with the promised inclusion of Queensryche on the bill, but only a fortnight before do we learn that the Seattle melodic metal legends first Steel City show in thirteen anni, is sadly not to happen. The result is a totally empty upper balcony inside the very same room that had been packed for Thunder the previous evening but if they choose to miss a surprisingly decent show by the reformed and newly five-strong Diamond Head, that’s their loss entirely. I remember having the four-star bored out of me by these lads when they performed an acoustic show at Nottingham Rock City some years back so I have reason to feel a little cynical as I approach the city Hall this evening but worries remain outside, with the cold December air, as I come in to hear ‘The Prince’, one of three songs famously covered by Metallica in their eighties heyday. A virtually unrecognisable Sean Harris, now sporting a freshly bleached short back and sides is flanked by two guitarists as they update their sound for the Nought-ites approach but still they go down well with the throngs of gumbies in attendance. ‘Helpless’ soon arrives then of course it is finally time for the big daddy of DH numbers, and the first time I have ever got to hear ‘Am I Evil’ in its ten-minute entirety other than on Hetfield and co’s ‘Garage Inc’ CD - they normally cut off after the second chorus, remember. With a newie or two in tonight’s assortment that seem to go down near to a treat, these pioneers of the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement have suddenly re-appeared as if time has frozen itself for two-and-a-half decades, with this solid as ice performance and it prayed that their positive attention tonight aids the possibility of them being beckoned back for a headlining set next year. The big T.L. turn up, and turn on the volume and, opening with that song beginning with ‘J.....’ become latest acolytes of the religion titled ‘bands play entire classic album’, with ‘Live and Dangerous’ being, as promised, the lucky subject. Yes that’s right, they are playing a live album live but obviously we have reason to stand up and scream again to these lads as said 1978 set did include 85 per cent of the legendary foursome’s firm nuggets. It’s been a quick seven months since the Deep Purple/Styx tour and for those who were heathens to miss on that occasion, the chance to make up, threefold could hardly be better matched, tonight. Their new bass geezer seems to be still clicking onto the fact that he is standing up on a stage with legends Scott Gorham, John Sykes and Tommy Aldridge either side of him but still enjoys himself with the music, as everyone else inevitably does this evening. ‘Don’t Believe A Word’, ‘Cold Sweat’, ‘Emerald’, ‘The Boys Are Back in you-know-what’ and countless more classics that are never, for the love of God - or the late great Mr Lynott himself - omitted from any Lizzy set kick off vast arrays of ageing rockers gyrating, air guitar in hand almost non-stop for the full ninety-five minute stretch. Encoring twice, even, we are kept waiting for a couple of numbers that sadly never arrive, including that one with the title merely relating to a spirit-type beverage contained inside a glass implement but aside from that, the guys again leave nothing else amiss and 1600 happy Lizzy fans can be seen re-emerging across Barker’s Pool at the end of the night. A fine Christmas pressie for classic rock fans - a copy of the DVD release of ‘L.A.D.’ wouldn’t be too bad either. 9/10
By Dave Attrill |
| THUNDER/Lauren Harris - City Hall, Sheffield, Mon 3rd December, 2007 If Sheffield City Hall were to revise their fire emergency roll call list, they’d be best off adding the names Danny Bowes, Luke Morley, Ben Matthews, Chris Childs and Harry James on the bottom. You just can’t keep Thunder away from the place - it’s a fact. I also thought Irish hard rock starlets Glyder were back with the package tonight as well, but no.... is turns out we have one Miss. Lauren Harris occupying the opening slot instead. Maiden man Steve’s li’l girl impressed with her support stint on tour with her dad’s act a year earlier but her AOR-edged eighties rock sound sounds more in place on a bill like this - and applause is brought from a big part of the 2000+ filling the City Hall seats tonight.
Plenty more to come from their latest ful-lengther, including the pounding title number, Danny introduces ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ by asking us if we feel sexy. The taking off of tops and swinging them around above heads by a throng of pretty young females in the middle balcony during said number, I’d think, establishes the answer there. Not one to be outclassed by audience antics, Dan the Man as always takes his trademark advantage of the immense stage space this venue offers, touching every corner of it at some stage throughout just about EVERY tune, though he has Mr. Morley to dodge on most occasions. The favourites don’t leave too many sitting still in the seats as if that is ever the case at a Thunder show, and ‘River Of Pain’, ‘Love Walked In’, ‘Love You More Than Rock n’ Roll’ and the odd selection or two off their new six-tracker as well as of course, ‘Backstreet....’ eventually, bounce across the room at us like a volley of musical beach balls. One near-deflating hole to the set though is the exclusion of immortal live-anthem ‘Dirty Love’ though a rampant reinstatement of ‘Flawed To Perfection’ replaces it as the set’s obligatory sing-a-long-a-Danny stint, extended to the same quarter hour length for such purpose. While a few do whinge, en route through the foyer afterwards about their best loved number’s non-performance, the interesting re-vitalisation that Thunder have afforded their live set here in 2007 means predictable is not quite the word in question despite what we have come to expect from these lads every time - or should I say ‘year’ - they descend on a stage near us. A British institution for nearly two decades, they still win their followers over, today and with more and more disc-fulls of great material to deal out, they don’t show any hint of fading for a long time ahead. Thunder-struck we are, once again. 9/10
By Dave Attrill |
| Tyla/The Medecine Bow/Jezabel – The Corporation, Saturday 10th November, 2007 Back like he never left, rock n’ roll’s favourite Brummie returns to the little room in the Corp once again, less than a year since he last exited stage right and of course, two hotly anticipated new acts open proceedings. Jezebel are from our own beloved steel city and fronted by Jay, a fellow client and mate at the club itself.
Their half-hour-set encapsulates msot of what we are used to hearing in the Reservoir Rocks room each Saturday evening and literally so with their astonishingly accurate run of GNR’s ‘It’s So Easy’.
Their self-composed offerings do not disappoint either, a vibrant blend of pop, blues, sleaze, hard rock and AOR, digesting merrily with an applausive crowd within the room, already 35+ strong when they begin.
Medecine Bow sadly struggle to gel ‘til half way in though their James Dean Bradfield look-alike frontman’s husky range turns their sleaze-punk down a mercifully more diverse road.
Quite unusually, the second half of their set belts especially with a seemingly endless country-tinged closing track that gets the whole crowd going, and ready for the Dog to emerge from his kennel once more.
This is the man we’ve been waiting for – the lone Dog armed with his big Gretsch and a handful of heart-warming passionate songs- oh and a drummer too who Tyla asked about 5 minutes before hitting the stage – thing is, you could hardly tell – it’s like they’d rehearsed quite a bit together – this was spontaneity of the best kind – pure pros up there tonight.
The great thing about Tyla is that on his own he doesn’t appear to bother with a set list – he simply plays what feels right for the moment – so therefore he can guide the proceedings and excite the audience with a rocker or bring them down a bit with a soul-fully warm ballad.
He was on top form as club owner Mutley perfectly puts and I couldn’t agree more with him – and this was both musically and vocally. You could just tell he was in a real joyous mood and so happy to be there – he loves coming back and playing this venue and it shows greatly.
Audiowise this gig was pretty much perfect, I think I only heard a feedback scream once as well – all elements were very clear – the large white six stringer produced a really full sound and filled the room, with the low notes fully compensating without the need for a bass guitarist at all – so just having a drummer up there with him was a perfect pairing.
Highlights of the set included some of his solo compostions like ‘Woolworths Girl’ ‘Restless’ and a number called ‘Sweet Saviour’ to name but a few and of course a healthy handful of brilliant singalong classics from the Dog’s D’Amour heyday such as faves like ‘Billy Two Rivers’; ‘The Last Bandit’; ‘Heroin’ & ‘Drunk Like Me’.
Of course the famous dance floor numbers like ‘Satellite Kid’; ‘How Come It Never Rains’ and the monumental ‘I don’t want you to go’ were all inclusive as part of the live deal and before you ask, yes these cuts guaranteed plenty of singalong sections with most of the room getting in on the act.
Arguably one of the best shows I have ever seen Tyla do – can’t wait to see him back again – same time next year if not before. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| Tara’s Secret - The Victoria Inn, Coalville, Nr. Leicester 04/05/07 I have read about this band & heard about this venue – now it’s time to put them both together and kill 2 birds with one stone. My right hand man, Dave Attrill loves this band so I wanted to get my oars in on the action as well since they were about to chuck the last white rider towel in and close the last pair of stage curtains very soon – more sooner than many of us realised actually (even band members weren’t aware of this either !!) Not the fullest night in here, much the pity but the busiest one is the Saturday, so owner John says. After having the good old how ya doin’ chats, getting the gear out the cars and settting it up on the stage, soundchecking, havin’ another beer or two and listening to pre-recorded music and having a few more chats (since the support band failed to materialise) it was time for the music live onstage with Tara’s Secret. Hey that was very cool of you to get one of the band members dads on rhythm guitar – only kiddin’ – who tonight debuted his brand new Carvin Green Goblin Guitar that had been imported especially from the USA that very same week !! Now this was a solid melodic rock effort set of a good 90 or so minutes that included some outstanding original cuts from their ‘Tomorrow The World’ album that included the classy bouncin’ Rock you like a Hurricanin’ ‘Drive Me Home’; the Pink Floyd opening like ‘King of Metalliville’, sorry I mean, ‘King of Meville’ – sorry lads, I couldn’t resist that one that burns up into a galloping purple like rocker’; the Stonesy meets Primal Scream’s ‘Getcha Rocks off’ like ‘Train of Love’ that comies complete with Woo-hoo BV’s as well. We get the cheesey ‘Fantasy Girl’ in the set that ain’t exactly a fave of one or two in the audience - not to worry as frontman, Johnny Trowbridge made it up to us by performing the best number of night which was ‘The Light’ with its anthemic climatic arrangement and epic gargantuan chorus – a song that’s an easy match to the best Bon Jovi power ballads out there – best thing I’ve heard since I saw my buddies Tribal Tongue perform in The Beached Whale, Fort Myers Beach Fl. – Johnny has a voice that has elements of Meat Loaf, Danny Vaughn (of Tyketto) and funnily enough Jon Bon Jovi – I kid you not darlings !! It was immensely funny when all the band apart from frontman, Johnny Trowbridge left the stage because they were all desperate for a p*ss – well beer does go straight through ya don’t it – lol. This gave Mr. T the opportunity to give us a solo rendition of Poison’s ‘Every Rose has it’s Thorn’ on the lead 6-stringers axe (Richard Beardsley – who entertained us with a classic ‘Eruption’ by Van Halen with a bit of Led Zep chucked in for a bit of spice ‘n’ flavour) - nice one. Then they are all back on stage for a bit of classic Whitesnake which goes over really well. Johnny announced at the end that this was the last time that Tara’s Secret would ever perform at The Vic. Inn, we later found out it was the last gig ever, since the proposed last gig failed to happen at The Moorfoot Tavern on Saturday 12th May for whatever reason. Anyways, let’s get back to the review of the Vic Gig !! So yeah this was the last ever Tara’s Secret gig but albeit, they made it a great one and it’ll stay in my memory for a very long long time (because they had an awesome Metal disco on afterwards – only kiddin’ !! – well they did have a Metal disco but Tara’s Secret were awesome and no doubt sadly missed by fans all over the area. 9/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| Thirty Seconds To Mars/We are the Physics – Birmingham Academy 23/04/07 Transferred to the main room after quickly selling out the 600 capacity smaller venue, and judging by the audience reception, Thirty Seconds To Mars appear to be the next emo act to ship multiple units. The rather short evening began with a twenty-five minute set from Glasgow’s We Are The Physics, who demonstrated their encyclopaedic knowledge of Devo’s repertoire in their entertaining but extraordinarily brief contribution. Highlights included ‘We Are Three’ and ‘Less Than Vanity’, but really they played so little it was hard to form an opinion. 5/10 Having kept us waiting forty-five minutes, Thirty Seconds To Mars’ set began majestically with Carl Orff, and singer (and Hollywood actor) Jared Leto immediately grabbed the crowd by their throats. In an absurdly short fifty minute set the band performed the majority of songs from their latest CD ‘A Beautiful Lie’. The crowd sang along with every song, with ‘The Kill’ receiving a particularly rapturous reception. Other highlights in the set included ‘Savior’, ‘Battle of One’ and a pretty version of ‘Echelon’. Evidently it is an emo custom to not play an encore, as at 10:40 the band left the stage and the house lights were lit. A fine set, and Leto will be a huge star, but I saw little evidence that emo as a musical style will be any more lasting than nu-metal proved to be. 7/10 By Roy Evans |
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TUFF/SHAMELESS/PRETTY
BOY FLOYD + SWEET SEDUCTION – Corporation, Sheffield, April
22nd
One of the best nights I have ever witnessed in the small room at the Corpo’ – pity most of ya missed. It was glam and sleaze all the night through and it was thoroughly enjoyed throughout.
Starting off the gutz was ‘Sweet Seduction’ from just up the road – Nottingham if me old memory serves me right. It’s simply no wonder that these guys were awarded the tour support for these UK dates as they were as beefy as hell, givin’ it all they got and workin’ their b*ll*cks off with songs from their 2 CD’s that were reviewed on this here website a few months ago.
These include the brilliant ‘Good Time Girl’ that’s featured on their myspace page (as they told us); and an interesting version of AC/DC’s ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’. ‘You’re quiet out there’, he said, ‘Well it’s Sunday, they’ve all just come out of church “, said another member’ – lol – well it’s true. A truly brilliant, vibrant band who are a stones-throw away from a record deal in my humble opinion.
Within a few mins – well they were on a Sunday night curfew – what? 2 bands in 1 – that’s a newie on me – the ‘Shameless/Pretty Boy Floyd’ outfit which was a f*ck*n’ outstanding idea since it made it possible to get the best songs from the original bands albums fired out in a spankingly good order plus make it financially viable from a touring point of view – since having 3 complete bands gigging in 1 package is rather expensive.
So for those of you who didn’t already know that’ll be Guitarist, BC and Alex from Shameless with Steve ‘Sex’ Summers (who works with both bands anyway) with guitarist, Andy Brings and drummer, making the line-up complete.
This is jam packed with all of your fave Pretty Boy Floyd numbers from the ‘Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz’ album such as ‘Your Mama won’t know ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaws’; ’48 Hours’ (to rock) of course which we sang along with by the request of Steve – not that some of us needed much coaxing at all.
Immense that one of my faves was included – the class ballad that is ‘I wanna be with you’ still one of the best love songs from LA, California – yes Steve can still get up there and reach those interstellar notes and he’s backed up by the rest of the boyz az well.
Some good Shameless material was also played as well like ‘Queen 4 a Day’ from the album of the same name and material from the new album ‘Famous 4 Madness’ which I must get hold of as well as some of the other Shameless albums. Well worth mentioning is a cover highlight in Motley Crues 'Live Wire' - nice !!
Such a vibrant buch of songs it was as well - then Steve thanked us and said Stevie Rachelle was up on stage next after a few cool tunes like Guns N Roses etc. We had enough time to hit the lav, chat with a mate or 3 and get a drink in, then the musos hit the stage again, this time as TUFF with Stevie Rachelle on lead vocals. 'Ain't this the Sheffield, the home of Def Leppard' he asks and gave us plenty to get excited about with classic slices of sleaze.
Songs in the set included numbers from ‘What goes around comes around’ such as the anthemic ‘The All New Generation’; the attitude filled ‘Good Guys Wear Black’ (with crowd singalong on the chorus) and the gorgeous ballads ‘So Many Seasons’ and the was-featured-on-MTV smash hit ‘I hate kissing you goodbye’
that Stevie dedicated to the Promoter of the Tour - the part of the night where you light your cigarrette lighter now please and fly it high and proud in the air - as these songs are worth it.
A new Shamless number was also aired and Stevie introduced with the fact that it was a song that featured his brilliant voice or something like that - well if you got it then flaunt it and this boy has it for sure.
Just a pity that ‘American Hair Band’ wasn’t included in the set though – oh well perhaps next time. Brilliant Set non-the-less and went down well with those there.
Then after a few mins break Andy decides to show us what he can do on the mike and asks us repeat a chant of ‘We will not forget The Ramones’ and it’s ‘Hey Ho, let’s go’ straight into ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ that sounded great – wahey nice one Andy !! Steve Summers makes a welcome return to the stage for a couple of ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ songs like ‘Rock N Roll is gonna set the night on fire’ & ‘Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz – or summat like that, closely followed by Stevie Rachelle back up on the boards.
Then Steve Summers invited all the members of Sweet Seduction up for a stupendous firin’ rendition of the Kiss fave ‘Shout it out loud’ to finish the rock n roll off with where just about everyone on stage has a good sing on. Absolutely ‘F*ck*n’ Superb it was too!
Then it was down to the merchandise area where the bands had a good chat with the audience members, posed for piccies, sold some cd’s and signed a good few autographs. Despite those of you who didn’t show up – it was an outstanding night of sleaze, cock rock ‘n’ glam the way we like it – you should’ve been there as everyone had a most enjoyable Sunday night that came out. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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TYLA + In The Name Of - Corporation, Sheffield Saturday, 2nd Dec. 2006 Sheffield’s very own ‘In The Name Of’ feature a familiar name behind the mike in Steve Baranovich, who formerly fronted ‘Jury’s Out’ and the very short-lived ‘Cruel Device’, whose one and only gig – at the also no-longer-existent Classic Rock Bar that I had the honour to review. Nearly two years on and I.T.N.O are a much more successful venture for Steve, two guitarists instead of one this time, and two who take to his musical direction a little more than the chap who played in his previous outfit. This of course means eighties hair rock which they write and play very well, and heavily under the influence of Danger Danger – distilled substances with a fair few drops of Trixter, House Of Lords and Attraction splashed in too. Time only for seven tunes, there may be, but I am already naming favourites, ‘Back Inside My Life’ and ‘Win Win Situation’ in particular. Time for Tyla and his acoustic sound turns out actually to be an electric one, using the large semi-acoustic he has strummed out many a classic Dog number on fro the last decade (or two). The only difference is no drums, bass, keyboards or lead guitarist for his chords to hide amongst which makes this more enjoyable than virtually all the Dogs gigs I have seen since the Arena one in ’02. Known for not taking too kindly to the odd PA pegging out mid play, his amp behaves very well tonight, so instead it is the behaviour of the crowd during one tune that incurs the big man’s wrath. Asking the crowd for a bit of quiet as the new number is dedicated to a recently deceased friend, he establishes well and truly that he hasn’t said this for a laugh when at the end of the first verse, he cuts off as some people at the back fail to respect his request. ‘If you’re not going to be quiet, go and get your money back and f*** off home!” he snaps at the offending fans. “You wouldn’t talk during a movie, or at a funeral, would you?!” to frankly understandable applause from the rest of the crowd. Well I can safely tell you no one takes that liberty again for the following four minutes but once he’s back into the back catalogue (good one, Dave) he knows there’s no guarantee of silence, and a surprisingly long encore of four songs, including top two ‘Last Bandit’ and ‘I Don’t Want You To Go’ typically justifies a rowdy reception, even in his opinion. Clocking in at 70 minutes it’s a show longer than his band manage to muster and the songs make for more leisurely listening played in this form so perhaps more solo shows would actually pay (that’s not saying that I don’t like Dogs D’amour by the way, Ty.). Another splendid Saturday night in Sheffield’s no. 1 rock n’roll ranch. 8.5/10 - both artists By Dave Attrill |
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Thunder + Glyder - Sheffield City Hall, Sun 26th November 2006 When I saw Thunder last play here in January, I frankly found them a bit of a damp squid in comparison to the stormer of a set Toby Jepson had played in support, even if the Croydon boys had played their proverbial poop holes off as usual. Ten months on, the ex Little Angels man is not back again with them but in his place, four lads almost equally capable of wasting the headliners, are. I reviewed the debut album by Irish foursome Glyder earlier this year and was very impressed by their Thin Lizzy influenced take on hard rock, so here was a chance to see how it shapes up on stage. Put it this way, forty minutes simply ain’t enough by a long shot – they are every bit the live powerhouse as they are the studio one and the blend of material from the album, two or three newly written numbers and a cover of Lizzy’s ‘The Cowboy Song’ more than sees their job as a warm-up act well and truly done. Along with other recent newcomers The Answer, the Emeral Isle appears to have re-established its knack for producing quality classic rock talents, me thinks. South London have produced one in their time too. They’re called Thunder of course and this evening they mean no less than business. For the sake of old times, more likely than anything else, they ditch previous opener ‘Loser’ in favour of old starting staple ‘Backstreet Symphony’, the stomping title tune from that legendary first record. Sixteen years on and not
a stale spot to be seen, it sits comfortably as cats next to following
track ‘Dirty Dream’, one of quite a fair handful from their
corking new disc, ‘Robert Johnson’s Tombstone’. It’s
not long however before Danny Bowers sets about dishing out his routine
reprimand to those not yet in possession of a copy of their latest long-player. Shame on those people in my opinion too, I reckon as “Million Facers’ is a superb slice of Thunder classiness that they could have written anytime over the past two decades with suss they have never shed, as are ‘What a Beautiful Day’, ‘My Darkest Hour’, ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’ and ‘…Tombstone’ itself, the latter two, my personal favourites from the record. Announcing that ‘…Devil..’ is due out as a single the following month, Danny jokes with us again “Buy five copies each and you’ll get us back into the charts…no, ten.”. On the subject of jokes, the band’s resident joker himself, Harry James enjoys his usual session of banter with the gathering as he swaps sticks for strings for ‘A Better Man’ and is craftily left to perform the last minute and a half of the song alone. Yes, of course we get a few of the old chestnuts in the Thunder gig tree and a couple more than on recent shows/tours, most surprising of all being ‘Laughing On Judgement Day’ - howl long ago did we last hear that one in Sheffield? Alongside this, there’s ‘River Of Pain’, ‘Love Walked In’ and ‘Gimme Some Lovin’ amongst others. Although it comes at the expense of ‘Higher ground’ ‘An Englishman on Holiday’ and ‘Just Another Suicide’, - those few omissions are strictly the only things that come close to ruining tonight’s proceedings. Thunder can’t put a foot wrong and even a record-length 35-minute encore, rendered so by ‘Dirty Love’s seemingly endless sing-along extension is an integral part of the Thunder live experience. These lads still love to entertain, undoubtedly with Danny and guitarist Luke Morley both jumping round the stage like a pair of Zebedeees having a fight but that’s simply just another trademark from these guys when they tread boards in a town near you, or is that almost fall right through them? An absolutely solid-gold gig, their greatest Steel City fling of the five they’ve (and we’ve) enjoyed since reforming in 2002, with not one tedious second - no, not even that aforementioned sing-along-a-Danny session, endured at all in the two hours since the lights were dimmed, Thunder have every right to play Sheffield twice one year. The weather may be dry outside tonight by when this thunder can be heard inside, I know which roof I’d run to. 9.5/10 By
Dave Attrill |
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THIN LIZZY - City Hall, Sheffield, Wednesday 22nd March, 2006 Set: WHISKEY IN THE JAR, DON’T BELIEVE A WORD, DO ANYTHING YOU WANT TO, CHINATOWN, WAITING FOR AN ALIBI, COLD SWEAT, JAILBREAK, ARE YOU READY, DRUM SOLO, STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU, SUICIDE, WARRIOR, BAD REPUTATION, EMERALD, COWBOYSONG, THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN, enc. ROSALIE, BLACK ROSE, 2nd enc. DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT Originally touring under the name Sykes/Gorham or Ain’t Lizzy in the late nineties, anyone needing further proof of how serious John and Scott seem to be about doing it full time again might have to force us into retirement overnight. Obviously, the reason for this year’s tour is to commemorate 20 years since the passing of band legend Phil Lynott, one of the greatest and most characteristic figures in rock history. Quite possibly the reason as to why ‘Whisky In The Jar not only makes it back on the set since this line up, also featuring Marco Mendoza (Whitsnake, Soul Sirkus) and Michael Lee (Quireboys, Little Angels) has been touring under the Lizzy banner again but as their opening number. Tonight’s set is focused on 20 years for memories, not just of Lynott himself but of songs that have changed the face of rock n’ roll forever, songs that here today in 2006 still are a cue for guitar wielding teenagers to grab their instrument and get down to it. Putting ‘Don’t Believe A Word’, ‘Chinatown’, ‘Waiting For An Alibi’ and ‘Jailbreak’ so early in the evening may probably make most wonder if they are committing that most cardinal sin of all of in shunting all their staples into the front end of the show but all songs on a Thin Lizzy live show match that description. Just watching the numerous guys on the floor, all ages between 14 and 50, giving it plenty on air guitar shows the amount of impact all the 21 tunes we hear tonight have on generations of rock fans old and new. As does watching the tears beginning to well on one or two punters’ Chevy Chases as classic after classic continues to be belted out with the earlier hereinto mentioned reason for this tour etched firmly in the minds by the picture of Mr Lynott projected onto the backdrop. Scott Gorham, one of the finest guitarists ever to have graced the planet is at no less than his typically astounding self and particulary rips like a b**t**d tonight, especially on the instrumental following ‘Still In Love With You’. Though his commitment with this tour probably sadly indicates no more 21 Guns, his incredible guitar work has still found a good home to go back to for a while. It’s just a pity that we can’t hear ‘Knee Deep’, ‘Little Sister’ or ‘Jungleland’ as often as we can ‘Bad Reputation’, ‘Emerald’ or their ever inescapable anthem ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ but not everything can be had in one lifetime can it. Encoring yet a second time for ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’, everyone still caries on making noise when they disappear backstage fro the third time but anyone still waiting for ‘Killer On The Loose’ ends up disappointed as the lights go up. A surprising omission but it made way for Whisky In The Jar, one of countless cornerstones of a career that rates as one of the most unforgettable in music. Phil would not only have been proud, his ghost would have been sitting at the back savouring every second. This is the third, full tour the Lynott-less Lizzy in little over as many years. Let’s hope we can back get together and celebrate the memory of that great man again in 2007. 10/10 RECOMMENDED |
| TARA’S
SECRET @ Primed 6 -
Herringthorpe Centre, Rotherham, Saturday May 14th 2005 Opening one of the Classic Rock Society’s popular annual events for up-and-coming local acts, Tara’s Secret have got their name about quite a bit in their brief life span so far. Their debut album picked up rave reviews in several hard rock mags across the country, including ‘Fireworks’ and having heard the taster, am not without anticipations this evening. These five lads fulfil them for the best of their forty-five minutes with a show that absorbs from the off. Amongst their own unique take on melodic hard rock, they provide enough to keep most UFO and Van Halen fans happy, and their most significant number ‘Rock On The Radio’(is that title right by the way?) is a comical if important stab at the fashion obsessed leanings of the country’s stations who all but seem to have forgotten that our music ever existed. In the end, it seems like I was robbed in missing their set at the C.R.B. as they have plenty of other decent numbers like the ones they played tonight that they didn’t have as much time to include. Nice stuff anyway. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
| THIN LIZZY - Sheffield Octagon, Saturday Feb 5th, 2005 When Scott Gorham and John Sykes decided to tour again under the Thin Lizzy banner a couple of years or so ago, many would be mistaken for not thinking it was just a cheap n’ crafty way to boost the ticket sales. Those who like me saw their rollicking show at the Leadmill in November 03 were amongst those proved most in the wrong at the venue virtually packed out on the night. On account of this, these Lynott-less legends, equipped again with Messrs Mendoza and Lee, return to play this even larger venue, which we learn, has sold out over a week before the gig. The set is practically identical to that of fifteen months ago, comprising of all the faves, though minus ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ - again, but ‘Jailbreak’, ‘Waiting For An Alibi’, ‘Don’t Believe A Word’, ‘Chinatown’, ‘Killer On The Loose’, ‘Emerald’ and immortal signature tune ‘Boys Are Back In Town’ are played with even further balls than before. Scott and John switch solos continuously throughout the show and pull them off like they were only penned a day back, Mr Gorham ever the master of the trade, enjoying every minute. John’s voice also seems to taken more of a form of that akin to his late boss since I previously heard him so probably that, along with their usually ode to ‘the king of rock’ was probably a boost to their morale. Encoring twice, firstly for ‘Suicide’ and an extended ‘Emerald’ and then reappearing for closing belter ‘Rosalie’ it appears that Thin Lizzy still have quite a bit of oxygen left in their tanks than first though, amongst things because tonights show is practically faultless and I could see next to no faces minus smiles in the Octagon - in fact the punters appeared to be getting louder with every number played. Whether they’ll be round again still remains a slight question but I think they’ve been convinced now that 19 years after Phil’s death, their fans are ready to move on but still hold true regard to where these classic tunes came from. 9.5/10 By
Dave Attrill |
| Tyketto + Deadline + Teer - Corporation, Sheffield, Thursday 11th November, 2004 On everyone's lips since it was announced in January, Tyketto's reunion tour finally rolls into ol' Sheffield city. The New York foursome, who consist of their complete original formation for the first time since 1991 have also brought another feared losst fave of mine over the pond. Floridan fivesome Teer were last seen performing to a rapturous reaction at the Gods 2000 and as next to nothing had been heard of them in the four years since, I was wondering if fate had dealt them an undeserved blow after that excellent debut. With all but one of the same line-up in tow tonight, Dan Michaels marches up and down the stage almost non-stop and whilst some of the pickier old-school spectators may resent his collar-shirt and corduroy attire, no one can complain about this chaps voice tonight - the only thing ruining it for him is that it is butchered by an appaling PA mix. Guitarists Shane and Nathan don't look too unhappy to be back either, the latter seems to have been doing some serious eating since last time I saw him, judging by that waistline. John Teer and the new bass fella - sorry mate, I didn't catch your name, enjoy the party too as a direct blend of old and new material through their eight-song platter includes live staples 'Heaven' and the sonmg which introduced them to most, 'Romeo' and yes I do catch a few people next to me singing along. Just don't be this long gone again lads, we might end up a bit Teer-ful. Deadline are one band no melodic rock support bill seems safe from nowadays, having opened up for Enuff Z'nuff, Firehouse and less than a fortnight back, Mike Tramp even though they were announced as guests for this tour at the time the whole thing was made public itself. Playing a practically identical set to that one the other week, the now-signed Rotherham quartet have just released their debut album and play through about three quarters of its content tonight. 'Just One Night' again fails to make the list but we still have 'One Touch', 'Out Of Reach', 'Love's A Battle' 'Only You' and established anthem 'Losing Myself' to warm up to as usual, top songs one and all. And then at 9.35pm the magic moment finally arrives as the music on the PA fades and four figures stride onto the stage. For Danny Vaughn and in most cases Michael Clayton, Sheffield has by no means been a rare stop off, this being Dan The Man's sixth visit to Full-Monty land in the last three years but the first with messrs St James and Kennedy in tow. Kicking off as I strangely enough predicted, with 'Walk on Fire', the Tykes load up all their old guns and fire off every round down to the last bullet tonight, playing through the entire 'Don't Come Easy' catalogue (I should think so too) and a considerable portion of second belter 'Strength In Numbers'. Danny, ever happy as a pig-in-s*** as he is when he plays Sheffield, springs back and forth across the stage, as if he were on a bit of elastic, constantly picking up and putting down his two various guitars - nice 12-string by the way, Dan - and Brooke St James performance on all their classic numbers is timeless - his use of distortion effects on the first of his two solo spots tonight failing to ruin anyone's fun at the same time. Bassist Jimi Kenndy who I only recognise by his modern day look thanks to seeing him with his other band Blow-Up (supporting Vaughn in Nottingham, '01) keeps to his own part of the stage, walking towards and back away from the front, obviously still a bit shy. Michael Clayton is the only man to have remained in the band through all the other line-up changes, even the spell they spent under the Vaughn moniker, in Brooke's absence but still having played these songs over the years gives him the firm edge over the others. As I said already, the set concentrates purely on their first two discs, the only exception being the cover of Queen's 'Now I'm Here' and then to wind up the night. there can only be one tune fit for finishing off this evening. All together now... "FO-O-R-R-EVER Y.." (alright Dave, we get the picture). A blinding evening by the most important event in this scene to hit UK shores this year - sorry - decade, whether this is a one off or a full re-established revival for the 'Ketto remains to be decided but for tonight it more than satisfied ten-fold either way. With classic hard rock ever more rumoured on the commercial market menu, and a well packed out room this evening, our music seems to be climbing further out from the doldrums every day. 10/10 For those who missed it, here's a look at the mouth-watering set you could have heard tonight. WALK ON FIRE/WINGS/MEET ME IN THE NIGHT/STRENGTH IN NUMBERS/STRIP ME DOWN/SOLO/BURNING DOWN INSIDE/NOTHING BUT LOVE/CATCH MY FALL/STANDING ALONE/ GTR SOLO/RESCUE ME/LAY YOUR BODY DOWN/SEASONS/SAIL AWAY/Encores NOW I'M HERE/LAST SUNSET/FOREVER YOUNG |
MIKE TRAMP + Deadline + Silverjet - Corporation, Sheffield, Saturday 30th October, 2004 Like Sheffield's not full of enough tramps as it is? All we want, you'd think, is another one arriving. Except this particular 'tramp' does not sit in cardboard boxes outside the High St McDonalds all daytime, go for a p*** in the subways every two hours or eat discarded fish n' chip leftovers sitting on top of overfilled litter bins. Instead he gets upon a stage and entertains people with some truly fine melodic rock tunes. Yes we are talking about Denmark's finest musical export, if you don't count the drummer from a certain San Franciscan metal act, who hits Sheffield for the first time since White Lion many moons ago when yours truly barely understood what the term 'hard rock' actually meant. Two bands, who need next to no introduction to Sheffield's dedicated hard rock following, prelude his set. Silverjet (8/10) have only been a live unit for about a month or so at this time and this being the third time I've seen them really gets me into what they're about even though I was impressed from the start. Their recent 3-track EP 'Amalgam Sessions' accounts for almost half of their 25-minute set tonight but guitarist Dave appears to be savouring almost every second of it. Rotherham's Deadline (9/10) go from strength to strength with every showing and although tonight's set was bereft of 'Just One Night', one of their three finest tunes -and my personal fave too - the now signed act showcase some of guitarist Andy's further soloing talents through their latest material. With their debut album, and another slot here, supporting Tyketto only a week and a bit away, this finally signed act couldn't predict a brighter future if they tried. The headliner tonight couldn't have predicted the chaos that threatens to jeopardise his long-awaited return to British shores. When your lead guitarist returns to America due to reasons beyond their control, the words 'Up s*** creek spring to mind for more than a few performers worldwide. Mike Tramp had already found himself landed in hot water in London, the day before forcing Mike to resort to an acoustic show in the capital (not to mention Sheffield's 'Silverjet' not being able to play a single note of their set due to an over-run headliner soundcheck !!!). By way of luck, a mate from Copenhagen stepped in for the rest of the tour who some of the White Lion and solo material. Thankfully as Mike fills rhythm guitar duties himself on all numbers, an electric set is created on the spot and carried off with miraculously little fault. Though not the biggest Tramp/White Lion expert on the planet, I soon get into the swing and I pick up the hint from the punters reaction to 'Wait' and 'You Can't Take My Rock n' Roll' that these were two of his greatest hits, and a singalong during the latter here includes an amusing jibe about Arsenal. Closing with a medley that is Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World' with a few bits n' bobs of other classics stuffed into the middle, Mike seems to have forgotten about the difficult stringing tonight's list together on the spot has been and the set's 1hr 45 min longevity is the most unexpected godsend. Making the most of little, Mike Tramp pulled a very brave feat in announcing his predicament tonight and (successfully) keeping us all in the room, let alone how he enabled the whole thing to still go ahead. A firm word of warning to other musicians preparing for playing live though do check your members' pre-occupational situation thoroughly before hitting the road - you might not be so lucky as Mike was. 8/10 By Dave Attrill (This review is based on Dave's personal opinion and bears no relation to anyone elses view of the gig!!) |
The
3 Legged Cat -The Countryman,Derbyshire, 11th June 2004
It's a funny thing abour retirement, but I find less time to do things like update the web site, write these reviews and remember to inform people that we're playing so they can come along. Sorry, anyone who would have liked to come along and didn't realise we were playing. I did remember to tell the Derbyshire Times about the gig but it failed to appear in the paper. Anyway, as usual at this venue, a good crowd of people turned up and we were not short on vocal support. The last time we played here, we arrived without the mixer or something similar. This time it was the mikes - again. It seems crazy that we continue to leave something behind. One of these days we'll be playing too far away to rectify it; this time Andy went back to meet Jane in Chesterfield to pick them up. I think I've said before that my 3 favourite venues are The Lion, Clowne Community Centre and The Countryman. The crowd here was absolutely brilliant all night. The change of ownership has done nothing to diminish their enthusiasm and they were dancing away well before we'd finished. I think we
were all taken aback by the reception to the first song. Paul said later
it concerned him that the night could only get worse from then on. Not
so. At the end of the night someone said to me that it's a rare thing
for people to be whistling and cheering the first song there, so maybe
our material just suits this audience. Someone else said we should play
there more often. Well, the good news is, we will be. We So, a brilliant night and our thanks to everyone who came and gave us such a great reception. Mick wrote the sets which were subsequently changed by Paul and Andy to: 1: BMW, White room, WBM, BMF, Substitute, Ride on pony, Babe I'm gonna leave you, Aqualung 2: The king
will come, Floyd medley (original), How far Jerusalem, Crossroads, Wishing
well, Don't believe a word. Encores: Gimme all yr lovin, Brown sugar, Can't remember where the next gig is. I think it's the festival which I'be been told first we were starting then that we were headlining. I'm none the wiser. Check out the gig list on the web site. http://3leggedcat.members.easyspace.com
By Ade (The Bands Guitarist) |
| Therapy? -The Leadmill, Sheffield, Saturday 22nd November 2003
When it comes to getting in the Mosh pit these days my usual statement is "I'm getting too old for this shit". But sod it this is a Therapy? gig after all. So with a promise that I was only going in the Pit for the first two or three songs I worked my way into the heaving, sweaty mass of bodies eagerly awaiting the entrance of one of the best live bands I have ever seen in my life. Andy, Michael, Martin and new drummer Neil come out with all guns blazing - straight into Going Nowhere followed by Teethgrinder and everyone goes crazy. The brief pause after the first song is usually the moment for us to give Andy Cairns the warm Sheffield greeting of "You fat b*st*rd!!!". Damn, he's lost weight. Felt a bit cheated on that score. Never mind, on with the show. Following
a welcome to Neil Cooper who joined the band last year we are treat
to Nobody Here But Us among others from the new album and of course
plenty of classic stuff from Therapy?'s extensive arsenal of material,
including Knives, Church Of Noise, Dancin' With Manson, Stop It Your
Killing Me, Straight Life and Sister. And of course it wouldn't be a
Therapy? gig without Potato Junkie now would it? With my promise of bailing out of the Pit early now a distant memory I eventually emerged battered, bruised, sweaty and knackered with a huge grin on my face to find to find my mate Steve waiting with a welcome pint of Guinness (God bless ya, mate). I just downed the pint in time for the encore. Therapy? finished the set with their brilliant cover of Joy Division's Isolation. As ever, another fantastic gig from Therapy? I've been following these guys for years and never seen a bad gig. They always give 100%. If you've never seen them before, go check them out next time round, you'll not be disappointed. 10/10 by
Chromedome |
| THIN
LIZZY - Leadmill, Sheffield, Friday November 7th, 2003
The idea of using their old name again was always a definite liberty in the taking but Scott Gorham and John Sykes obviously knew it would sell more tickets than 'Ex members of..' Or whatever. My first visit to this venue is one of impression, the room holding up to about 800, three quarters filled tonight (nice one). The opening number of the set is given away immediately -that siren on the intro tape can mean only one song and so 'Jailbreak' lets rip as do the audience. This is only the start of a mouthwatering 85-minute set that leaves nothing, bar one, out. 'Waiting For An Alibi' and 'Don't Believe a Word' are handled by the lads in rollicking form. Sykes dedicating the latter and 'every song in the set to the king of Rock n' Roll, Mr Phil Lynott' . Yes I should think so indeed, young man. John has more work on his hands than most of course with being the lead vocalist as well but he handles Phil's old duty splendidly and Scott, going without saying, an equally talented musician levels it up in his one duty, making those solos as memorable as the day they were written. Classics 'Chinatown, 'Cold sweat', 'Sun Goes Down', 'Bad Reputation' and one of my all time favourites 'Killer On the Loose' are given a better new lease of life than their deceased leader could have ever wished for. 'Still In Love', 'Cowboy Song' and 'are you ready' follow, keeping momentum well and truly in the sustained region of things but it's the next number that everyone's come to hear of course. 'The Boys Are Back In Town' is about an accurate description of tonight as you're going to get and played at what seems like twice the speed of the recorded original, sends the punters off their trolleys and a reasonable fraction of the crowd have their air guitars out as could only be expected. Encores 'Suicide', 'Rosalie' and 'Black Rose' storm by to unfaltered appreciation and then before you can say 'Whiskey In The Jar', 'they are gone and that's the one criminal omission from an absolutely classic night for those who still love classic rock n' roll. The legendary Phil Lynott may have been dead for nearly two decades but his legend lives on and tonight, no one was about to forget it. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Thunder
- Rock City, Nottingham, 20th May, 2003
Talk about packed - you could hardly move in the large live room. It looks like Thunder have definitely made a successful comeback, thanks to their appearance on the November 2002's 'Monsters of Rock UK Tour'. Nottingham were romped up with the intro of the very fitting 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC to get them in the mood for tonight's ripper of a gig that began with one of those songs that started off their glory - 'Back Street Symphony' - so Danny's big long barnet is no longer in place, but by god that voice is stronger than ever - it's often said that things mature with age and this mans lead larynx simply backs up that assumption -it's like putting the original album on!! Words can't say how impressive it was. 'So how many of you have bought the new single?', Danny asks before Thunder shoot into the soon to be live favourite 'Loser', (the opener on the new album 'Shooting at the Sun') which saw quite a few hands going up in the venue - many even know the words as well in and sang out in fully fledge bawl-out Thunder fashion much to Danny's delight. Now this was a set full of new and old classics played perfectly and you could feel the electricity that formed an energetic current between everyone present. When you are presented with a set that included 'River of Pain'; 'Like a Satellite' (that saw the fans take over the song) and scream before Danny hit the high notes); the epic 'Higher Ground'; the aired last November true in style rocker 'Somebody get me a spin doctor' the gorgeous ballad, 'Don't wait for me, goodbye' and the newie 'Everybody's laughing' (complete with a chorus accapella of 'Everybody's Laughing, Everybody's high' from the floor choir) it was impossible not to be very impressed. And that ain't all after the final main song of the set, the gargantuan Donington 1990 spectacle that is 'She's so fine' we were spoilt with a special guest in the house - ex-Rainbow, current Deep Purple Painist, Don Airey who joined them for a joyous whirl through The Rolling Stones 'Brown Sugar' and if that ain't enough we got to witness Drummer, Harry James on acoustic guitar for a beautiful rendition of 'Better Man' before the proceedings came to end with that song .. well it can only be that one can't it - the long when it's live classic 'Dirty Love' (that saw a bit of 'Satisfaction' by those 'Stones again knitted in that fitted in like it was written for that purpose alone). Well what can be said, no-one wanted to go home but all good things must come to an end - let's do it all again in November. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| TIKABOO
PEAK + DEADLINE -
Classic Rock Bar, Saturday 7th June, 2003 Their first appearance at the ever-popular Ecclesall Road venue since it opened in late '02, Sheffield's no. 1 melodic rock mob shouldn't find it too hard to attract the crowds that other local faves like Toastplant Project and CRF have pulled in on most weekends. In fact, keeping 'em out is quite a challenge as they are eventually squeezing through the doorway for a first peek at the Peak in eighteen months. With six impressive new songs sharing the set with established faves 'Restless', 'Lonely World', 'Not In Your Nature' and 'Better', the sole remaining number from their 'Paranoid Mind' disc, the lads are back in devastating form and deserve a deal even more than ever, now. Welcoming enthusiastic new drummer Ben on board alongside Jerome, Rich, Pat and the ever charismatic Dale, the style has also changed with the line-up, aiming at a slightly more contemporary target but still as best desrcribed a beffed-up version of their former selves. The cover of White Sister's 'Promises' is wisely reinstated though inserting it into the middle of one of the new songs was less than advisable and the set ends all too quickly after only three-quarters of an hour. There's little doubt that old belters like 'Calm Before The Storm', 'Tell Me I'm The One', 'Safe And Sound' and 'Blood From A Stone' which all can no longer be performed publicly due to apparent legal purposes, will be sorely missed by the friends they've made through them in the bygone years but it's good to know Tikaboo Peak can always write worthy replacements. Splendid stuff, lads. I must of course not neglect to mention that Rotherham four-piece Deadline who play before them this evening are another band I'd firmly recommend checking out. Unless you already have had the privilege, their material is a mix of Tyketto, Skin, Van Halen and U2 and songs such as 'Stop', 'Losing Myself' and 'Love's A Battle' have earned them good crowds over the years including a support slot with Mitch Malloy in 2001 (also on this site). Two bands going places and destined to travel further in the near future. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Tuff
- Nottingham Rock City, 12/10/02
Stevie Rachelle and his band Tuff are very much hard-edged cock rockin' stars 'n' stripe debonairly and l was truly impressed just how much Nottingham warmed to the band - but they do seem to play Tuff records down here in the Rig unlike other clubs I could mention but refrain myself from doing so. Plenty of classics tonight which pleased the well initiated hardcore fans - 'do you wanna, do you wanna go down down' of course we do Stevie down to that 'Bridge' who wouldn't? Stevies' a stinger of a singer and with his ferocious Alice Cooper swagger he cries hands up if you've got a black leather jacket hiding in your wardrobe - this ones for you' and ripped into 'Good Guys wear Black' - well quite a few of us were wearing them tonight - gotta do it properly though haven't you? - proper cock rock - LA Style as is 'The AII New Generation' with its 'Girls, Girls, Girls' throwback lyric line. Exceptional stage presence and musicianship from these LA Sleazers was a guarantee with the place goin' crazy when they launched into the encore American Hair Band' that salutes many that are well worth a mention such as the 'Crue, Slash, Skid Row and the Bullet Boys'. This was a real hot night that was cramped and pushy at the foot of the stag: but that's rock 'n' roll for ya and it don't get no finer than artists like this. These guys should be real big - I just want 'em to raise the roof of the main live room the next time they come across the pond to play for us. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| TEN - HERRINGTHORPE LEISURE CENTRE, ROTHERHAM, SATURDAY MAY 18th, 2001 |
| TERRORVISION
- Nottingham Rock City, 29th September 2001
Terrorvision. They came, they saw, we loved 'em and the |
