7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Those who encounterd their show at the Boardwalk three years back mostly left, less than impressed afterwards, not least because of their tinny sound on the night in question so Vain have a lot to live up to on their return. That said, the celebration of their 20th anniversary….and that of their legendary ’no Respect’ album being their reason to romp the earth’s stages this year, one would not be surprised if they do indeed provide us with something a degree more memorable tonight. Keeping the arrived public keen while waiting this time are Stoke glammies Hollywood Tease, who Glenn has the honour of talking about.

Yeah, Cheers Dave! First up were a young band from Stoke on Trent (as Dave just said said), who share their name with a classic LA Guns number- it's on the self titled debut.. They walked and talked rock 'n' roll and had a killer look on the small boards with brilliant bouffant hairdos - are these guys trying to make the ozone layer bigger or what or did they use CFC free hairspray ?? - hahaha - only kiddin'.

Silverjet Drummer, Jon Hardcastle informed me that they are aged between 19 and 23 with a deal already with Mark Alger's Z Records who I didn't even realise were still going. They took you back to the 80's big style with songs having raw Def Leppard and Motley Crue tinge to them.

Their dynamism and freshness was impeccable and the peeps in 'ere tonight were astounded from what they were hearing and seeing - then there was their cool party piece which took the attention to a higher level - one guitarist got on the shoulders of the frontman with the bassist getting on the shoulders of the other guitarist! They played away as if it was just the norm' to do with perfect notation and balance alike.

It was a pity that they were opening act as I would love to see them on stage for a lot longer - I predict big things for these dudes who were loved by every single member of the audience - they got the chops to match the big boys and the good looks to keep the women entranced as well.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

New Generation Superstars, also from Stoke are not new to a Vain support slot, having opened for them on their previous visit and although they seemed impressive then, they sound boring as hell tonight, and for 45 minutes, I find myself starting to fall under the impression they are merely playing the same song f**k knows how many times over.

Occasionally we get treated to a song with a half-commendable hookline but they appear few and far between and for most of the way-too-long ride seem like a third rate Wildhearts, with the loud applause mostly emanating from their friends, other halves and those who actually found something in them last time.

Sadly I can’t say I do this time as I’ve clearly been through a reality check sometime between November 2006 and now and struggle, as does Glenn to find much major attraction with these chaps. Renders it a pity that them and Hollywood Tease had not been allocated each others spaces on the set schedule for the night.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

Time to wake myself up with a fix of Coke (the liquid version) before Vain finally relieve us of our wait and boy do they make it worth it. Kickstarting the motor with ‘Secrets’- and yes we think we do know theirs, (narf, narf) - Davy and the boys send everyone’s fists airward and its clear we are free of disappointment tonight, ladies and gents. Even the pair of latterday tracks that follows comes with loyal lip-synching, rightly so too as they still maintain the classic Vain sound that got the million-plus copies of their classic debut shifted which is remarkable considering the hiatus between 1989 and 2007.

Not so much warming as heating the punters up for the quadruple brace that follows, the noise as more ‘NR’ material is ignited is not too far off deafening - the making of the set list obviously having been spied on sometime throughout the day as they cheer like they know which song’s next along. ‘Down For the Third Time’, ‘Icy’, and ‘Watching You’ stun with their accuracy while at the same time the lads keep a loose approach and happily change the odd one or two notes for raunch-oriented effect, and ‘Smoke and Shadows’ mesmerises successfully with the aid of the hazy pale blue lighting simmering across the stage throughout the tune.

‘So Free Now’ is the one toher newie we get tonight and not a bd tune itself but will be crushed by the remaining bunch of classic to come. Davy Vain is no dullard on stage either, with plentiful quantities in banter between all tunes, including a near-decent mockery of the English accent at one interval though one habit I meanwhile do not recommended trying is treading the boards barefooted all night.

Those holding up the spectator side are in for a pounding now though as ‘1, 000 Degrees’ and ‘…Respect’ itself let rip but little can match that of the tune to follow, as immortal band anthem ‘Beat The Bullet’ causes a virtual moshpit to explode at the front.

As the San Frannies exit centre stage, NGS guitarist takes to the mike and persuades all and sundry to make sure their departure wont be for good. It surely isn’t and still they, and certainly we, are ‘Ready’ for a little bit more yet (That‘s right, Dave, give it away, why don’t you) with the album’s punky closing cut getting everyone activated one last time. .

A favourable reappearance from one of hair rock’s greatest names, the lacklustre nature of their previous Steel City performance certainly fails to cast its ghost over proceedings this time and the commutative pretence of this particular tour leaves no need to really care, just simply party all night longYearning fruitlessly for a second encore that never happens, I am still amongst ninety-nine point nine percent of the crowd who later set foot out of the Corporation door satisfied.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Oh, and was Glenn one of them? We wonder….. –

Yeah Dave – was a great gig!!- Glenn

DANNY VAUGHN + VIOLENT STORM +

Crimes Of Passion + In The Name Of -

Corporation, Sheffield Sat, 2nd June, 2007

Like I’ve said before, you know how much you’ve been missed in Sheffield when not one, or two but three bands are lined up to support you on your return to Steel City stages. And that welcome couldn’t get warmer than for Tyketto legend Danny Vaughn. Last seen at the Corp with the original line-up for that phenomenal Don’t Come Easy reunion in late 04, it’s been over three years now since we were last able to enjoy the delights of his solo material.

Three other interesting new bands have come to being since then. The first of which are In The Name Of, a local act who have graced many a support slot in recent months and despite not playing the two numbers that impressed me the most first time round, we are still left with a palatable variety of material, including ‘Point Of View’ and ‘Devil’s Pact’, growers on me already by this time.

One of their guitarists has jumped ship, with their then bass player Russell now filling his shoes wielding a suspiciously Mustaine-like silver Jackson V, and leaving the vacant spot to be filled by Dave from singer Steve Baranovich’s previous act Cruel Device (whose one and only gig I had the honour of reviewing). In The Name of really are a damn fine band and Russell (my old mate Dooze with the V) can't half play a bit - well they all can.

Steve's vocals are a lot stronger than I remember all those moons ago and he has such a strong 'n' friendly personality on stage that makes people warm to him immediately - in fact, he's the same off-stage too - a real rock 'n' roller of a gentleman. I am extremely looking forward to witnessing these guys again as they get the night off to a really fine start - good old Mutley for putting them on ! Quite honoured to review them actually.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Glen Milligan

10/10

by Dave Attrill

Not been to the Boardwalk for a while but I return to check out a triple slicing of Glam – 2 from UK and the other from the US of A. Could have been fuller but there ya go – maybe some have heard how good the headliner was – or not – more on that later !!

First up were a band goin’ by the name of ‘New Generation Superstars’ (who are Leicester/Nottingham based) and came over very up for it in a rock n roll way of thinkin’ – one of their songs was even entitled ‘Rocker’ and they played like they definitely meant it too.

Seemed a really friendly bunch with their frontman even apologising about the feedback at the beginning of their 1st song – even jokin’ that he was deaf from it as well.

Decent players and ok in the vocal department too. They played for a nearly what seemed to be an hour as well and even knocked out a cover by a Canadian Glam band – wonder if it was by Crystal Pistol or something as it sounded very much like NGS had penned it themselves.

7/10

Was glad I got the chance to see London’s ‘Red Star Rebels’ as they had sent me the CD/DVD ep, reviewed a few months a go and even got a feature in a famous UK Rock Magazine.

God that frontman thinks he a real rock star, storming seriously and prancing around the stage with his shades on as though it was his own house or something and coming across rather arrogantly – I’m sure it was all part of the show though – but what was throwing down the mike in aid of – do it the world of good that - not to mention bashing it with the palm of his hand to geer on the audience to show their appreciation – lol.

That aside they were a solid band who were very together, playing songs from their ‘Too young to Care’ E.P. that were very much highlights in the set such as the early in the set title track itself and the Knockin’ or the Heavens Door like ballad ‘The Fast Die Young & Pretty’ and then some.

The folks in here loved ‘em with their LA ‘F*ck U’ attitude and ultimate desire to be the best in Sleaze N Roll – these guys are getting’ there for sure. Some of the band members even went out of their way to get new fans on the mailing list and credit to ‘em for it too – taking the music to the people and then talking to them after is the best way forward – credit to ‘em – like to see these guy again some time.

8/10

And then we wait, we wait, we wait, we wait, we wait, we wait and after an hour US Gam Rockers, Vain eventually walk into the venue like it’s normal to keep the audience listening to a CD over the PA twice over.

By all accounts they came out with some lame arse excuse that they had been caught up in traffic – the words bull and sh*t come to mind since they’d been in Sheffield all day so I was led to be told – they were late for their show the previous night as well I am led to believe as well.

Then 4 members come onstage with some weird irritating intro tape and it seems forever before Davy Vain can be bothered to come out of the dressing room.

What makes it worse is that he doesn’t even apologise for them being late – maybe it’s the norm to do this in his hometown, but over here we call it simply bad punctuality and bad manners and there’s no excuse for it.

When they start playing it must be the worst sound I have ever heard from a headliner in this venue – the drums sound like boxes, the guitar are too high ended and when you could hear Davy Vain there was the most annoying echo on his voice which put the icing on the cake for the wrong reason.

The majority of their set was extremely forgettable as well apart from songs from their ‘No Respect’ debut album which were great – that included ‘Watchin’ You’; ‘Beat the Bullet’ and the closing title-track ‘No Respect’ that went down brilliantly – mores the pity that rest of the songs on the list didn’t match up to them.

Since they got to the venue late they weren’t allowed to do an encore number as it was curfew time but Davy said he would do an accapella for us at The Corporation – so did it happen? because I personally didn’t even see him in the rock club later that night – answers in the usual e-mail form to the site.

After such a shabby performance, it’s little wonder why many fans felt cheated by what they saw – guess not many of these here tonight will be going to a Vain gig in the foreseeable future.

‘No Respect’ – quite fitting really, don’t ya think?

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

A bit like a four-legged friend - Danny never lets you down. As support to Bob Catley, Mr. Vaughn led us through an hour long set of material equipped with nothing but an acoustic guitar.

Now Sheffield audiences can be a funny old thing and it struck me that many were more interested in seeing Bob, since some were rude enough to talk through Danny's spot - unforgivable is that!! Because Danny is a true professional he didn't it bother him at all and delivered a brilliant bunch of numbers that only his voice is capable of. The man soared through a an immense selection of powerful rockers and ballads and managed to win a lot of the Catley crowd over - I mean, with songs like the catchy 'n' bluesy 'Gandy Dancer'; the sounds a bit like 'Sweet Home Alabama' ditty called 'The Voice'; the beautifully boppin' 'Take these hands' (well done that man for requesting it) and the poppy 'Is that all there is?' it leaves little wonder why.

Full-on Tyketto fans (well let's be honest, all Danny Vaughn fans are hardcore fans of Tyketto) were rewarded with the classic rhythmic 'Lay your body down' and of course, leaving the best to last - the only way to close the performance a tremendous take of the Rock Club firm staple 'Forever Young' - well we all know that one - awesome!!

It takes highly spirited, well-structured, interesting, beautifully crafted, top-notch written songs to pull off an acoustic performance with ease and Danny Vaughn is certainly a master craftsmen at the job. He'll be back again, maybe next time the full band will be on that stage as well.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The man just can't keep away from England, can he?! Not that we'd want him to, of course. Coincidentally, it's almost one year exactly, since the last time he graced the Rock City boards and now Danny Vaughn does it again. As promised on his stunning solo acoustic ventures earlier this year, he's brought the full band over, albeit minus a couple of faces. Gone is bassist Jamie Scott, his shoes being filled by youngster Paul Mucci - the lad may be togged up like he's from some nu-metal combo but he's found his place in the Vaughn ranks. Keyboardsman Kyle Cummins is also nowhere to be seen and although they haven't got any new blood on the ivory bashing duties, purple-bobbed babe Carla Buffa joins D.V. on backing vox.

Scandalously, no support act turns up tonight, contrary to what the print on those lying tickets stated, so we are left standing around like lemons for about one and a half hours. What doesn't make it that much more comfortable is that we're in the small downstairs room, next to The Rig, this year, cue Danny's jibe later during the set about "how many guys can you squeeze into one phone box?"

Finally, they're on - well the band are on the stage anyway - and after a couple more minutes of final technical fumblings, they ARE on, as 'Fearless' kicks off an hour and forty of some of the rawest American guitar rock on earth. Second song into the set is about as long most can wait to hear Tyketto material and their wish is Dan's command and the result is rollicking blasts through 'Meet Me In The Night' and 'Wings'.

The remainder of the set is a finely woven fabric consisting of classics from both their past and present illustrious careers. 'Million Miles Of Road', 'Burning Down Inside', 'Is That All There Is', 'Shadowland', 'Last Sunset' and the always much demanded 'Standing Alone' make most mouths water. Eyes start to well too when 'Forever Young' kicks off in its acoustic form. Erm, Danny, I think we've come down to hear the electric version tonight, old chap, if you don't mind…. - the swine, it turns out he was having us on as the first chorus and onwards sees them hit the full decibels and the crowd practically provide noise to match from hereon in.

Bluesy fave 'Gandy Dancer' is practically a standard in a Vaughn set by now and the triple attack of 'Haunted', 'Was There A Moment' and 'Just Like That', all from the 'Fearless' album are a surge through the man's soul - it can be all heard in the way he sings 'em. And finally, 'Healing Hands' and 'Fly Away', originally intended as the encores but in the end tacked onto the main set, close the night as only Danny Vaughn could.

We do get a preview during the show, of the next batch of goodies they will be bringing out later this year, or early next, with 'That's What She Said', a tune that carries on in the current material's vein which is obviously a good thing rather than a bad one. My mate - and sometime Metalliville scribe - Steve Windle tells Danny down in the rig later, how inspirational he's found this show. You think you're the only one, Steve?

10/10

By Dave Attrill

It has to be said Vaughn (nee Tyketto) have spoilt us Brits rotten of late. This time, two years ago, I was about to see them for the first time ever in my whole goddamn life. Tonight I'm about to see them for a third time, or him actually as Dan the Man walks it alone this time round, and unplugged at that. Fellow Tykes veteran, drummer Michael Clayton is also in attendance tonight - manning the souvenir stand whose items include a tour-exclusive acoustic EP - as well as to throw in for a few with D. V. too.

Then enter the master himself. Give him a stool and an acoustic guitar any day and Danny Vaughn can be trusted to entertain. A two-hour trip through the best that the New Yorker has been a part of over the last sixteen years ensues, and I don't think it could be shorter without committing any criminal omissions. What we learn during the show is that Danny had actually written the Vaughn songs and a lot of Tyketto's stuff too on an acoustic guitar which makes playing them in this form a piece of cake for the guy.

The set is predictably a balanced blend of the best material from both acts plus one or two previously unheard bits and bobs. Studio leftovers 'House Of Cards' and 'Deep Water' should have been included on the albums as they are amongst the best I've heard from him, 'Heaven Tonight' from Waysted, the Eighties outfit he was once in with UFO's Pete Way, and 'Jenny Doesn't Live here Anymore' from the more blues-leaning Flesh n' Blood album he recorded with Mark Mangold a few years back.

'Shooting Star' is a request by a fan and although I forget the originator of this vaguely familiar track, it is a choice I can't really fault. One lucky lad even gets handed the mike for 'Paradise Ain't Home' before then telling Danny how they've regarded their loyal followers 'like gold dust' over the years.

Sole encore 'Forever Young' - what else ?!?- is the quintessential end to this magic evening in a small venue on a Sheffield street corner, made even more special by the fact that the full band will be returning in the summer. And in the meantime, for those who didn't turn up tonight, here's what you complete heathens missed out on.

SET LIST: IS THAT ALL THERE IS / WALK ON FIRE / HEALING HANDS / HAUNTED/ HANDFUL OF RAIN/ HOUSE OF CARDS/ CATCH MY FALL/ SHADOWLAND/ JENNY DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE/ WINGS/ DEEP WATER/ WRITE YOUR NAME IN THE SKY/ STANDING ALONE/ HEAVEN TONIGHT/ END OF SUMMER DAYS/ LAST SUNSET/ SHOOTING STAR/ FLY AWAY/ PARADISE AIN'T HOME/ MILLION MILES OF ROAD/ FOREVER YOUNG

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Onto Dan and the men. The intro to 'Bad Water' crept in with a spooky ultra-blue light glowing down on guitarist PJ Zitarosa, and keyboardist Kyle Cummins before the remaining trio take stage centre, left…. and sort of near the back, in Michael Clayton's case. The opening track off the 'Soldiers & Sailors' CD is still as majestic as ever with Danny Vaughn's tonsils, obviously polished daily, playing away but never up. The Tyketto catalogue contingent of the set is introduced swiftly again, with 'Rescue Me' coming straight after.

Time, of course then, on the eve of its release and all, for stuff off the 'Fearless' album. I didn't know any of the titles before then, for obvious reasons and only caught a couple of names from the five or six played but 'Was There A Time' and 'Fearless' itself are my choice cuts. 'Catch My Fall', 'Burning Down Inside', 'Standing Alone' and an absolutely superb acoustic run of 'Walk On Fire' almost complete the celebration's of the outfits past life, but haven't we forgotten a song somewhere lads. "Let's now play something you might know" is how Danny introduces legendary Tykes dancefloor anthem 'Forever Young"… erm yep, I think we do know that number from somewhere before, old chap.

What I am quite slow to realise this time is the full presence of the guitars through the amp output, the lack of which completely ruined the tune for us at the Z show last year. I am at least grateful for the absence of Jamie Scott's hideous Hetfield moustache that he'd sported that day at Wigan. Coming a week after the Melodica show here, and given the impressively-sized turn-out tonight, things are looking distinctively less pear-shaped for hard rock than they were a few years back.

10/10

By Dave Attrill