I first saw Black Stone Cherry when they opened up for Def Leppard and Whitesnake at Wembley Arena in 2008 and then even as a support acts they really impressed the huge crowd on the night. Tonight sees them as headliners as part of a European tour along with two great support acts “The Parlor Mob” and Duff Mckagan’s “Loaded”. 1st Band on “The Parlor Mob” from New Jersey did their best to warm up the crowd with their progressive rock sound which included some great vocal work by lead singer Mark Melicia along with some excellent guitar work. They ended their set with a track from their album "And You Were a Crow" called "Hard Times" which got a decent reception from the crowd. Duff Mckagan is the world famous as bass player for Guns 'n' Roses and more recently Velvet Revolver, tonight sees Duff with his own band, arriving on stage appearing everything like the rockstar that he is, looking cross somewhere between Lou Reed and Stewart Copeland. The band perform numbers from the latest album called "Sick" which sees Duff playing electric guitar and offering lead vocals, towards the end of their set a change to the bass guitar Duff belts out the unmistakeable intro to the Guns 'n' Roses classic track "It's So easy" much to the delight of the excited audience. As Black Stone Cherry hit the stage no one in the venue could possibly be disappointed with the sheer energy of the entrance with the two guitarist’s running around the stage, the crowd responded and there was a huge surge as the audience all pushed towards the stage to get a better view of the Kentucky hero’s. The set was full of great numbers from their latest repackaged double album “Folklore + Superstition” including the brilliant “Blind Man” and “Peace is Free” which certainly got the enthusiastic crowd singing along. A one point the guitarist “Ben Wells “ bought a tray of a well known brand of American doughnuts and shared them out amongst the hungry crowd. The crowd had created a huge circle pit in the middle of the dance floor and their were a large amount of people flying around all over the place making the most of the fast paced songs. The obligatory rock drum solo happened half way through the show giving the front men a well earned rest with “ John Fred Young “ working around the all of the drum kit ending with an impressive display using just his hands. The rather emotional number “Things my Father Said” slowed down as the acoustic guitars came out, the song was dedicated to anyone who has lost someone close to them, and many people in the audience were moved almost to tears by this beautiful song and it’s sentiments. There was no encores as the band decided to just stay on stage and keep playing with the set ended as it had started in great style with the song “We are the Kings” which included an impromptu Jimi Hendrix guitar solo during the track. Black Stone Cherry have excelled as headliners and I am sure will go on to headline shows in much larger venues as their support grows.
Chelsea/XX Kortez/Night of Treason/The Liabilities
Hampton's, Southampton 2nd October 2009
Hampton's have the great honour of hosting punk stalwarts "Chelsea" after a reforming for a UK wide tour with Stiff Little Fingers, Chelsea are back with two dates in intimate venues. Tonight there was assembled 3 quality support bands, the 1st of which is "The Liabilities" fronted by Dan Williams who looks like a cross between Phil Jupitus and James Corden, their ska/punk rock music is played at a really fast and furious pace with tracks such as a drinking song called "Lets Get Wrecked" and a song called "B.T.M.C." apparently about shagging "Fat Birds". "The Liabilities" are from Bognor Regis on the south coast of England and claim to be one of the fastest punk bands in the UK and certainly be this performance, I cannot argue with that. Portsmouth Boys "Night of Treason" are next up and lead vocalist "Pinky" does his best to whip up the small crowd, the band play a great mixture of self written tunes and punk covers. "Letter from the Front" a track from their "Gentlemen & Hooligans" EP is an absolutely stunning emotional masterpiece which is dedicated to all the soldiers that lost their lives fighting in wars and should appear on the forth-coming debut album which should be available next year. Another self penned track "My Town" all about their home town of Portsmouth was belted out, a very brave move in the rival town of Southampton, everybody was enjoying the music too much to bother. Ending their set with a rousing sing-a-long version of "Speed + Glue" the band left the stage having impressed virtually everyone in the venue.
"XX Kortez" took to the stage with Rob Castle(Vocals/Guitar) and Jim Jefferies(Lead Vocals/guitar) certainly looking that part of members in a punk band , with the tattoo's, haircuts, leather jackets and piercings. With fast paced songs such as "Slut" and "Creatures of the Night" getting the rather drunken crowd up and dancing with many of them falling over the monitors on to the stage. The band play a great 30 minute set was packed with tracks that mix punk with psychobilly and rockabilly in large amounts. "Chelsea" comprise of Gene October(Lead Vocalist), Chris Bashford(Drums), Tony Barber(Bass Borrowed from The Buzzcocks) and James Stephenson who can also be found playing in "The Alarm", "Gene Loves Jezebel" and previously of "Generation X", a amazing pedigree for a punk band. The band pull everyone in the venue towards the stage as they kick off their set which comprises mainly of old classics including the impressive "High Rise Living" and "Urban Kids" which sees Gene shouting the lyrics in his own original way with most of the audience joining in. The band back Gene really well especially James Stephenson whose work on his Gibson guitar is nothing less than brilliant. A sterling version of The Clash's "I fought the law" and Chelsea's first single "Right to Work" end the bands brief but worthwhile trip to Southampton with a great reception from the crowd as the band left the stage.
From the Jam/Ed Tudor Pole- MR Kyps, Poole 1st August 2009
Tonight is probably one of the biggest gigs Mr Kyps has put on since they 1st opened, the sign on the door said "sold out" which mean the full capacity of 300 is here for tonight's intimate show. Ed Tudor Pole arrives on stage with just a battered old acoustic guitar and some rather interesting facial expressions, what I was expecting from him was not really what I remebered of his band "Ten Pole Tudor". The set was filled with some really zany but entertaining songs including one about retro sweets "Black Jacks" and another about his nephew wearing a fake clip on moustache. Towards the end of the set a string broke on his acoustic guitar and instead of handing it over to a roadie or picking up a spare he tried to change it , the audience were a bit inpatient and heckled Ed. I think virtually everybody in the place was really for the finale to Ed's set the brilliant "Swords of a Thousand Men" , he left the stage early without playing the classic hit disappointing many of the unhappy audience.
The smiles were soon back on everyone's faces as "From The Jam" arrived on stage, these guys are legends to many people here tonight, after their recent reformation tour playing such venues as The Forum and Hammersmith Apollo in London, tonight's setting in very unique and intimate, this is most definitely one of the gigs that you would boasted to your mates "yes I was there". Russell Hastings is a man with very important shoes to fill with lots of members of the public and the music press discussing weather of not he is up to the job, with his performance tonight he certainly is, the voice is just right . The band delight every member of the audience with a brilliant show with a set list that would please any "Jam' fan, highlights have to be "A Bomb in Wardour Street" which sees Bruce leaping high in the air right in front of Rick's drum kit and the awesome "Going Underground" which saw everybody in the place leaping around like they were teenagers and singing the lyrics right back at the band. The band all come to the front of the stage to take their bows and thank the audience for what was a truely amazing night.
Therapy?/Ricky Warwick- Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms 22nd October 2009
Therapy? arrive in Portsmouth as part of a UK tour in support of their latest album "Crooked Timber" which is their 10th full length album and quite possibly one of their finest to date. Tonight's support comes from Ricky Warwick ex front man with The Almighty and more recently Circus Diablo with The Cult's Billy Duffy. Ricky has built up a decent following since going solo and this tour with his fellow Northern Irish friends Therapy? sees him promoting his third solo album called "Belfast Confetti", Ricky arrives on stage with just an acoustic guitar and a wicked grin , the appreciating audience were treated to a few choice covers including Moorhead's "Ace of Spades" and a version of Iron Maiden's "Running Free" done in a rather interesting Johnny Cash style which certainly got the crowd singing along. There was some good banter with the audience with Ricky telling them that they all had to buy his cd's as he lived in Los Angeles with four children to support who cannot be expected to live on potatoes alone. As well as a few "Almighty" classics he ended with "The Arms Of Belfast Town" from the new album giving the crowd the line "Farewell" to sing as part of the chorus of this song with which everyone obliged perfectly, Ricky left then the stage to a huge applause having really put on a truly impressive display.
Therapy? hit the stage as they did 19 years ago when they first started with same energy and enthusiasm which cannot be easy after all these years, however right from the start the crowd reaction is truly awesome and the band play through a wide selection of tracks from their huge back catalogue, with probably their most well known hit to date "Screamager" getting the crowd singing the words straight back at the band. The new Slim line Andy Cairns, Michael Mckeegan known as "The Evil Priest" and drummer Neil Cooper are a really tight unit and technically play so well together as a three piece. The encores arrive all too soon and Rick Warwick is back to pull the winning ticket for the Therapy? raffle, merch guy the infamous "Diamond Dave" has been selling tickets to eager punters hoping to win a whole batch of sort after merchandise. Tracks from the excellent "Infernal Love" album including a rocked up "Diane", "Stories" and "Nowhere" from "Troublegum" have the audience eating out of the bands hands with a huge mosh pit created in front of the stage full of sweating bodies having a great night out. Andy promised in their 20th Anniversary year that Therapy? would return for another show and with a crowd reaction like this I can understand why.
U2/KAISER CHIEFS/REPUBLIC OF LOOSE- CROKE PARK DUBLIN 25TH JULY 2009
Croke Park in Dublin is a huge Gaelic Football stadium holding more than 80.000 people, tonight sees the venue filled to capacity for possibly one of the highlights of Irelands year. U2's 360 degree tour started in June in Barcelona and continued around Europe on what The Edge said was just a rehearsal for their three shows in Dublin. As you enter the stadium the 1st thing that draws you attention is the huge stage known as "The Claw". I have seen lots of pictures on the internet and in the music press of this amazing feat of modern engineering, however when you actually see it up close it really takes your breath away. The 1st band on are "Republic of Loose" from Dublin, this 9 piece band comprising Mick (vocals), Benjamin Loose (bass, vocals), Deco (keyboards), Dave Pyro (guitar, vocals), Brez (guitar, vocals), Coz Noleon(drums and percussion), Barnes (drums and percussion), Gargos(percussionist) and backing singers Orla La and Eve Ill Jones. They have an infectious funky beat which after a few tracks gets inside your head. They do their best to whip up the Dublin Crowd, it was not until their recent hit "Comeback Girl" which was the last song, that the audience started to give positive reaction by singing along to this catchy number. They have had a great year so far with notable performances at the Meteor Awards and at the Oxygen Festival they are definitely one to watch for the future. The Kaiser Chiefs arrive on stage to an impressive reception, from the people already in the stadium, Ricky Wilson seems to be on a mission and makes use of the large stage trying to reach out to the audience in all corners of the stadium. A set full of crowd pleasers is just what the doctor ordered "Ruby", "Modern Way" and the classic "I Predict a Riot" have the desired effect and get the audience dancing and singing, not content with the large stage Ricky decided it was time to dive in to the crowd and then proceeded to effortlessly crowd surf his way back to the stage. With the crowd warmed up the last song "Oh My God" gave way to a impressive sing-a-long. The Kaiser Chiefs left the stage just as they were getting started and I'm sure would have loved to play longer, they had to make way for the biggest band in the world today U2.
After getting to the venue at midday, I was lucky enough to find myself with a bright orange wristband that gave me access to the inner pit at the front right beneath the Claw, I was positioned right in the middle and had a great view of the main stage and the walkways behind. David Bowie's "Space Odyssey" plays over the pa and that's the signal for the show to start, dry ice bellows from middle rocket shaped pillar in the middle of the claw and Larry Mullen Jnr steps up on to the stage at the rear, the noise from the crowd is deafening, Larry proceeds to bash out the drum beat of opening number "Breathe" with Adam Clayton, The Edge and Bono now joining him onstage the crowd noise increased further echoing around the stadium, soundman Joe O'Herlihy must be congratulated as the sound was excellent. The atmosphere is the stadium was just awesome. The claw showered the band with light and offered a huge 360 degree screen which gave everybody further away an excellent view, two mobile motorised walkways were moved into place over the top of the audience in the pit giving the band access to the rear walk ways and more of their adoring audience. Bono knows to well that the band has to up their game in Dublin as there are always very high expectations when playing at home. The set with littered with classics and new songs from the latest album "No Line on the Horizon", all songs were delivered in a way that no other band can. At a U2 concert the music can send you through loads of emotions with many fans moved to tears by the sheer overwhelming passion. The songs are littered with snippets of other songs which are inserted by Bono as and when he feels like it to give the concert it's own unique feel. Stand out track from the latest album "Unknown Caller" starts up and the audience oblige the band by singing along, a heavy rain shower starts to soak Croke park, however no one is worried as Bono continues in fine voice as 3 huge electronic umbrellas pop up on stage to cover the bands equipment.
As " The Unforgettable Fire" and "City of Blinding Lights' were performed the true extent of the claws technology was revealed with the screen extending out down towards the stage combining images and video footage to give an amazing effect. I have been going to concerts for nearly 30 years and I can honestly say I have never ever seen anything that could come anywhere near to this performance by U2. Every ingredient needed to entertain has been included, the bands chemistry and history add to all of this, it could even be seen quite clearly that even Bono was moved to tears during "Where the Streets have no name" over come by the massive emotion of the occasion. Adam Clayton is pulling some great moves up on the walk way tonight thrilling his fans who are all so pleased to see him looking so well after his troubles of the past. The Edge looks like his has been decorating his bathroom all weekend with the paint splashes all over his jeans, the guitarist looks like someone half his age jumping around all over the stage clearly enjoying himself on home soil. After a stunning version of "One" the band leave the stage with everyone in the place on their feet demanding more. The band arrive back on stage, Bono is wearing a jacket covered in led lights which silhouettes him against the darkened stage. A microphone on a wire is lowered down on to the stage and the band play the opening chords of "Ultraviolet" while Bono sings into this microphone while swinging it around the stage to great effect. The band end with "Moment of Surrender" and come to the front of the stage to take their bows in front of their home audience, after years of some amazing home gigs in Dublin at Phoenix Park, Slane castle, Lansdowne Road and here at Croke Park, it was though that the band could not get any better, tonight they have proved that they are and continue to be the best live band in the world.
Set-List
Breathe No Line On The Horizon Get On Your Boots Magnificent Beautiful Day(Here come the sun-snippet) Mysterious Ways(Inc Mothers of the Disappeared snippet) I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Stand By Me Angel of Harlem (Don't stop till you get enough-snippet) In A Little While Unknown Caller Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GArb1vv2vdQ The Unforgettable Fire City of Blinding Lights( Rain snippet) Vertigo(Thunderstruck snippet) I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Remix) Sunday Bloody Sunday(Rock the Casbah snippet) Pride (In The Name of Love) MLK Walk On (Never Walk Alone snippet) Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n35mobzbmQ Where The Streets Have No Name One -------- Ultraviolet With Or Without You Moment of Surrender
SIMPLE MINDS/VAGABOND - iTUNES FESTIVAL, CAMDEN ROUNDHOUSE 16TH JULY 2009
The iTunes Festival is situated at a great atmospheric venue in London called the "Roundhouse" and runs throughout the whole of July with a different band every night, tickets were given away free to fans in a lottery on the internet. Tonight I have the fortune of having a pair of these such tickets to see rock super group Simple Minds and being a massive fan since the 80's things don't get much better than this as the band have no played a small venue of this size in a very long time. Arriving at the venue everyone is presented with a wristband and a smart itune laminate which gives you access to 10 free tracks on the i-tunes website. Tonight's support act "Vagabond" arrived on stage a 8pm and were given a very warm reception by the audience. Their guitar based rock has a slightly bluesy feel with some very promising tracks such as their new single " Don't wanna run no more" and set closer "I have been wanting You" which included some really great vocal work from lead singer Alex. The Guardian newspaper reported the Vagabond could be the next "Worlds biggest Band" on this show they do have a lot of work to do before than can get that tag, however I wouldn't be surprised if I hear their tracks on a music channel or on the radio very soon.
Simple Minds recently played to a massive sell out crowd at the Isle of Wight Festival, as well as many other festivals in Europe promoting their latest album "Graffiti Soul" which is probably one of the best albums since the late 1980's. Arriving on stage with "Moscow Underground" the opening track from the album, there is a huge screen that covers the whole of the back of the stage projecting images that tie in with the tracks played. Jim Kerr covers the whole of the stage effortlessly giving the crowd exactly what they want calling out his usual catchphrase "let me see your hands" and the audience responds with hundreds of pairs of hands shooting up in the air applauding along to the music. The unmistakable intro to "Waterfront" started up and a whole bunch of 30-40 something years old fans like myself got carried away with the excitement of the show, seeing Simple Minds at such close proximity in a much smaller venue than usual was just such an awesome experience. A stunning version of "New Gold Dream" and the ever popular "Alive and Kicking" ended their set with the crowd again with their arms in the air waving them from side to side as instructed by Jim, however this was not to be the end as the 3000 strong crowd demanded more and the band obliged with a four song encore ending with Ghost-Dancing from the 1985 album "Once Upon a Time".
The Bowling For Soup "Party in Your Pants" tour rolls into Bournemouth on their penultimate date of a 10 date UK tour, the newly renamed and rebranded O2 Academy is absolutely packed with excited fans waiting to see what their favourite band has to offer. Mc Lars takes to the stage in front on a huge video screen, the seven piece band immediately get a great reception from the audience with many of them seemingly familiar with their material such as "Ahab" which is all about the whale from the film Moby Dick and the song features a sample from Oxford band "Supergrass". Jaret Reddick from Bowling For Soup joins the band on the stage much to the delight of everyone to add vocals to "Download this Song" which features another sample, this time from Iggy Pop's "The Passenger". The band mix rap and rock in a new fresh way along the lines of the Beastie Boys and have a excellent entertaining live show which seemed to have gained the some more new fans tonight.
Before Zebrahead even took to the stage the vast major of the crowd started to chant their name and it got louder and louder until they eventually arrived on stage to an amazing reception. The atmosphere in the place was absolutely electric as the band started their set , lead vocalist Ali Tabatabaee paced around the stage getting everybody in the audience fired up and a huge mosh pit soon developed in the middle of the dance floor, at one point Ali requested the everybody in the venue sit down on the floor and on his mark made everybody jump up in the air, which was quite a sight. The highlight of the set was a great version of Avril Lavgine's hit "Girlfriend" which includes a hilarious large Avril Lavgine look-a-like in drag dancing around the stage flirting with the band members. Mixing rap with ska and Punk "Anthem" proved to be probably the best track of the night. Zebrahead should be immensely proud of themselves to get such an amazing reaction as they did tonight that the did almost blowing the headliners off stage.
The lights go down and Jaret Reddick and Erik Chandler appear on the huge video screen from the dressing room to introduce a fan based competition with hilarious consequences, the video stops the intro music starts and there they are everybody's favourite punk rock comedy heroes live on stage in Bournemouth, kicking off with "The Bitch Song" the audience sing the words right back at them. Chris Burney possibly the largest guitarist in the world as well as playing guitar is doing tricks with his plectrums throwing them up in the air with his elbow and then catching them. The crowd are treated to tracks from the new album 10th studio album "Sorry For Partyin" including the hilarious "My Wena" and "Hooray For Beer" which both have great video footage featured on the huge video screen behind the stage. During one track "Ohio(Come Back to Texas) the whole band leave the stage mid song and are replaced by another band who just carry on playing. Bowling for Soup really know how to entertain and put on an awesome show full of fun and surprises with even a Katy Perry cover thrown in to the set. During the encore the band play " A Really Cool Dance Song" and are joined on stage by all of the support bands, which makes for a really crowded stage with them all dancing and singing together. The encores see the whole crowd singing along to the classic "1985", the band who have clearly had lots of fun tonight thanked the audience for their support and left the stage to a massive warm reception, sending everybody home with huge smiles on their faces.
