Faster Pussycat - Saturday 29th October 2011, Camden Underworld

I recently read a magazine review of a Faster Pussycat concert in USA where the journalist suggested that "it was time for this cat to be put down". Now it might have been something to do with him not liking their 2009 album - "The Power and the Glory Hole" being drastically different to their self titled album of 1987. However unlike their peers at least they have updated their sound and so try not to live on past glories (unlike some bands I could mention). For the record Faster Pussycat are my favourite band of all time. They never really toured the UK in their heyday (although they toured here in 1987 with Gun's N Roses - which I missed). However they have certainly made up for it recently. To give them their dues, in the last 9 years they have toured the UK 6 times and on each occasion I have seen them (and not just in London). As a point to note Taime Downe's is the only original member of Faster Pussycat left. (Anyone remember Brent Muscat & Eric Stacey's version that toured the UK in 2007?) However saying that I've always left each gig slightly disappointed due to them either playing a short set or not playing enough of their old songs. So what was I going to expect tonight? Well the omens didn't look good from the start with a virtually empty Underworld. I guess all the glam fans were at Alexandra Palace to see Alice Cooper. However by 9.15pm there were approximately 100 fans to witness 70 minutes of the best Faster Pussycat gig I have seen. As the intro played ('Bye Bye Bianca'), Danny Nordahl (bass), Xristian Simon (guitar) and new boy Ace Von Johnson (guitar - replacing Michael Thomas) were centre stage horns aloft. They then went straight into 'Jack the Bastard' off Whipped album. Out came Taime, standing there in his rock star pose looking the epitome of cool with his (un lit) cigarette. He never did smoke that cigarette (I think he has given up smoking!)
Anyway you know already that this was an awesome performance so rather than trying to add more superlatives to describe how good this concert was, I'll just give you a run down of the songs they played (certainly a mixture of old & new):
Jack the Bastard, Cathouse, Slip of the Tongue, No1 with a Bullet, Sex Drugs & Rock N Roll, House of Pain, Nonstop to Nowhere, In Denial (a Newlydeads song), Don't Change That Song, Porn Star, Bathroom Wall, Pretty Fucked Up (a Supersuckers cover sung by Danny Nordahl), Shut Up & Fuck and Babylon. *Note* - they might have played Where there's a Whip....I can't remember.
I cannot finish the review without mentioning the ever reliable Chad Stewart on drums and the excellent musicianship of the others. On a final note this is the first time I've seen Taime really happy (smiling a lot and taking the piss out of our English accents!!) Normally he can be aloof but when he sat on the monitors at the front of the stage (during House of Pain) it appeared to me he was genuinely enjoying himself. He also thanked the crowd a couple of times for coming out, which was appreciated by me.
Best concert of 2011 so far.

 











Alice Cooper & New York Dolls - Thursday 27 October 2011 - Birmingham NIA

For those observant amongst you this review takes place in Birmingham and not London. This is because the London date is the same day as Faster Pussycat play in London and as they are my all time favourite band I cannot miss them. So with this dilemma I decided to make my way up to Birmingham to experience 'Alice Cooper's Halloween Night of Fear'. Having seen Alice twice before in the last 18 months (Sonisphere Festival 2010 & Download 2011) and been impressed by the show he put on, I decided to go and see him again. It is only recently I have rediscovered his great music again. Having bought the Alice Cooper Fan Pack and suitable impressed by "Welcome 2 My Nightmare", I was looking forward to another entertaining show.
Before that however we had 50 minutes of New York Dolls. Now those who read my blog where I saw them in Toronto, know that I enjoyed them and would like to see them again. Not realising at the time that 4 months later I would get that opportunity to see them in England. This time I was much closer to the stage and thoroughly enjoyed their 'Special Guests' slot. Highlights for me were 'Cause I Sez So', 'Dance Like a Monkey', 'Pills' and 'Personality Crisis'. Both David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain took turns to introduce the songs and seem to be enjoying their time on stage. As a side point, what was with Johansen's lyric book stand? All he did was randomly flick through the pages and not read them!
Before Alice came on the crowd got to choose the best fancy dress from a line up of individuals. Needless to say someone dressed up as the Devil won the cash prize. Who said Heavy Metal fans are fickle?
Finally Alice took to the stage. Apart from the entertaining stage show the other reason on going to the concert was to see him indoors rather than at a festival and to get up close to the stage. I got fairly near to the stage which was good however the stage show was an exact copy of the Download festival earlier in the summer! For me that was a bit disappointing as I was expecting something a bit different song wise or stage show. Of course we couldn't have an Alice show without the props such as the guillotine, Frankenstein's monster, confetti, dollars and batons. And of course we couldn't have an Alice show without the songs; 'I'm Eighteen', 'Billion Dollar Babies', 'No More Mr Nice Guy', 'Poison' 'School's Out' and 'Elected'. He played 1 song from the new album, 'I'll Bite Your Face Off' and my favourite Alice song 'Hey Stoopid'. Alice has got a great band behind him these days; Steve Hunter (who played on the original Welcome To My Nightmare), Tommy Henriksen and Orianthi on guitars, Chuck Garric on bass and Glen Sobel on drums. Incidentally the drum solo was brilliant - but I would say that being a drummer! After set closers 'School's Out' and 'Elected' the show was over. A good concert but it was all too similar to his Download performance 5 months prior. Here's hoping that he will change the order of his set list in time for Bloodstock 2012!
Setlist: Vincent Price intro, The Black Widow, Brutal Planet, I'm Eighteen, Under My Wheels, Billion Dollar Babies, No More Mr Nice Guy, Hey Stoopid, Is It My Body, Halo of Flies, I'll Bite Your Face Off, Muscle of Love, Only Women Bleed, Cold Ethyl, Feed My Frankenstein, Clones (We're All), Poison, Wicked Young Man, Killer, I Love the Dead, School's Out (including Another Brick in the Wall) and Elected.

Alice Cooper - Halloween Night of Fear - UK Tour 2011

Alice Cooper - Birmingham October 2011



Alice Cooper Band on stage - Birmingham 2011



LA Guns (Phil Lewis) - Sunday 9th October 2011, Camden Underworld

A few months after Tracii Guns version of LA Guns, Camden gets another visit from LA Guns. This version consisted of Phil Lewis (vocals) and Steve Riley (drums), 2 original members and to my mind the better version of LA Guns currently doing the rounds. Phil Lewis's LA Guns last played London 3 years ago at the slightly larger venue of Islington Academy. However for a Sunday night a respectable London crowd were in attendance to see if this version could cut it. Starting off with 'It Don't Mean Nothing', Phil Lewis hit the stage wearing a Venetian(?) mask. Not sure of the significance of that, but it was soon removed  for 'Gypsy Soul'. This was swiftly followed by 'Sex Action', 'Never Enough' and 'Over The Edge'. Clearly Phil was enjoying himself, asking the crowd if it "sounds alright or what". Actually the sound was good for the Underworld. Of course this would only be expected from Steve Riley clear drum sound and Stacey Blades guitar playing. However the poor guy nearly had a tantrum when his guitar cut out on 'I Wanna Be Your Man'. It was good to see Phil offer him a hug saying these things happen and he shouldn't get too upset about it. It's a live gig, these things happens! To my mind it adds to the unpredictability of the show. We also got 'Vampire', 'My Koo Ka Choo' and 'Nothing Better to Do' with the clearly excitable bassist, Scotty Griffin taking over lead vocals. Phil returned for 'Sleazy Come Easy Go' and 'Showdown (Riot on Sunset). Phil couldn't help but have a dig at Tracii's version of LA Guns (now they have a female vocalist) likening them to a karaoke band! Ouch!! Anyway back to the music, Steve Riley performed a drum solo. It was good to see him take the spot light as in my opinion he is far too underrated. Now was the homeward straight of  'Electric Gypsy', lighters out for 'The Ballad of Jayne' and finishing off with a riotous 'Rip And Tear'. We were given an encore of 'No Mercy' and sadly it was all over. Come back soon LA Guns (Phil Lewis version).



Phil Lewis - LA Guns



Stacey Blades  - LA Guns

High Voltage Festival - Saturday 23 July, Victoria Park, London

Having missed last years inaugural Festival due to a hit and miss 2 day line I decided that this year would be the one to go to. Being a keen reader of Classic Rock magazine I was waiting for them to announce the headliners for both Saturday & Sunday. Soon as I heard that Judas Priest would headline on Saturday I decided to get my ticket. The rest of the bands on that day were a bit special as well.
So on a warm Saturday morning I ventured to East London.On arrival, apart from the main stage, there was the Metal Hammer stage and the Prog stage. However the main action was on the Main stage.

First up was Michael Monroe. Having seen him last year at the Download Festival I was looking forward to seeing him again. At precisely 1.30pm he kicked up a half an hour set with 'Trick Of The Wrist'. We had a couple of Hanoi Rocks, a couple of Demolition 23 songs, Dregen from Backyard Babies on guitar, him scaling the scaffolding and finishing off with 'Dead, Jail or Rock N' Roll. Another energetic and entertaining performance.

Skin were next, however I missed most of their set but heard the last 2 numbers, 'Tower Of Strength' and Shine Your Light'. A reliable performance by all accounts.



Next up was Queensryche. I hadn't seem them since 1991 Monsters of Rock Festival so I was looking forward to them. These days even though Geoff Tate is sporting the bald head  he certainly hasn't lost his voice. Although the sound was bit suspect in places, for me the highlights were 'I Don't Believe In Love', 'Jet City Woman', 'Empire' and finishing off with 'Eyes Of A Stranger'. It was a pity they finished 10 minutes early as they could've played another song. Magnificent!

Thin Lizzy were up next. Ricky Warwick has got it spot on, all the songs sounding great. And as you expect they played all the hits including 'Waiting For An Alibi, 'Jailbreak' and 'Dancing in the Moonlight (with Michael Monroe on an inaudible saxophone!). Of course we had 'Wiskey in the Jar', 'The Boys Are Back In Town', 'Rosalie' and finally finishing off with 'Black Rose'. Another magnificent performance.

Slash played for 1 hour, and to be selfish all I wanted to hear were Guns N' Roses song. I did, and I got 4 of them. A one two of  Nighttrain' followed by 'Rocket Queen'. Of course we had 'Sweet Child of Mine' and finally finishing off with 'Pardise City'. We all know that Myles Kennedy is no Axl Rose but he still made a good job. As an extra bonus for me he played Velvet Revolver's 'Slither'. A solid show.

Finally at 8.35pm Judas Priest hit the main stage. They played songs from their 30+year career. Obviously with no KK Downing on guitar, I was curious to see if Richie Faulkner was as adequate replacement. And I hate to say it in my opinion he was just a good. Highlights for me included 'Metal Gods', 'Prophecy', ' Night Crawler' and 'Turbo Lover'. Rob Halford got the crowd to sing 'Breaking the Law' in it's entirety which I thought was a right cop out. Sadly by the end of 'Painkiller' I had to leave which  meant I missed the encores of 'Hell Bent for Leather', 'You've Got Another Thing Comin' and 'Living After Midnight'.

To sum up this was a good one day festival. Same again next year I hope.

Motley Crue & Poison & New York Dolls - Tuesday 28th June 2011, Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto Canada

When I first heard about this concert a few months back I thought what a fantastic package. Two of my favourite bands touring together. Like most glam heads out there, I would never in a million years think these 2 bands would tour together. Yet here it was in 2011 a 30+ date tour of America (and 1 in Canada). Of course this tour would never reach London, let alone the UK, so my only chance to see them was to fly over there. This was an opportunity too good to miss. The last time I saw Poison play in London was in 1993 at the Hammersmith Odeon. So this was my chance to see them play a (short) greatest hit set as 'very special guests' to Motley Crue. I've seen Motley Crue twice in the last 2 years. Firstly at last years Sonisphere Festival and secondly at Download Festival the year before. So my real intention on going was to see Poison.

I decided to choose Toronto to see the gig. After persuading my girlfriend to join me, I booked the tickets (not the greatest seats I must add as all the best ones had long gone - hence the lack of close up photo's), we flew out a few days beforehand for some sightseeing. On the day of the concert I got there in good time to see New York Dolls. Not a massive crowd to start of but the venue started to soon fill up. Couldn't tell you any of the songs as I'm not a fan of them but I was pleasantly surprised. I would certainly go and see them again.

Then (for me) the main band of the evening....Poison. They were celebrating 25 years so I new they would play all their hits. It started of what looked like a Poison roadie in a hoodie spray painting Rikki Rocket's double bass drum. It was in fact him! After jumping behind his kit, out came CC Deville playing the opening riffs to 'Look What The Cat Dragged In! Out of the wings soon followed Bobby Dall and Bret Michael's (in his customary cowboy hat).This was quickly followed by 'I Want  Action', 'Ride The Wind' and 'Your Mama Don't Dance'. We had an unnecessary guitar solo from CC. I know that he's an very underrated player, but with only a 50 min set they could've skipped the solo for another song. Never mind, all was forgiven when they continued with 'Fallen Angel' and 'Unskinny Bop'. We then had Rikki's drum solo. This I enjoyed being a drummer myself. They then slowed it down for 'Every Rose Has It's Thorn', finally picking up the pace for the final 2 songs 'Talk Dirty To Me' and of course 'Nothin' But a Good Time'. And that was the Poison show done. Was it worth it flying all those miles to see them, you bet it was!

   

Now could Motley Crue top that? Of course, their 15 strong set was also greatest hits set voted by their fans (including me). I knew the set list before it started and I knew about Tommy Lee's rollercoster drum solo. After seeing it, they need to bring this over to the UK! All 4 members were on top of their game, even Vince Neil's vocals, which can be hit or miss at the best of times was singing most of the words. Mick Mars guitar playing was awesome (and a great sound), Nikki Sixx is a bass monster, prowling the stage, and Tommy Lee can certainly

wack those drums. Did I mention the songs, well you can check the full list at the end of my blog. However they started of with 'Wild Side', finished with 'Kickstart My Heart' and in between played my girlfriend's favourite 'Too Young to Fall in Love'.

 

So who came out top? Honours are even in my opinion. Now wouldn't it be great if these 2 bands played Wembley Arena next year? Here's hoping. 

Motley Crue setlist: Wild Side, Saints of Los Angeles, Live Wire, Shout at the Devil, Same Ol' Situation, Primal Scream, Home Sweet Home, Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away), Looks That Kill, Dr Feelgood, Too Young to Fall in Love, Ten Seconds to Love, Girls,Girls,Girls, Smokin' in the Boys Room and Kickstart My Heart.

Cinderella - Saturday 25th June, Shepherds Bush Empire, London

The last time I saw Cinderella was back in 1991 on the Heartbreak Station Tour at the Hammersmith Odeon. 20 years later and celebrating their 25th Anniversary Tour, they returned to a sell out crowd at the Empire. Now, early this year Bon Jovi announced a London date in Hyde Park as part of Hard Rock Calling for the 25th June. As I missed their residency at the O2 Arena last year I decided to go as I hadn't seen them for years. I purchased my ticket and updated my diary. Then a month ago Cinderella announced a one off date in London on the 25th June. The same day as Bon Jovi was playing! Now we have a dilemma. What concert does one go to? No contest really. I sold my Bon Jovi and bought my ticket for Cinderella! Did I make the right choice? Absolutely! So on a hot Saturday evening at a packed Empire I waited for their first London show in over 20 years. As with their appearance at the Download Festival in 2010, Cinderella still consist of all 4 original members, Tom Keifer (vocals, guitar, piano & saxophone), Jeff LaBar (guitar), Eric Brittngham (bass) and Fred Coury (drums). They were one of the highlights of Download so I was looking forward to seeing them playing again especially as this was a headline set. Starting of with "Once Around the Ride"  from Night Songs they proceeded to play a 13 song set culled from their first 3 albums, the aforementioned Night Songs, Long Cold Winter and Heartbreak Station. Tom Keifer's voice was top class, the problems he has had with his vocal cords a distant memory. A surprise early in the set of  "Shake Me" was soon followed by "Heartbreak Station", "Somebody Save Me" and "Night Songs".  There was a mid set of lull of "Coming Home" and a surprise inclusion of  "Second Wind". When a roadie wheeled out a piano we knew it was time for "Don't Know what You Got (Till It's Gone)" and cue for a mass singalong. The pace then picked up again with "Nobody's Fool" and Gypsy Road". 2 encores followed of  "Long Cold Winter" and set closer of "Shelter Me". Tom's parting words was that they would return, hopefully with a full UK tour this time.
A point to note, Cinderella were supported by Houston. Great AOR sounding band. Check 'em out.
Another point to note, I heard that Bon Jovi played a good gig as well.



Cinderalla Live at Download 2010



LA Guns - Thursday 23rd June 2011 - Camden Underworld, London

This was the second visit for Tracii Guns' version of LA Guns to the Underworld in the last 6 months. Previously I gave them an glowing review. So on the back of that I decided to go again.Would I be so generous this time? Sadly no is the answer. I read that Gypsy Pistoleros had invited them over and that the Pistoleros would be their support, but they failed to play that night. However despite their non show, for me it was a case of familiarity breeds contempt, as I was disappointed by LA Guns's performance. We still had Jizzy Pearl on vocals but there was a change in the rhythm section. Back was Jeremy Guns on bass and a new drummer, Doni Gray. They played a similar set to last time such as LA Guns stalwart favourites of; "Electric Gypsy", "Never Enough", "Face Down", "Bitch Is Back", "The Ballad Of Jayne" and set closer of "Rip and Tear". We even had the same 2 Love/Hate songs, "Black Out" & "Spinning Wheel"! Come on guys, you could have played "Tumbleweed". However unlike last time the Underworld was only half full, despite it being a Thursday night. Those who were down the front seemed to be having a good time (perhaps it was due to the copious amount of beer they were drinking!)  One word sums up tonight's performance, disappointing. I'm now looking forward to Phil Lewis's version of LA Guns here in October.

Jizzy Pearl & Tracii Guns

Journey & Foreigner & Styx - Saturday 4th June 2011, Wembley Arena, London

Having seen Journey at the Download Festival in 2009 I was suitably impressed (not just because they played 'that' song) to check them out if they played againg. Therefore when they announced a tour with very special guests Foreigner and Styx, I decided to go. On paper this is an AOR fans wet dream, the likes of which you would never think that this package would make its way over to the UK. And so it did to Wembley Arena on a hot Saturday evening. Never a great venue for acoustics or seeing the band if you are right at the back but all 3 bands put on a great show. Despite being high up near the back (hence no photo's) I had a great view of the stage.
First up at exactly 7pm was Styx. Now I must admit that the only song I new by them was the soppy 'Babe'. Fortunately they did not play it, instead playing their rockier numbers such as 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)', 'Come Sail Away' and 'Miss America'. This may have been due to the twin guitarists James 'JY' Young and Tommy Shaw. I was very impressed and I'm glad I caught all of their set especially as I've never seen a keyboard which spins around at 360 degrees (as ably demonstrated by Lawrence Gowan)!
Next up were Foreigner who played a 1 hour greatest hits set. If I thought Styx were good, Foreigner were even better. Guitarist Mick Jones is the only sole survivor from the original lineup and his guitar playing is superb as ever. Kelly Hansen is lead vocalist these days. not only does he possess a great voice but has a great presence as well. With most of the stage, ramps and visuals on a background video screen at their disposal they certainly put on a fantastic show. Starting off with 'Double Vision', then followed by 'Head Games' this could have been the set picked by their fans. We then had 'Cold as Ice', 'Urgent' and the mandatory ballad 'I Want To Know What Love Is'. By the time they played an encore of 'Juke Box Hero' it felt like Foreigner were the headliners. Magical!
What an act to follow. Were Journey up to it? Sadly in my opinion they were not. Don't get me wrong they were good but maybe their set was a bit too long or I'd seen them before, but for me they lacked a bit of sparkle. However try telling that to 90% of the sold out crowd at Wembley who clearly enjoyed their set. Of course there seems to been a resurgence for Journey due to 'Don't stop Believin' being used on Glee. Starting off with 'Separate Ways' they played an 18 song set ending with 'Lovin',Touchin',Squeezin' to an ecstatic audience. These day's it is Arnel Pineda who is the singer and boy is he good. Not only has he a good set of pipes but a great command of the stage. However he did leave Dean Castronovo to perform lead vocals on 'Mother,Father'. Of course they played 'Don't stop Believin', 'Faithfully' and 'Any Way You Want It'.
Certainly this package was value for money However unlike England (who earlier drew with Switzerland at the Stadium next door), Foreigner were the winners on the night.

T*Rextasy & Aladdinsane - 19th May 2011 - The Orchard, Dartford

First of all I know that Dartford is not in London and secondly the bands I'm reporting on are cover bands playing music from the 1970's! However I don't care as a) it's my blog and I can put what I like in it, b) they both play glam classics and c) I wouldn't get to see them in London. Now that I've got that off my chest let me tell you about the concert.
Two things I noticed when entering The Orchard, firstly it reminded me of a school auditorium (with comfortable seats) and secondly the crowd was off a "mature" age. Neither of this put me off and I was determined to have a good time, and boy did I enjoy myself. As I mentioned these 2 bands were cover bands playing the hits of Marc Bolan (of T Rex) and David Bowie. First up were Aladdinsane who played Bowie songs mainly from 1969-74. The singer dressed like Bowie from this period and certainly sounded like him. Among the songs they played were 'Space Oddity', 'Starman', 'John I'm only dancing', 'Changes', 'Ziggy Stardust','Jean Genie', 'Diamond Dogs', and 'Heroes'. By their final song of  'Rebel Rebel', most people were up off their seats. Thoroughly entertaining and great musicians keeping true to the originals. However my only complaint was that the guitar was not loud enough!
If I thought Aladdinsane were good, T*Rextasy blew them away. Not only were they LOUD, they looked the part especially the Marc Bolan lookalike. They too were excellent musicians. Starting off with '20th Century Boy', they proceeded to play 'Telegram Sam', 'Metal Guru', 'Children of the Revolution', 'I love to Boogie' 'Solid Gold Easy Action' and finishing with 'Get It On'. Suffice to say I spent the whole of their set dancing and playing air guitar! For each band I didn't get their names but you can certainly find them on the net.
I later found out that T*Rextasy will be playing the Islington O2 Academy on 17th September 2011. If you are a fan of T-Rex go and see them, you will not be disappointed. You will certainly see me there.

Tigertailz - Saturday 14th May - Camden Underworld, London

2 songs into their set and Kim Hooker's "knacked"! What is he going to be like at the end of the gig let alone their tour on the 21st! Thankfully we have nothing to worry about as Kim and the rest of Tigertailz make it through a thoroughly entertaining 14 song strong set. The current line includes the aforementioned out of breath Kim Hooker on lead vocals & guitar, along with Jay Pepper on lead guitar & vocals and ludicrous beard, Sarah Firebrand on bass and Robin Guy on drums. They open the show with 'Sick Sex', one of seven songs from the 'Bezerk' album. This was quickly followed by 'Wazbones'. Once we all catch our breath back, they launch into their debut single 'Living Without You' to the delight of a half full Underworld. We get a couple of songs of their latest album - 'Thrill Pistol', namely 'Brain the Sucker and 'Long Live the New Flesh'. We are then treated to a drum solo from the showman that is Robin Guy (ex Rachel Stamp), thankfully not to long but fitted in well in this set. The majority here wanted to hear more off the Bezerk album and we are duly treated with 3 songs in a row. Firstly we had  'Love Overload', then 'Heaven' - dedicated to the late Pepsi Tate. It was good to hear his name being  mentioned more than a couple of times during the concert, showing that his spirit still lives on in Tigertailz, and quite right too. Thirdly we had the audience participation of 'Noise Level Critical' and Kim's fancy footwork!. We are then treated to a Jay Pepper guitar solo - on the back of some samples from Robocop. Now we are on the homeward straight and they finish with 'Call of the Wild'. Due to time constraints we are treated to 1 encore, the unforgettable 'Love Bomb Baby' and it's all over. The band take their bows leaving the stage with big smiles, as do the audience. Snap! Great to see the Welsh glamsters back doing a proper headling tour, it's been a long time boyz.




Kim Hooker - Tigertailz

 Setlist: Sick Sex, Wazbones, Living Without You, I Can Fight Dirty Too, Brain the Sucker, Long Live the New Flesh, Drum Solo, Love Overload, Heaven, Noise Level Critical, Shoot to Kill, Guitar Solo, Tear Your F**ckin Heart out, Dirty Needles, Call of the Wild, and Love Bomb Baby. 

Vain - Monday 4th April 2011 - Purple Turtle, London

Back in 1989 Vain were supporting Skid Row and getting a cover story in Kerrang! magazine. Their album 'No Respect' was a hit due to the single 'Beat The Bullet'. 2 years ago Vain decided to do a 20 year anniversary tour of 'No Respect' with all the original members. Then they played to a packed Camden Underworld. This time they were playing a smaller venue. Sadly without all original members and also without the number of fans. Oh dear not a good start. The first thing that was noticeable when the band walked on stage was that Vain's guitarists were from Deathstars, the instantly recognisable Skinny and the ladies favourite, Cat Casino! Oh dear again! However despite the initial shock both of them fitted in perfectly and played exactly the songs on the records. I later discovered that Skinny was a big Vain fan 20 years ago! For the next 80 minutes they played an entertaining 10 song set, 6 of which were from 'No Respect' the first being 'Who's Watching You'. As usual Davy Vain looked every inch the leader/singer and was on great form despite claiming he was recovering from being unwell. As usual he was telling anecdotes that went on longer than some of his songs! Enjoyable but I'd rather hear more songs. We had 'Love Drug', 'Push', 'Smoke & Mirrors' and 'Whisper'. Davy was proud to say that his band would not take requests as his band is not a requests band. However most of us wanted to hear the songs from 'No Respect' which he duly obliged. We got 'No Respect', 'Secrets' and the aforementioned single, 'Bite the Bullet'. 1 encore of 'Icy' and the gig was over. What a thoroughly enjoyable Monday night's entertainment. Sadly they were never up there with all the other 80's Hair Metal Bands at the time but 'No Respect' is a great album. If you've got it dig it out and give it another listen, if not get it, you'll not be disappointed.

Enuff Z'Nuff - Thursday 9th December 2010 - London Borderline

This was Enuff Z Nuff’s third visit to the UK in 2010. Following on from their joint headlining tour with Faster Pussycat at the beginning of the year and a successful set at Download, they’ve once again returned for a short tour. Having played in London at the Camden Underworld and Camden Barfly, they chose the Borderline to play their intimate London gig. They’ve always had a cult following so it was good to see so many people here to see them (again) in London. Having been delayed arriving at the venue due to the student protests happening in Central London that day, all was forgotten when they opened with “Saturday”. This was swiftly followed by “Baby Loves You” and “We’re Alright”. Two great songs that always get the girls at the front dancing. Donnie Vie was suffering from flu and told us he got an injection in his backside earlier so he could sing tonight. Of course there were plenty of people to assist him vocally throughout their set. Perhaps Chip Z’Nuff had flu as well as he had his scarf on and his coat done up for the entire concert. Still wearing his trademark hat and shades he always looks the coolest musician. Although not 100% fit, by the size of Donnie’s smile, he was clearly delighted to be back in London. After a shot of tequila, he strapped on his guitar, and we were all singing along to “Right By Your Side”. After a cover of The Beatles “Come Together”, there remained only 2 songs left, “Fly High Michelle” and “New Thing”. So after 50 minutes, the gig was over. Short but sweet however they certainly did not disappoint. They said they will return next year, which certainly will not be too soon.

Enuff Z’ Nuff’s set list: Saturday, Baby Loves You, We're All Alright, The Beast, Heaven Or Hell, Right By Your Side, Time To Let You Go, Come Together, Fly High Michelle, New Thing

LA Guns & Pretty Boy Floyd - 5th December 2011 - Camden Underworld

For a cold Sunday night, the turn out at the Underworld was pretty reasonable. Both bands had decided to forgo the Californian sunshine for the artic conditions in England. Sadly the first 2 dates of this tour had to be cancelled due to the snow. Special guests, Pretty Boy Floyd suitably kicked things of with "Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz". Steve "Sex" Summers seemed to be in party mood swigging from a bottle of vodka. He genuinely appeared to be having a good time and this was reciprocated with the crowd who were singing along to their version of Motley Crue's "Toast of the Town". The band including original guitarist Kristy Majors, Criss 6 (bass) and Chad Stewart (drums - who does a double stint every night as he drums for LA Guns straight after), were interacting well with each other. They played all the crowd favourites including "I Wanna Be With You" and
“Rock and Roll (Set The Night On Fire)”, finishing off with a riotous cover version of Beastie Boys "Fight for your Right to Party". Come back soon boys.

There are currently 2 versions of LA Guns doing the rounds at present. This one being Tracii Guns version which included, Jizzy Pearl (vocals - Love/Hate), Danny Nordahl (bass - Faster Pussycat) and the aforementioned Chad Stewart (Faster Pussycat). Jizzy is always an engaging front man and proved he is more than capable of filling Phil Lewis' shoes. They started off with a double punch of 'Electric Gypsy' and Bitch is Back'. More classics followed, 'Never Enough', 'Ballad of Jayne' and 'Sex Action'. Tracii is still a great guitarist and only steps into the spotlight for his solos. A couple of Love/Hate songs were fitted into the set - "Spinning Wheel" and "Black Out in the Red Room". Neither of them seemed out of place with the Guns material and if anything they seemed to compliment it. Jizzy's voice still has that distinct rasp to it. After playing for over an hour, they finished off with an extended encore of "Rip and Tear" which included their version of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door". With big smiles they bid the crowd farewell. Is it too much to see them at Download 2011? Both bands brought a bit of late '80's nostalgia to London and that certainly isn't a bad thing in 2010.

LA Guns set list: Electric Gypsy, Bitch Is Back, Decide, Never Enough, Dreamtime, The Ballad of Jayne, Over The Edge, Spinning Wheel, One More Reason, Black Out In The Red Room, No Mercy, Sex Action, I Just Wanna Have Something To Do, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, Rip and Tear.

 Pretty Boy Floyd set list: Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz, Toast Of The Town, Rock and Roll Outlaws, Saturday Nite, I Wanna Be With You, 48 hours, Your Momma Won't Know, Wild Angels, Rock and Roll (Is Gonna Set The Night On Fire), Fight For Your Right to Party.

80's Metal Bands Live in London UK

Welcome one and all to a new blog - "80's Metal Bands in London". If you used to follow those great Metal/Rock bands from the 1980's, from AC/DC to ZZ Top, who used to play in London, then this is for you. Most of these bands are still performing & touring, and when they hit London to play, then I will review them. I am not a journalist but a music fan who has been into Rock/Metal for nearly 30yrs! My favourite genre is 'Hair Metal Bands' - so my blogs will mainly concentrate on them. Enjoy my blogs....