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.