Category Archives: GIG REVIEWS

Gig review: EAGLES – Wembley Stadium, London, 23 June 2019

EAGLES- Wembley Stadium, London, 23 June 2019

Of the many celebrity deaths in the annus horribilis of 2016, that of Glenn Frey saddened me more than most, not least as a reminder you should see your heroes before they go (or you do first!) Only a couple … Continue reading

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Gig review: BILLY JOEL – Wembley Stadium, 22 June 2019

BILLY JOEL- Wembley Stadium, 22 June 2019

For most of my life I had little interest in seeing Billy Joel. I knew all his big hit singles and that he was revered as a singer-songwriter and pianist with a long history, almost like America’s answer to Elton … Continue reading

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Gig review: THE WATERBOYS – Auditorio Burjassot, Valencia, Spain, 28 June 2019

Gig review: THE WATERBOYS - Auditorio Burjassot, Valencia, Spain, 28 June 2019

If the legend that is Andy Nathan can report on an AOR convention from Sweden, surely, I can cover The Waterboys from Spain… This outdoor arena on the outskirts of Valencia was a steeply banked affair with a rigid cantilevered roof open … Continue reading

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Gig review: BON JOVI – Wembley Stadium, London, 21 June 2019

BON JOVI - Wembley Stadium, London, 21 June 2019

For many years Bon Jovi were the kings of the stadium show in the UK and on their frequent visits to these shores I would even attend more than one show on the tour. This high profile also seemed  to … Continue reading

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Gig review: GEORDIE – The Cluny, Newcastle, 7 June 2019

Geordie - GREAT BRITISH ROCK & BLUES FESTIVAL – Butlins, Skegness, 18 – 20 January 2019

Smiles abounded on and off-stage at The Cluny for the triumphant homecoming for Geordie. Still featuring founder members bassist Tom Hill and drummer Brian Gibson, the two reminded us right from the off what a ‘proper’ classic rock rhythm section … Continue reading

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Gig review: P!NK – Wembley Stadium, 30 June 2019

P!nk may not be a name you’d necessarily associate with rock, however the warm-up DJ KidCutUp mixed a fair few classic rock tunes into his set plus a nice touch to have Freddie Mercury’s ‘Ay oh’ in the mix, made … Continue reading

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Gig review: GARY CLARK JR. – Albert Hall, Manchester, 18 June 2019

GARY CLARK JR. – Albert Hall, Manchester, 18 June 2019

Gary Clark Jr. is a man out of time, resplendent in battered denim and wide brimmed hat he is the embodiment of the classic blues man. Immediately launching into 2012 single ‘Bright Lights’ and demonstrating deep, smoking guitar chops that … Continue reading

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Gig review: DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL- Donington Park, Leicestershire, 14-15 June 2019

Def Leppard

The fact that Download ranks alongside the very largest of all the UK festivals is tribute to the enduring, if underground, popularity of metal and heavy rock  in all its forms. However in some quarters it gets a bad rap, … Continue reading

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Gig review: TESLA – Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 16 June 2019

Gig review: TESLA – Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 16 June 2019

No surprise to see a healthy crowd in on this damp Sunday evening to see Wayward Sons. The band has been cutting a noteworthy profile since its establishment in 2016 and already a second album is in the can. ‘Don’t … Continue reading

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Gig review: TOTO – Royal Chelsea Hospital, London, 13 June 2019

TOTO- Royal Chelsea Hospital, London, 13 June 2019

In the ever more crowded gigging season, a fresh trend over the last few years has been for London’s finest historic settings to be used for concerts. Following in the footsteps of Hampton Court and Greenwich is now a short … Continue reading

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Gig review: LAST IN LINE – Islington Academy, London, 12 June 2019

Last in Line have reached the same crossroads as the Black Star Riders did a few years ago. Originally put together by former bandmates to honour the memory of an iconic frontman, what then happens when you want to start … Continue reading

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Gig review: CAMDEN ROCKS FESTIVAL – Camden Town, London, 1-2 June 2019

Gig review: CAMDEN ROCKS FESTIVAL – Camden Town, London, 1-2 June 2019

This annual gathering, wedged tightly into the crammed streets of central north London, has been on the go since 2009. It started with 25 bands and 5 venues. This year over 400 acts will be appearing across 20 stages. Saturday … Continue reading

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Gig review: STYX – London Palladium, 4 June 2019

STYX- London Palladium, 4 June 2019

It’s been eight long years since Styx last crossed the pond and on that occasion they opened a three way battle of the AOR behemoths with Foreigner and Journey, and for many observers stole the show. This belated return was … Continue reading

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Gig review: MAGNUM – Aberdare Coliseum, 5 June 2019

MAGNUM - Aberdare Coliseum, 5 June 2019

With more venues in South Wales falling by the wayside, it is refreshing to see someone taking  a gamble, especially in the valleys and in the middle of the week, but the old adage of book them and they will … Continue reading

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Gig review: SWEDISH AOR CONVENTION – Malmo, Sweden, 30 May-2 June 2019

State of Salazar

Melodic rock and AOR is an unlikely addition to the list of things-  ergonomic design, environmental awareness, and dark crime dramas- where Scandinavia leads the world.  The scene is particularly strong in Sweden, home of many of my favourite bands … Continue reading

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Gig review: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Regent Theatre, Stoke, 7 June 2019

When it comes to cult theatre, the grand daddy of them all refuses to go away. Fully some 46 years after it made its debut at a small upstairs space at the Royal Court Theatre in London, Richard O’Brien’s homage … Continue reading

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Gig review: VINCENT FLATTS FINAL DRIVE – Kings Head Theatre, London, 7 June 2019

VIncent Flatts Fina Drive by Cath

There ‘s something indefinable about the true spirit of rock and rock. And whatever it is, Vincent Flatts Final Drive front man Steve “Bertie” Burton has it in buckets. It’s not just the spontaneous humour, the belligerent phrasing, the way … Continue reading

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Gig review: ERIC GALES – Nell’s Jazz & Blues, London, 5 June 2019

Eric Gales at Nells by Ryan Swanich

An evening with Eric Gales is like a rock-blues therapy session. Every song is analysed, the crowd’s response is measured, the autobiographical stories are analytical in nature and the short burst of incendiary guitar are the proof of his God … Continue reading

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Gig review: ROCKIN THE BLUES 2019 – JONNY LANG/WALTER TROUT/KRIS BARRAS – 02 Forum, London, 4 June 2019

Johnny Lange, Walter Trout & Kris barras by rockrpix

Whatever Provogue records original vision was for their annual European Rockin’ The Blues’ tour, it could surely not have been much better than this. Put simply, in terms of passion, energy and balance, tonight’s triple bill delivers different shades of … Continue reading

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Gig review: BEARDED THEORY’S SPRING GATHERING – Catton Park, Derbyshire, 23 – 26 May 2019

Life, Love and Unity. The Dreadzone motto of “Life, love and unity” has never been more perfectly exemplified  than at Bearded Theory’s Spring Gathering.  It’s a philosophy that seems to be embraced by the Beardy tribe.  Fields full of friendly folk, a fantastic line up, … Continue reading

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Gig review: MARTIN BARRE BAND (50 Years of Jethro Tull) – Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral, 2 June 2019

MARTIN BARRE BAND (50 Years of Jethro Tull) – Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral, 2 June 2019

The International Guitar Festival Of Great Britain, held annually for many years, has been a showcase for some of the world’s finest players. Sadly, it has lost its focus a little in recent years with acts appearing that have no … Continue reading

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Gig review: BUCK & EVANS – 100 Club, London, 27 May 2019

BUCK & EVANS- 100 Club, London, 27 May 2019

Buck and Evans define the term ‘critically acclaimed’ in that anyone who has come into contact with their music has universally praised them.  However, a good four years since I last saw them (at Highbury Garage) progress has been slow. … Continue reading

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Gig review: DAXX AND ROXANE/ COLLATERAL – Borderline, London, 18 May 2019

COLLATERAL- Borderline, London, 18 May 2019

In the run up to this Borderline show came the sad news that this long-established venue is closing, leaving Central London with almost no rock venues. This reflects a wider trend of losing places that host  live music,  which is … Continue reading

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Gig review: MOTT THE HOOPLE 74 – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 26 April 2019

MOTT THE HOOPLE 74 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 26 April 2019

A Mott the Hoople reunion, which some said would never happen, has now done so three times. A decade ago the five members of their classic early seventies line-up reformed for a series of shows at Hammersmith which were emotional … Continue reading

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Gig review: THE WILDHEARTS – Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh, 4 May 2019

THE WILDHEARTS - Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh, 4 May 2019

In the spirit of those bastions of journalism The Sun and The Star I am going to start the review with a sensational headline ‘Wildhearts Mime On Stage Shocker!!’. Fake news I hear you cry, but no this really did … Continue reading

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