Not sure how many times it is now that I've seen Saxon live but it's definitely the 3rd that I can remember and it might be even the 4th or 5th but when you go to as many gigs as me it's all a big blur. Anyway I missed Saxon last time so this time with the great Thuderbolt album to play songs off of, I gave them the benefit of the doubt and boy did they deliver!
First up were Wayward Sons. I like these guys. Ballsy English rock. Catchy tunes. Look forward to their next album. Gonna sound old as the hills again but the volume was tooo loud for these guys. Turn it down a bit so we can hear better! They played 30 minutes and were politely received though I don't think to many of the old bastards in the packed Roundhouse knew who they were.
Now Y&T were supposed to be the main support but Dave Meniketti did his back in and they cancelled the whole Euro tour. I was actually looking forward to Y&T when I booked my ticket as it's one of those old timers I can tick off my list but alas that will have to wait for another day or probably never lol, but who knows. Not a big Y&T fan but just to say I've seen'em once at least anyway. So yes they were replaced with ever reliable stalwarts of English AOR, FM. Ok so they were much lighter than the headliners but they just have a perfect sound and Steve Overland is a top notch crooner. I guess some of the old codgers were a bit non plussed by Saxon and the response was a bit muted but I was loving it. Nice bit of dadrock! Second times I'm seeing them this year too. They never disappoint and their songs are all so good. FM FTW!
Finally at dead on 9 the intro for Saxon kicked in and were off....with Thunderbolt the title cut and heavy pounder from their latest LP. Great stuff. It was getting pretty damn sweaty at the front and I was not too far from it about 7-8 rows back. The sound was about twice as loud as it was for FM and I could feel my rib cage rattling to the booming bass. The band sounds as bloody heavy as ever. Biff is 67 but he still commands the stage although the movements are perhaps a little slower hehe! Not to worry they are on tip top form. Both guitarists crunch out the riffs whilst bassman Nibbs Carter is the serial metal lunatic in the band. That dude is a real nutter I tell ya. Playing that rumbling finger bass and head banging for all he's worth non stop whilst mouthing lyrics. A raging ball of things rumbling and bassy!
The songs flowed heavy and fast, slow and moody and pounding. I didn't get my fave track Lionheart but I didn't expect to. I was merely hoping for a deep cut but they mainly play classics and newer cuts. Solid Ball of Rock was a standout for me. Love that banger. I also loved the new cuts most. Sons of Odin and the Motorhead tribute They Played Rock n Roll. Great rocking. They played longa dn I mean long. Just slightly over 2 damn hours and they even squeezed in an extra song.
Saxon still brings it live and look how old Biff is. They've already stated they'll be releasing another album in 2019 since you never know what's round the corner healthwise. They looked ok and I think they can do this for a few more years but once Biff hits 70 well the old bones maybe creaking just that bit too much even if the brain is willing you know what I mean??? lololol!
This setlist is not exact 'cause they played a couple more tunes hence running over but it's close enough.
Thunderbolt
Sacrifice
Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz)
Motorcycle Man
Predator
Strong Arm of the Law
Battering Ram
Play Video
Power and the Glory
Solid Ball of Rock
The Secret of Flight
Dallas 1 PM
They Played Rock and Roll
And the Bands Played On
Never Surrender
747 (Strangers in the Night)
Sons of Odin
Crusader
Princess of the Night
Encore:
The Eagle Has Landed
Heavy Metal Thunder
Encore 2:
Wheels of Steel
Denim and Leather
Friday, 2 November 2018
Kamelot Live
So another gig. Not huge into Kamelot any more but the ticket price was reasonable so I went to this to make it a gig night double after PF.
The gig had 2 support acts. One of them was for tonight’s show only and one was throughout the tour.
First up were Leaves’ Eyes who were supporting throughout the tour on this the penultimate night. I must admit they were fantastic. Seen the band before but always with Liv. This was the first time with the new younger more energetic front lady. She was perfect both in voice and energy shown. The band’s songs translate so well live. A very good 45 min support slot indeed.
Next up were Cellar Darling. One of the dreariest and most boring bands I’ve ever seen. To be honest I just went and got a beer and sat in the lounge area near the bar. You can hear the band being piped in still from there and what a dreary mess of a noise they made.
At the early time of 8:10pm due to a 10pm curfew, Kamelot came on to a hugely packed main floor. 1000 plus crowd easy and last night PF could only half sell the venue they were in. Seems people love Kamelot more and more. It has to be said Tommy is just a great fit for the band and is a godsend after Khan left.
He has the crowd eating out of his hand. There’s a chick singer on stage at times. She does the odd growling vocals needed in the songs and cleans here and there. The band sounds good but it was so bloody packed I was just catching glimpses of them here and there. It was not a perfect gigging experience by any means but I got the gist. The band is solid and Tommy can do live everything he does in the studio. Best songs to me were actually the newer tunes.
Overall I’d have to remind myself to think hard about seeing Kamelot again. Seen twice with Khan in the glory days and twice with Tommy. Probably enough don’t you think?
Either way this same 1000 if not more will be back for them next time as the band seems to be getting only bigger. Leaves’ Eyes were easily the band of the night for me. Next weekend has another 2 gig combo. Namely Saxon and Threshold.
The gig had 2 support acts. One of them was for tonight’s show only and one was throughout the tour.
First up were Leaves’ Eyes who were supporting throughout the tour on this the penultimate night. I must admit they were fantastic. Seen the band before but always with Liv. This was the first time with the new younger more energetic front lady. She was perfect both in voice and energy shown. The band’s songs translate so well live. A very good 45 min support slot indeed.
Next up were Cellar Darling. One of the dreariest and most boring bands I’ve ever seen. To be honest I just went and got a beer and sat in the lounge area near the bar. You can hear the band being piped in still from there and what a dreary mess of a noise they made.
At the early time of 8:10pm due to a 10pm curfew, Kamelot came on to a hugely packed main floor. 1000 plus crowd easy and last night PF could only half sell the venue they were in. Seems people love Kamelot more and more. It has to be said Tommy is just a great fit for the band and is a godsend after Khan left.
He has the crowd eating out of his hand. There’s a chick singer on stage at times. She does the odd growling vocals needed in the songs and cleans here and there. The band sounds good but it was so bloody packed I was just catching glimpses of them here and there. It was not a perfect gigging experience by any means but I got the gist. The band is solid and Tommy can do live everything he does in the studio. Best songs to me were actually the newer tunes.
Overall I’d have to remind myself to think hard about seeing Kamelot again. Seen twice with Khan in the glory days and twice with Tommy. Probably enough don’t you think?
Either way this same 1000 if not more will be back for them next time as the band seems to be getting only bigger. Leaves’ Eyes were easily the band of the night for me. Next weekend has another 2 gig combo. Namely Saxon and Threshold.
Primal Fear Live
The first time with PF for me and what a real solid night of true heavy metal.
First band were Frenchies Existance. I missed some of their set as they were already on stage as I walked in. Not bad. I think I've dismissed them in the past on their studio output but they were a good livener to start things off.
Next up were Riot or Riot V to use this incarnation of the band. THey were truly excellent. Todd Michael Hall screamed like a banshee although he made it all seem so effortless as he strode around the stage doing true metal poses and moves etc. The band was on great form with both guitarists cracking out top leads. I must admit I'm not super huge on the Riot back catalogue but they played songs both old and new. Very enjoyable set of galloping true metal indeed. Oh and special mention to Frank Gilchriest aka The Kraken. The ex Virgin Steele skin basher was a true beast behind his kit. Pounding them to kingdom come!
Finally at 9:25 or so the German powerhouse that is Primal Fear strode confidently on the stage with main man Ralf striding on last as the band launches into opener Final Embrace. This was teh 11th show on the tour so far as Ralf would proclaim later on and the band was in tip top shape. Riffs were scything and cutting through the PA like sharp razors.
Second song Chainbreaker took us back in time to the band's very first classic with song along by the crowd with urgings by Ralf. The crowd was not huge by any means probbaly around 300-350 or so and the venue holds double that easy. Of course that meant there was a bit more room to be comfortable however I was at the front about 3rd row and about 10 or so boisterous guys started moshing and were bumping into the old people trying to enjoy their power metal in peace! I have nothing against moshing at thrash death but at power metal shows it seems a bit stupid to me but I am fucking old don't forget. Problem is I ended up having to fend some drunk idiot who kept slamming in to me all the time. Fucking drunk dickhead. Good job he was eventually taken out to the side by security but that didn't stop the non drunk moshers.
So after about 5-6 songs of watching out for my glasses coming flying off I bailed to the safety of the back to enjoy the rest of the gig. Leave the stupid moshers to it. Even Ralf said from the stage that the moshing was getting a bit out of hand as lots of people were getting bumped into heavily and couldn't really enjoy the show and that they need to be more careful.
Anyway enough complaints and bullshit from me, the rest of the show was there to be enjoyed. Ralf sounded on top form live and it's the first time I'm seeing him as I said. He really channels his inner Halford at times and even uses the same hunched over pose when hitting the highs..
I enjoyed every song played pretty much. Eye of the Storm the epic from Apocalypse was brilliantly sung and played especially the climactic ending. King of Madness from Apocalypse another highlight. Main set closer Metal Is Forever was a rip roaring way to end the show too.
They returned for a 2 song encore featuring the epic Face The Darkness which was a great song and then ending with another pounding oldie in Running in the Dust. I left as the last strains of the last song ended and didn't stay to cheer them off as it was time to leave. It was good to final see the 'Fear live. It's been a bloody long time coming...Hails to Ralf and the boys!
Final Embrace
Chainbreaker
Blood, Sweat & Fear
Face The Emptiness
Hounds of Justice
The Ritual
Under Your Spell
Nuclear Fire
Eye of the Storm
King of Madness
The End Is Near
When Death Comes Knocking
Metal Is Forever
Encore:
Fighting The Darkness
Running In The Dus
First band were Frenchies Existance. I missed some of their set as they were already on stage as I walked in. Not bad. I think I've dismissed them in the past on their studio output but they were a good livener to start things off.
Next up were Riot or Riot V to use this incarnation of the band. THey were truly excellent. Todd Michael Hall screamed like a banshee although he made it all seem so effortless as he strode around the stage doing true metal poses and moves etc. The band was on great form with both guitarists cracking out top leads. I must admit I'm not super huge on the Riot back catalogue but they played songs both old and new. Very enjoyable set of galloping true metal indeed. Oh and special mention to Frank Gilchriest aka The Kraken. The ex Virgin Steele skin basher was a true beast behind his kit. Pounding them to kingdom come!
Finally at 9:25 or so the German powerhouse that is Primal Fear strode confidently on the stage with main man Ralf striding on last as the band launches into opener Final Embrace. This was teh 11th show on the tour so far as Ralf would proclaim later on and the band was in tip top shape. Riffs were scything and cutting through the PA like sharp razors.
Second song Chainbreaker took us back in time to the band's very first classic with song along by the crowd with urgings by Ralf. The crowd was not huge by any means probbaly around 300-350 or so and the venue holds double that easy. Of course that meant there was a bit more room to be comfortable however I was at the front about 3rd row and about 10 or so boisterous guys started moshing and were bumping into the old people trying to enjoy their power metal in peace! I have nothing against moshing at thrash death but at power metal shows it seems a bit stupid to me but I am fucking old don't forget. Problem is I ended up having to fend some drunk idiot who kept slamming in to me all the time. Fucking drunk dickhead. Good job he was eventually taken out to the side by security but that didn't stop the non drunk moshers.
So after about 5-6 songs of watching out for my glasses coming flying off I bailed to the safety of the back to enjoy the rest of the gig. Leave the stupid moshers to it. Even Ralf said from the stage that the moshing was getting a bit out of hand as lots of people were getting bumped into heavily and couldn't really enjoy the show and that they need to be more careful.
Anyway enough complaints and bullshit from me, the rest of the show was there to be enjoyed. Ralf sounded on top form live and it's the first time I'm seeing him as I said. He really channels his inner Halford at times and even uses the same hunched over pose when hitting the highs..
I enjoyed every song played pretty much. Eye of the Storm the epic from Apocalypse was brilliantly sung and played especially the climactic ending. King of Madness from Apocalypse another highlight. Main set closer Metal Is Forever was a rip roaring way to end the show too.
They returned for a 2 song encore featuring the epic Face The Darkness which was a great song and then ending with another pounding oldie in Running in the Dust. I left as the last strains of the last song ended and didn't stay to cheer them off as it was time to leave. It was good to final see the 'Fear live. It's been a bloody long time coming...Hails to Ralf and the boys!
Final Embrace
Chainbreaker
Blood, Sweat & Fear
Face The Emptiness
Hounds of Justice
The Ritual
Under Your Spell
Nuclear Fire
Eye of the Storm
King of Madness
The End Is Near
When Death Comes Knocking
Metal Is Forever
Encore:
Fighting The Darkness
Running In The Dus
Friday, 21 September 2018
3 more gigs
Too lazy to post about gigs.
I saw Tremonti back in late June. That was an awesome show. In fact it was so awesome that Tremonti is coming back in December and I've booked again. The support band were sucky for this gig but damn mark and the boys rock like bad asses.
A few days before Maiden I saw UK melodic rockers Vega. They were solid and enjoyable. Midnite City the support band were ok but I find them way overrated.
And finally the mighty Iron Maiden was the last gig I've been to on the 10th of August. I've seen them well into double figures now though I've lost count so I can't be sure. They were as usually bloody brilliant. Maiden never fails.
My schedule for the end of the year is as follows. It'll be 37 gigs for the year. Not as good as last year's record 44. Might add a couple more here and there who knows but some great gigs to look forward to.
Thu, 11 Oct - Primal Fear - Dome, Tufnell Park
Fri, 12 Oct - Kamelot - Koko
Fri, 19 Oct - Saxon - Roundhouse
Sun, 21 Oct - Threshold - Dome, Tufnell Park
Sat, 03 Nov 2018 - Slayer - Wembley Arena
Mon, 12 Nov 2018 - Powerwolf - Koko
Tue, 13 Nov 2018 - Within Temptation - Brixton Academy
Sat, 17 Nov 2018 - Power Quest - Camden Underworld
Nov, 30 Nov 2018 - The Night Flight Orchestra - Camden Underworld
Tue, 04 Dec 2018 - Tremonti - Forum
Thu, 06 Dec 2018 - Def Leppard - O2 Arena
Sat, 08 Dec 2018 - Nightwish - Wembley Arena
Sun, 16 Dec 2018 - Revocation - Camden Underworld
I saw Tremonti back in late June. That was an awesome show. In fact it was so awesome that Tremonti is coming back in December and I've booked again. The support band were sucky for this gig but damn mark and the boys rock like bad asses.
A few days before Maiden I saw UK melodic rockers Vega. They were solid and enjoyable. Midnite City the support band were ok but I find them way overrated.
And finally the mighty Iron Maiden was the last gig I've been to on the 10th of August. I've seen them well into double figures now though I've lost count so I can't be sure. They were as usually bloody brilliant. Maiden never fails.
My schedule for the end of the year is as follows. It'll be 37 gigs for the year. Not as good as last year's record 44. Might add a couple more here and there who knows but some great gigs to look forward to.
Thu, 11 Oct - Primal Fear - Dome, Tufnell Park
Fri, 12 Oct - Kamelot - Koko
Fri, 19 Oct - Saxon - Roundhouse
Sun, 21 Oct - Threshold - Dome, Tufnell Park
Sat, 03 Nov 2018 - Slayer - Wembley Arena
Mon, 12 Nov 2018 - Powerwolf - Koko
Tue, 13 Nov 2018 - Within Temptation - Brixton Academy
Sat, 17 Nov 2018 - Power Quest - Camden Underworld
Nov, 30 Nov 2018 - The Night Flight Orchestra - Camden Underworld
Tue, 04 Dec 2018 - Tremonti - Forum
Thu, 06 Dec 2018 - Def Leppard - O2 Arena
Sat, 08 Dec 2018 - Nightwish - Wembley Arena
Sun, 16 Dec 2018 - Revocation - Camden Underworld
Thursday, 21 June 2018
Stone Free Festival 2018
After last year's Stone Free Festival ended up being such a fun day, it really was a no-brainer to attend this year's version. Especially considering the line up being so enticing. Well mainly the two headliners being Scorpions and Megadeth I should add. Megadeth I've seen countless times but this was my debut with the German hard rock stalwarts.
The day always starts very early at the fest and I got to the Arena at 11.45 am in time to check the first band Nitroville at 12pm sharp. To my surprise and actual delight, the free stage or Orange Amp stage was built outside the main Arena foyer. This was a welcome change as the early comers get to see the early bands with a proper outdoor festival feel.
The lady fronted Nitroville were pretty solid. I actually thought they were going to be a bit better than they ended up being. When I heard them on youtube I thought they were going to be more up my street than they ended up being if you catch my drift.
After they finished I milled around for a while and waited for Killit. I really enjoyed this band. They had great heavy riffs and decent song writing. Really really good rocking stuff and a cool chick guitarist. Good solid, rocking metal all round.
Meanwhile inside the Indigo, two bands had already played. namely Pete Spiby and The Beats Alls and The Picturebooks. Like...who??? Can't see every band so these guys got the heave ho.
My first visit inside the Indigo resulted in catching about 2 song from rousing rock 'n rollers Triggerfinger who it turns out are from Belgium of all places. They were like a heavy rock 'n roll band from the two songs I heard. Not bad and a few people dancing including a group of three ladies doing flower power style dancing. Nice!
There was a technical issue with one of the amps so Anchor Lane got held up until they borrowed an amp from one of the other bands. Finally the very young looking Scots started up with their heavily bluesed up fuzz rock. Not bad at all, though it's not really my style. Nice grooves and plenty of funky riffs.
Next I went inside for a ponder at the many stalls and then back out for Dirty Thrills. They were easily the sexiest and grooviest rock band of the day. The singer had some suave moves and their riffing and bluesy style was totally in keeping with the other bands. Quite fun indeed.
A quick visit inside the Indigo to catch around three songs from alt rockers Warrior Soul followed although their material sounded very samey. Not my thing at all. It has energy but lacks hooks from what I heard.
Another trip outside to watch Daxx and Roxane who followed in the style of all the bands in the Orange Amp Stage being very rock n' roll and in the AC/DC mould. Quite good but very derivative. Still fun to watch with a beer in your hand and nodding along.
Finally it was time to fill up the belly with a burger and fries at exorbitant O2 prices.
After a belly full of grub it was time to check out the UK's premier Nickelback copy band, namely Stone Broken. They were OK but Not that great to be honest. I enjoy them on record though and they'll have better live days for sure.
After that It was time for the proceedings to end outside the main hall with the stoner groove machine Orange Goblin laying waste. Never really been into this band but they have some nice grooves going and a raucous front man in Ben Ward. That guy is a big bear of a man and commands the stage and the crowd to get going. I guess they are used to a more energetic crowd but don't forget Stone Free is an old man's fest in the main. We don't get 'going' so to speak! The Goblin were pretty decent though again their material suffers from being samey live with no discernible difference song to song. Anyway good energy by the Goblin lads.
Time to look at the stalls a little more as I missed the final act on the outside stage. A chap by the name of Aaron Buchanan. He actually sounded quite good from what I heard on youtube but I missed him live.
Next up were Buckcherry inside the main arena. Second time seeing these guys. Not bad but not a band that makes me wanna jump around and go ape. Guns n Roses lite is the theme pretty much. Not bad but it's all about the two main bands for me, though I've heard worse than Buckcherry of course. Plus the arena was pretty empty for them which I'm sure disappointed them a little.
Next up were thrash titans Megadeth. Everyone who knows me, knows Megadeth is a huge deal for me and I've seen them double figures by now since when I first saw them back in '95. I was looking forward to their set and boy did they not disappoint. Some of the recent videos that I saw of live performances were slightly iffy but all my fears were unjustified. Dave and the boys were on shit hot form from the word go.
Hanger 18 is such a fantastic opener and gets the crowd quickly pumped it's such an old favourite. A great tempo and a great chorus and superb solos by both Dave and Kiko. Then we launch straight into the pounder from Dystopia, The Threat Is Real and before long we go into full thrash mode with Rattlehead for the old school headbangers.
Dave hasn't said a single word from the stage as of yet. Heads are down and guitars are being thrashed like there's no tomorrow. And so it continues with the headbang-alicious Wake Up Dead. Slightly slower but so anthemic with a big singalong for the crowd. Especially the superb stomping riffs at the end. "You die! Wake up dead! You die! Wake up dead!"
Finally we slow it down with the classic In My Darkest Hour. The slow building classic is just as good as ever it must be said and builds into an inferno of a thrash classic. Megafans have been loving that for decades. I should add whilst Dave won't win any awards at all for his vocals they were actually ok for someone who can't technically sing. The band was tight as hell as you'd suspect.
Special mention for Dirk on the drums. The guy fits in Megadeth like a glove and to me sounds like a better fit that Chris Adler.
Finally Dave spoke after IMDH and introduced the next song by saying they haven't played it in 18 years. So we weer wondering what it could be...hmmm. Bloody hell it's The friggin' Conjuring! Dave said he's never gonna play this song live ever again 'cause of it's satanic lyrics but maybe Junior persuaded him or he finally listened to fan clamour for the tune. I must admit it's actually not a huge fave of mine but it was so bloody cool to hear it live. I even remembered the lyrics enough to sing a long to most of it. Of all the Satan influenced Megasongs I would have preferred Bad Omen or Good Mourning/Black Friday but The Conjuring was a great and huge surprise.
The next songs in the set or all must haves really. I guess Sweating Bullets can be dropped but people still love it as do I. The next two were just mandatory tracks which I doubt have ever not been played by Dave and co. Namely Take No Prisoners and the mammoth Tornado of Souls. The performance on that was incendiary. Awesome solos by Kiko. Guy's already a mega-legend
Hangar 18 mk2 followed aka Dystopia which was great followed by fan fave Symphony of Destruction to change the pace a little. I love Symphony even though I've heard it a gazillion times. Dropping in This Was My Life or Countdown to Extinction here would have been nice but next time eh lads.
Mechanix followed which personally I am not a huge fan of. This was a very thrash-centric leaning set and I guess Mechanix fitted well. I wouldn't have minded to hear say something more melodic from Youthanasia. You know drop Reckoning Day in there or something to really throw a curve ball at us. But the set like I said was geared purely at ripping your head off with full on Megathrash.
The main set ended with the anthem Peace Sells with full crowd singalong. As usual the song was introduced by Junior playing the opening bass riff to great acclaim from the packed floor. Dave admonished the crowd for doing a half hearted chorus first time round so the second time people gave it their all for the chorus hehe.
Off they went and of course the one and only set closer Holy Wars followed. So friggin' tight as Dave says this is Holy wars and all hell pretty much breaks loose. Great and only way to end a killer set. Best Megadeth line up since the classic RIP no doubt and band still sounds hot as hell.
Hangar 18
The Threat Is Real
Rattlehead
Wake Up Dead
In My Darkest Hour
The Conjuring
Sweating Bullets
Take No Prisoners
Tornado of Souls
Dystopia
Symphony of Destruction
Mechanix
Peace Sells
Encore:
Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
Finally a bit later than the advertised stage the German legends and Stalwarts, Scorpions took their spots and launched into the big single off their most recent album, Going Out With A Bang. This is my first and almost certainly last time seeing the Scorps. I'll happily admit I actually don't know a lot of the old Scorps classics apart from the odd well known classic of course. But the thing is when you hear a Scorps song it sort of feels like a long lost old friend so you welcome it without much persuasion.
Their set continued with both regular songs and also a medley of songs. Notable stand outs to me were Steamrock Fever and The Zoo.
I also enjoyed the newish song We Built This House. I love that song. Their most famous song soon followed. get your lighters or phones out people it's Wind of Change. It's still a wonderfully whimsical song and people still love it. I'll say a few words about the band. They are all experts at their craft after doing this for decades. Klaus is 70 now and has quite a fair bit of his power it has to be said and he does look quite fragile on stage, but he's still got a great high pitched tone to his singing although his accent is a bit iffy sometimes hehe!
Special mention for Mikkey Dee. He's a real powerhouse drummer and I can't help thinking he could still be drumming in a far harder edged band than Scorpions. His drum solo was immense. Apparently he persuaded Klaus to have a go at doing a Motorhead and they have a decent bash at doing Overkill but the vocals lack the roughness and power required in my opinion.
Last two songs were huge sing along affairs being Blackout and Big City Nights. The singing and dancing got a bit more energetic let's say hehe!
The band went off and returned for the encore of Still Loving You the ballad with full sing along by the crowd and then the band's most famous and final song of the night Rock You Like A Hurricane. I think literally everyone was singing the chorus on that one as the Stone Free Fest came to a close.
Final thoughts - As usual a seriously fun day of music. Megadeth took the honours but it was good to see ancient rockers Scorpions before they keel over! Keep rocking Klaus and co!
Oh PS..
I went to the aftershow party and that was a lot of fun. This cover band called Shot through The Heart played 80s rock covers and it was a really fun way to end the night with another hour of music. You buy a beer, put your fist up and sing Bon Jovi, Kiss, Motley crue and Journey songs like a proper rocker. Not that I had any voice left by then!
Crazy World
Going Out With a Bang
Make It Real
Is There Anybody There?
The Zoo
Coast to Coast
Top of the Bill / Steamrock Fever / Speedy's Coming / Catch Your Train
We Built This House
Delicate Dance
(with Ingo Powitzer)
Follow Your Heart / Eye of the Storm / Send Me an Angel
Wind of Change
Tease Me Please Me
Overkill
(Motörhead cover)
Drum Solo
(by Mikkey Dee)
Blackout
Big City Nights
Encore:
Still Loving You
(followed by a capella snippet of "Holiday")
Rock You Like a Hurricane
The day always starts very early at the fest and I got to the Arena at 11.45 am in time to check the first band Nitroville at 12pm sharp. To my surprise and actual delight, the free stage or Orange Amp stage was built outside the main Arena foyer. This was a welcome change as the early comers get to see the early bands with a proper outdoor festival feel.
The lady fronted Nitroville were pretty solid. I actually thought they were going to be a bit better than they ended up being. When I heard them on youtube I thought they were going to be more up my street than they ended up being if you catch my drift.
After they finished I milled around for a while and waited for Killit. I really enjoyed this band. They had great heavy riffs and decent song writing. Really really good rocking stuff and a cool chick guitarist. Good solid, rocking metal all round.
Meanwhile inside the Indigo, two bands had already played. namely Pete Spiby and The Beats Alls and The Picturebooks. Like...who??? Can't see every band so these guys got the heave ho.
My first visit inside the Indigo resulted in catching about 2 song from rousing rock 'n rollers Triggerfinger who it turns out are from Belgium of all places. They were like a heavy rock 'n roll band from the two songs I heard. Not bad and a few people dancing including a group of three ladies doing flower power style dancing. Nice!
There was a technical issue with one of the amps so Anchor Lane got held up until they borrowed an amp from one of the other bands. Finally the very young looking Scots started up with their heavily bluesed up fuzz rock. Not bad at all, though it's not really my style. Nice grooves and plenty of funky riffs.
Next I went inside for a ponder at the many stalls and then back out for Dirty Thrills. They were easily the sexiest and grooviest rock band of the day. The singer had some suave moves and their riffing and bluesy style was totally in keeping with the other bands. Quite fun indeed.
A quick visit inside the Indigo to catch around three songs from alt rockers Warrior Soul followed although their material sounded very samey. Not my thing at all. It has energy but lacks hooks from what I heard.
Another trip outside to watch Daxx and Roxane who followed in the style of all the bands in the Orange Amp Stage being very rock n' roll and in the AC/DC mould. Quite good but very derivative. Still fun to watch with a beer in your hand and nodding along.
Finally it was time to fill up the belly with a burger and fries at exorbitant O2 prices.
After a belly full of grub it was time to check out the UK's premier Nickelback copy band, namely Stone Broken. They were OK but Not that great to be honest. I enjoy them on record though and they'll have better live days for sure.
After that It was time for the proceedings to end outside the main hall with the stoner groove machine Orange Goblin laying waste. Never really been into this band but they have some nice grooves going and a raucous front man in Ben Ward. That guy is a big bear of a man and commands the stage and the crowd to get going. I guess they are used to a more energetic crowd but don't forget Stone Free is an old man's fest in the main. We don't get 'going' so to speak! The Goblin were pretty decent though again their material suffers from being samey live with no discernible difference song to song. Anyway good energy by the Goblin lads.
Time to look at the stalls a little more as I missed the final act on the outside stage. A chap by the name of Aaron Buchanan. He actually sounded quite good from what I heard on youtube but I missed him live.
Next up were Buckcherry inside the main arena. Second time seeing these guys. Not bad but not a band that makes me wanna jump around and go ape. Guns n Roses lite is the theme pretty much. Not bad but it's all about the two main bands for me, though I've heard worse than Buckcherry of course. Plus the arena was pretty empty for them which I'm sure disappointed them a little.
Next up were thrash titans Megadeth. Everyone who knows me, knows Megadeth is a huge deal for me and I've seen them double figures by now since when I first saw them back in '95. I was looking forward to their set and boy did they not disappoint. Some of the recent videos that I saw of live performances were slightly iffy but all my fears were unjustified. Dave and the boys were on shit hot form from the word go.
Hanger 18 is such a fantastic opener and gets the crowd quickly pumped it's such an old favourite. A great tempo and a great chorus and superb solos by both Dave and Kiko. Then we launch straight into the pounder from Dystopia, The Threat Is Real and before long we go into full thrash mode with Rattlehead for the old school headbangers.
Dave hasn't said a single word from the stage as of yet. Heads are down and guitars are being thrashed like there's no tomorrow. And so it continues with the headbang-alicious Wake Up Dead. Slightly slower but so anthemic with a big singalong for the crowd. Especially the superb stomping riffs at the end. "You die! Wake up dead! You die! Wake up dead!"
Finally we slow it down with the classic In My Darkest Hour. The slow building classic is just as good as ever it must be said and builds into an inferno of a thrash classic. Megafans have been loving that for decades. I should add whilst Dave won't win any awards at all for his vocals they were actually ok for someone who can't technically sing. The band was tight as hell as you'd suspect.
Special mention for Dirk on the drums. The guy fits in Megadeth like a glove and to me sounds like a better fit that Chris Adler.
Finally Dave spoke after IMDH and introduced the next song by saying they haven't played it in 18 years. So we weer wondering what it could be...hmmm. Bloody hell it's The friggin' Conjuring! Dave said he's never gonna play this song live ever again 'cause of it's satanic lyrics but maybe Junior persuaded him or he finally listened to fan clamour for the tune. I must admit it's actually not a huge fave of mine but it was so bloody cool to hear it live. I even remembered the lyrics enough to sing a long to most of it. Of all the Satan influenced Megasongs I would have preferred Bad Omen or Good Mourning/Black Friday but The Conjuring was a great and huge surprise.
The next songs in the set or all must haves really. I guess Sweating Bullets can be dropped but people still love it as do I. The next two were just mandatory tracks which I doubt have ever not been played by Dave and co. Namely Take No Prisoners and the mammoth Tornado of Souls. The performance on that was incendiary. Awesome solos by Kiko. Guy's already a mega-legend
Hangar 18 mk2 followed aka Dystopia which was great followed by fan fave Symphony of Destruction to change the pace a little. I love Symphony even though I've heard it a gazillion times. Dropping in This Was My Life or Countdown to Extinction here would have been nice but next time eh lads.
Mechanix followed which personally I am not a huge fan of. This was a very thrash-centric leaning set and I guess Mechanix fitted well. I wouldn't have minded to hear say something more melodic from Youthanasia. You know drop Reckoning Day in there or something to really throw a curve ball at us. But the set like I said was geared purely at ripping your head off with full on Megathrash.
The main set ended with the anthem Peace Sells with full crowd singalong. As usual the song was introduced by Junior playing the opening bass riff to great acclaim from the packed floor. Dave admonished the crowd for doing a half hearted chorus first time round so the second time people gave it their all for the chorus hehe.
Off they went and of course the one and only set closer Holy Wars followed. So friggin' tight as Dave says this is Holy wars and all hell pretty much breaks loose. Great and only way to end a killer set. Best Megadeth line up since the classic RIP no doubt and band still sounds hot as hell.
Hangar 18
The Threat Is Real
Rattlehead
Wake Up Dead
In My Darkest Hour
The Conjuring
Sweating Bullets
Take No Prisoners
Tornado of Souls
Dystopia
Symphony of Destruction
Mechanix
Peace Sells
Encore:
Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
Finally a bit later than the advertised stage the German legends and Stalwarts, Scorpions took their spots and launched into the big single off their most recent album, Going Out With A Bang. This is my first and almost certainly last time seeing the Scorps. I'll happily admit I actually don't know a lot of the old Scorps classics apart from the odd well known classic of course. But the thing is when you hear a Scorps song it sort of feels like a long lost old friend so you welcome it without much persuasion.
Their set continued with both regular songs and also a medley of songs. Notable stand outs to me were Steamrock Fever and The Zoo.
I also enjoyed the newish song We Built This House. I love that song. Their most famous song soon followed. get your lighters or phones out people it's Wind of Change. It's still a wonderfully whimsical song and people still love it. I'll say a few words about the band. They are all experts at their craft after doing this for decades. Klaus is 70 now and has quite a fair bit of his power it has to be said and he does look quite fragile on stage, but he's still got a great high pitched tone to his singing although his accent is a bit iffy sometimes hehe!
Special mention for Mikkey Dee. He's a real powerhouse drummer and I can't help thinking he could still be drumming in a far harder edged band than Scorpions. His drum solo was immense. Apparently he persuaded Klaus to have a go at doing a Motorhead and they have a decent bash at doing Overkill but the vocals lack the roughness and power required in my opinion.
Last two songs were huge sing along affairs being Blackout and Big City Nights. The singing and dancing got a bit more energetic let's say hehe!
The band went off and returned for the encore of Still Loving You the ballad with full sing along by the crowd and then the band's most famous and final song of the night Rock You Like A Hurricane. I think literally everyone was singing the chorus on that one as the Stone Free Fest came to a close.
Final thoughts - As usual a seriously fun day of music. Megadeth took the honours but it was good to see ancient rockers Scorpions before they keel over! Keep rocking Klaus and co!
Oh PS..
I went to the aftershow party and that was a lot of fun. This cover band called Shot through The Heart played 80s rock covers and it was a really fun way to end the night with another hour of music. You buy a beer, put your fist up and sing Bon Jovi, Kiss, Motley crue and Journey songs like a proper rocker. Not that I had any voice left by then!
Crazy World
Going Out With a Bang
Make It Real
Is There Anybody There?
The Zoo
Coast to Coast
Top of the Bill / Steamrock Fever / Speedy's Coming / Catch Your Train
We Built This House
Delicate Dance
(with Ingo Powitzer)
Follow Your Heart / Eye of the Storm / Send Me an Angel
Wind of Change
Tease Me Please Me
Overkill
(Motörhead cover)
Drum Solo
(by Mikkey Dee)
Blackout
Big City Nights
Encore:
Still Loving You
(followed by a capella snippet of "Holiday")
Rock You Like a Hurricane
Brother Firetribe Live at the Garage
This gig got transferred from the main hall downstairs to the much smaller room upstairs at the Garage. It was still very good though. The venue gets packed with 150 in there and it was pretty packed to the brim. Support band was Transworld ID, an AOR band from Finland that I've never heard of. Strangely the lady singer was from Sheffield but had been in Finland for 14 years! Weird..
The BF boys played just last year here at the Borderline and I was surprised they were back so soon but glad for it. They just sound so good live. Pekka is a funny dude too with some typical Finnish humour. They played all the songs we expected. Every song has a catchy chorus hook to hang on to. The crowd also was well into it too with some tall dudes even jumping around at times.
BF put on a great show though I guess they would have preferred to pay the big hall downstairs. We'll come in droves next time chaps !
The BF boys played just last year here at the Borderline and I was surprised they were back so soon but glad for it. They just sound so good live. Pekka is a funny dude too with some typical Finnish humour. They played all the songs we expected. Every song has a catchy chorus hook to hang on to. The crowd also was well into it too with some tall dudes even jumping around at times.
BF put on a great show though I guess they would have preferred to pay the big hall downstairs. We'll come in droves next time chaps !
Wednesday, 20 June 2018
British Steel 2
A nice 2 day event at the Underworld. I missed the first edition of this fest last year but I gave it a shot this time. It was sadly very poorly attended. The Friday night saw 3 bands performing and the crowd was barely over 50.
First band were locals Se3ven Sisters. They were Maiden worshippers and really really good.
Next up were old timer Salem. They were a meat n' potatoes NWOBHM band. Just OK in my book.
Headliner for the first night was Avenger who I know zilch about. They were actually pretty good but still not as good as Seven Sisters who were band of the night.
Saturday came and I returned to the Underworld for a five band bill of trad and true heavy metal from the UK. I missed most of Toledo Steel as they played the last two songs as I walked in. The crowd was again very small and barely reaching 3 figures. TS were ok.
Next up were Neuronspoiler. Seen these guys a couple of times and they are very tight live. Some of their tunes are very catchy and they have a very flashy, live wire guitarist. More Maiden worship but they have their own sound too.
Next up were Eliminator from oop north somewhere. Manchester possibly as the singer did say it but I don't recall now. The singer really was the best and most interesting of the night. A proper air raid siren that fella! I enjoyed Eliminator's Maiden on speed worship.
Next up were my fave new UK trad band, Primitai. They were promoting the new album which is shit hot I kid you not. These guys are always super professional live and put on an outstanding live show. Lead singer Guy has a great live voice and they drew the biggest audience of the night of just about a 100 or so.
Headliners were old timers and dark NWOBHM band Desolation Angels. They were quite doomy and dark. Second time seeing these guys. The crowd had thinned out a but for these guys but they were ok with some cool head banging sections.
I enjoyed the 2 day fest though obviously only diehards gave a shit. I'll go again next year if they can get another decent line up of true and trad metal. Best 3 bands Seven Sisters, Primitai and Eliminator.
First band were locals Se3ven Sisters. They were Maiden worshippers and really really good.
Next up were old timer Salem. They were a meat n' potatoes NWOBHM band. Just OK in my book.
Headliner for the first night was Avenger who I know zilch about. They were actually pretty good but still not as good as Seven Sisters who were band of the night.
Saturday came and I returned to the Underworld for a five band bill of trad and true heavy metal from the UK. I missed most of Toledo Steel as they played the last two songs as I walked in. The crowd was again very small and barely reaching 3 figures. TS were ok.
Next up were Neuronspoiler. Seen these guys a couple of times and they are very tight live. Some of their tunes are very catchy and they have a very flashy, live wire guitarist. More Maiden worship but they have their own sound too.
Next up were Eliminator from oop north somewhere. Manchester possibly as the singer did say it but I don't recall now. The singer really was the best and most interesting of the night. A proper air raid siren that fella! I enjoyed Eliminator's Maiden on speed worship.
Next up were my fave new UK trad band, Primitai. They were promoting the new album which is shit hot I kid you not. These guys are always super professional live and put on an outstanding live show. Lead singer Guy has a great live voice and they drew the biggest audience of the night of just about a 100 or so.
Headliners were old timers and dark NWOBHM band Desolation Angels. They were quite doomy and dark. Second time seeing these guys. The crowd had thinned out a but for these guys but they were ok with some cool head banging sections.
I enjoyed the 2 day fest though obviously only diehards gave a shit. I'll go again next year if they can get another decent line up of true and trad metal. Best 3 bands Seven Sisters, Primitai and Eliminator.
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