Snakecharmer - Saturday 23rd February - Islington Assembly Hall

Another trip to Islington, this time a solo trip to a venue I'd never been to before - the recently reopened Assembly Hall. The venue inside has been nicely restored - there's no proper ticket office, so the £20 "on the door" fee unfortunately only got me a hand stamp, not a proper ticket. I grabbed a quick can of Red Stripe and headed for my standard gig position (down the front on the left) assuming that would be Micky Moody's side (it was).

For those who don't know, Snakecharmer includes ex-Whitesnake members Micky Moody and Neil Murray and had started life playing primarily old Whitesnake material. Tonight however, they were promoting their self titled album of all new material which is actually quite superb -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Snakecharmer/dp/B00A3XWAU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361885251&sr=8-1

The venue was busier than I'd anticipated and the show excellent, from the duelling lead guitars to the powerful drumming of Harry James (ironic how all the shows I've been to since Thunder in Manchester have contained the 5 members of Thunder between them!). Vocalist Chris Ousey doesn't appear totally comfortable engaging with the audience, but his singing vocals were spot on, both on the new material and the Whitesnake songs including the ever popular "Here I Go Again" and "Fool For Your Loving". Let's hope the bands touring schedule becomes less erratic than previously and they come around again soon.

Setlist
Guilty As Charged
A Little Rock & Roll
Ready an' Willing
Accident Prone
To The Rescue
Falling Leaves
Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues
Smoking Gun
Moody's Blues [Mick Moody & Harry James]
Slow An' Easy
Cover Me In You
Nothing To Lose
Here I Go Again
Take Me With You
+
My Angel
Fool for Your Loving

The Union - Thursday 21st February - Islington Academy

Glad I took the photo early in the set!

A chilly evening in Islington. After a couple of drinks at the Highbury and Islington end of Upper Street, we got to the Academy in plenty of time to see the support slot from Little Angel's frontman Toby Jepson. Playing a selection of solo and band material (all acoustic), he was in good voice although the crowd seemed slightly reluctant to get into full sing-a-long mode.

Then it was time for The Union. Having seen the rehearsal a couple of weeks ago this was a show I was looking forward to. I hadn't imagined it would only last 2 and a half songs! Unfortunately singer Peter Shoulder was suffering from a bad bout of flu and decided he couldn't continue. To be fair, the vocals hadn't sounded bad out front but the band rightly wanted to present their set in the best light. The show is due to be rearranged and hopefully Peter will recover soon.

We were trying to remember other shows I've been to which have been cut short midway through. I remember T'Pau going off twice in the late eighties - once when Carol Decker had nearly lost her voice (and they rescheduled) and once when I vaguely recall she'd fallen over at Hammersmith (I may be wrong on that!). Also Roger Daltrey went off at Wembley Arena in 1989 with the Who, leaving the others to do the encore without him (which led to an excellent Townshend version of Won't Get Fooled Again with full guitar smashing). Gary Moore cancelled after the support had finished, but hadn't started his set. Oh and Little Steven was bottled off at Quo's Selhurst Park gig in 1984! So, unless my memory is going (it is!), this was the first one in the last 20 years of gig going for me.

We briefly met Toby Jepson on the way out and he was very welcoming and happy to have a photo taken with Richard which was nice.

Setlist
Step Up To The Plate
You're My Jesus
Tangled Up In You (half)

The Union - Saturday 9th February - Terminal Studios, London

Peter Shoulder of The Union in rehearsal

A very special show this one. Having signed up as a "pledger" to support the recording of the Union's new album, Rich and I paid to attend an informal rehearsal at Terminal Studios where the band run through the set for the forthcoming tour, have a few beers and chat with their fans. Sounds good? Well it was.

When we arrived, I was surprised by how small the studio was and the fact that there were only about 20 of us in the audience. The band had kindly provided drinks (Luke even popping out to Sainsbury's for more beer!) and were mingling before the action started, kindly waiting for a couple of latecomers. They then romped through the new set, with all of us guaranteed a first or second row spot, interspersed with a couple of stories or a bit of chat. If the band made a rare mistake, they went over it - just like a real rehearsal. When all was done, there was plenty of time for more chat and more beer. The band were happy for photos and autographs (we all got a setlist which was a nice touch) as well as answering all our "fan-type" questions. To say we were made welcome was an understatement. A great afternoon and thanks to Luke, Pete, Chris and Dave!

Setlist
Step Up To The Plate
You're My Jesus
Tangled Up In You
Cut The Line
Perfect Crime
The World Is yours
Obsession
Saviour
Tonight I'm Alive
Black Monday
Fading Out Of Love
Black Gold
Siren's Song
+
Goodbye
Watch The River Flow

Danny & Ben - Friday 25th January - Shaw Theatre, London

After the success of their previous tour, Danny & Ben return for a second instalment of their chat, stories and music. The venue - a very pleasant small theatre near Euston - was full and we got there early enough to secure a good unreserved seat.

The format was similar to last time - lots of funny stories from "the road" (most still involving Harry James, Thunder's drummer!), a few cringeworthy puns and jokes and some excellent musical interludes. This time around there were less covers and more Thunder songs and a good time seemed to be had by all. It being the London show, I think we got a couple of extra songs compared to the rest of the tour.

At the end of the evening I purchased the new CD from the nice girl at the merchandise stand. We then popped into the pub next door for a nightcap and felt VERY old! Must have been student night!

Setlist

Get Where I Belong

One Night

Backstreet Symphony

War Pigs (snippet in jazz lounge style!)

She's So Fine

An Englishman On Holiday

+

See My Baby Walking 

Vincent 

Unchain My Heart

Don't Wait For Me 

The Devil Made Me Do It 

+

A Better Man (with Lucie Bowes)

Make You Feel My Love 

All Right Now - Friday 18th January - Boom Boom Club, Sutton

So it appears it's all change in the musical world of Johnny Warman. He appears to have left "The Mods" (and formed "Magic Bus" playing similar material) and presumably there's no more "Four Bills and a Ben"?

Additionally, this band "All Right Now" have migrated from playing nearly all "Free" and "Bad Company" material to a range of classic rock. Speaking as a fan of both the aforementioned bands, I think this is a good thing - it should widen their potential audience and give them a chance to mix up the setlist.

Tonight's show was good and contained a few surprises - not least relatively modern songs like "Rockin' In The Free World" and "Gimme All Your Lovin'". The band were spot on with the lead guitar especially impressive.

Thunder - Friday 21st December - Manchester Academy

Off up north for what is becoming an annual trip for Thunder's Xmas party. Thankfully the band have heeded their public and moved on from the dreadful Rock City in Nottingham and this was our first visit to the Manchester Academy. And what a difference! A venue which you could get into easily. A venue where the audience all have a clear line of site to the stage (height permitting!). A venue with ample bar staff to server everyone quickly (and at fair prices). Toilets that you could get into with out a massive queue. And a large friendly crowd without a crush. If Carlsberg did venues...

The show itself started a little slowly. I know the band want to mix things up (after all there's a CD or 2 to come from this), but a start including obscure tracks from the pretty average "The Thrill Of It All" album had some punters scratching their heads somewhat! Things livened up a bit with "Low Life In High Places" and from there on in a good time was had by all. Sad to say we didn't recognise a Deep Purple cover - "Might Just Take Your Life", but and excellent "Jet" and "Hammer To Fall" were spot on.

The band seemed to be enjoying themselves and I can't help wondering if the 2013 tour with Journey and Whitesnake may jolt them out of retirement once again. In any case, there are rumours of the Xmas shows continuing but changing venue each year. I hear Brighton is very nice in December and gives the opportunity for a few Quadrophenia covers! Bell Boy!

Setlist
Stand Up
The Moment Of Truth
Does It Feel Like Love?
Weather With You
This Forgotten Town
Don't Wait Up
I'll Be Waiting
It's Another Day
Low Life In High Places
Amy's On The Run
+
Backstreet Symphony
The Devil Made Me Do It
Until My Dying Day
Might Just Take Your Life
Jet
Numb
Isn't It Time
River Of Pain
On The Radio
Hammer To Fall
Love Walked In
Dirty Love
+
Born To Run
I Love You More Than Rock 'N' Roll
I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday

Thin Lizzy / Quireboys - Monday 17th December - Shepherd's Bush Empire

Third gig in 4 days for me and off to the Shepherd's Bush Empire. We are here primarily for the Quireboys who are support, but also taking a first ever look at Thin Lizzy who are supposedly on the last night of their "farewell tour". Yeah, we've all heard that before.

The Quireboys were good - a fairly safe set - and Spike worked hard to engage with the pretty sparse crowd. Looking forward to a new album and shows in 2013.

Thin Lizzy's crowd had swelled slightly (maybe 2/3 capacity on the floor and a reasonable filled level 1 seating). Setlist was predictably greatest hits based and whilst Phil Lynott is generally regarded as "irreplaceable", Ricky Warwick and the rest of the plectrum flinging band were good fun. I may be tempted if and when they tour again.

Setlists (subject to confirmation!)

QUIREBOYS
Tramps And Thieves
There She Goes Again
Misled
Too Much Of A Good Thing
Roses & Rings
Whippin' Boy
Mona Lisa Smiled
Hey You
Mother Mary
This Is Rock And Roll
7 O'Clock

THIN LIZZY
Are You Ready
Jailbreak
Don't Believe A Word
Killer On The Loose
Chinatown
Dancing In The Moonlight (It's Caught Me in It's Spotlight)
Massacre
Waiting For An Alibi
Angel Of Death
Still In Love With You
Whiskey In The Jar
Emerald
Suicide
Cowboy Song
The Boys Are Back In Town
+
Rosalie
Black Rose

Dan Baird & Homemade Sin - Saturday 15th December - Borderline, London

Dan Baird - Borderline night 2

Night 2 of 2 and a similar position on the floor. Despite my words yesterday, the set wasn't quite as different as you may have expected, but the show of hands from the audience suggested around a 25% "return rate". Few will have left disappointed after another top notch performance.

Same again next year please!

Setlist

Dixie Beauxderaunt
Open All Night
L'il Bit
Crooked Smile
Fall On Me
Keep Your Hands To Yourself
Lazy Monday
Railroad Steel
1000 Promises
Don't Pass Me By
Two For Tuesday (inc Hey, Tonight / Proud Mary)
I Dunno
Julie & Lucky
I Love You Period
On My Way
She Dug Me Up
Sheila (inc I Wanna Be Sedated)
+
All Over But The Cryin'
Dan Takes 5

Dan Baird & Homemade Sin - Friday 14th December - Borderline, London

Dan Baird - Borderline night 1

The first of 2 nights of Dan Baird & Homemade Sin at the Borderline. Going both nights you ask? Of course! Why? Because tomorrow will almost certainly be a completely different set.

Those "veterans" of this seemingly now annual double headers will know what to expect. A hot sweaty venue, loud rock 'n' roll and a great time. This didn't disappoint and it was actually a little more comfortable on the floor than normal.

Setlist
Well Enough Alone
I Dunno
Crooked Smile
Nights of Mystery (inc Get It On)
1000 Promises
Julie & Lucky
I Love You Period
I Want You Bad
Keep Your Hands To Yourself
Two For Tuesday (inc Hey, Tonight / Proud Mary)
Dunk 'n' Dine
She Dug Me Up
Worse For Wear & Tear
All Over But The Cryin'
Dan Takes 5
Younger Face
Railroad Steel
+
Sheila (inc Do You Wanna Dance)

Status Quo - Monday 10th December - Brighton Centre

Status Quo - Quofestive Tour 2012 - Brighton Centre

A Monday night and a solo trip down to the Brighton Centre for Quo. I would've gone for next week at the O2 in London had it not been for the fact that tickets are already booked for the PDC Darts World Championship at the Ally Pally.

None of more Quo-fan mates would join us on the basis that: a) it's a Monday Night. b) it's down in Brighton. c) they'll play that Christmas nonsense again, won't they? d) Why haven't they got a top-bill support act? and e) I'll save my cash for the reunion next year.

So, despite the fact it was the worst night of the week for a gig, I decided to go rather than miss out. I too was rather unsure about the choice of "Eddie and the Hot Rods" as support, but they played a competent set, albeit to a very reserved, seated audience. The 2 covers at the end, Gloria and Born To Be Wild fitted in well with the rest of the set. I'll look out for them if they play the Half Moon again, but suspect they were punching above their weight in an arena setting like this.

Speaking of the arena, there were a fair few empty seats - especially at the sides. I guess that means that many shared the view of my mates and gave this a miss.

So, the show itself. Well I enjoyed it - indeed the first 9 songs or so were amongst the best selection I've seen the guys play for a while. I could live without the middle bit of the set (except Living on an Island which I like), but I don't agree with the abuse that the band get on their own site message board from people who say it's a "disgrace" that they play "Marguerita Time" etc and they'll never go again. Get a life! If you don't like a song, go to the bar when it's on! How can one or two songs ruin a gig where you like the other 20? What nonsense! I also quite enjoyed longer versions of some of the songs than previously and a bit of a mix and match of some of the medley material.

What I would say though, is that the close to the main set is becoming very predictable and really does need a shakeup. Recent years have seen the band whizz through an encore as if they can't wait to escape, but I anticipated a couple of changes this time around.

That said, with hindsight, I should have skipped the encore to get the early train home (the danger of keeping the setlist secret from myself!). Still I did get to hear part of "It's Christmas Time" live for the first time. Shame there was no "Don't Waste My Time" (there was in Europe), but I'm now really looking forward to the reunion shows in March.

Setlist
Caroline
Paper Plane
Hold You Back
Rain
Mystery Song
Rock 'n' Roll 'n' You
Beginning Of The End
What You're Proposing / Down The Dustpipe / Wild Side Of Life / Railroad / Again And Again
Big Fat Mama
The Oriental
Creepin' Up On You
Marguerita Time
Living On An Island
In The Army Now
Drum Solo / The Killer
Roll Over Lay Down
Down Down
Whatever You Want
Rockin' All Over The World
+
Walking In A Winter Wonderland / Rocking Around The Christmas Tree / It's Christmas Time
Burning Bridges