KILBURNFLYER

Exodus – Underworld 13 Aug 13.

The were “utterly blistering” at Bloodstock but at the Underworld they took it to a whole new level. A full on circle pit around the central ceiling support, chucking buckets of water over the melee at the front of the stage to cool everyone down as they were generating so much heat in the venue that I am sure the ceiling was sweating. I have very rarely seen a band generate such an atmosphere – it was like a Suicidal Tendencies gig in about 1990 – brilliant night.

KILBURNFLYER

 

 

BLOODSTOCK: 9-11 August Catton Park, South Derbyshire

This was my first trip to this festival – it usually got overlooked as I would attend the larger and more local Sonisphere festival. But the apparent demise of the latter and with Slayer as the headliner this was a good opportunity to check it out. Overall I was very impressed – not too big so you could get round the site to see all the bands you wanted to see, the staff were courteous and helpful and the atmosphere was nice and friendly. Usual festival gripes about quality and cost of food, beer and toilets but no worse than other more established festivals. Highs and lows:

Thursday – any festival that can find room for a fun band like Oaf and a good parody band like “Tragedy” who do metal versions of songs by the Bee Gees gets my vote. A really fun way to kick things off.

Friday – I never really got King Diamond – his voice grates with me but he has a good band around him so the music pushes it all along. As for the rest; Municipal Waste were interesting, the clash between Voivod and Xentrix was a bit annoying but Accept were band of the day.

Saturday – again never much of a fan of Lamb of God but they are a decent enough headliner to keep me interested. Sabaton, Hell, Beholder played well on the main stage with glimpses of Gethika and XII Boar on the new blood stage but the whole thing overshadowed by Last in Line (all the members of the original band that DIO put together) who were really excellent. Nice to see some really big names on the Sophie Stage. Hell were as stupidly OTT as ever – good fun.

Sunday – by far and away the best day. Slayer – well what can I say – I have loved this band since my youth and they always deliver a greats show. Tom Araya was his usual calm self when talking to the crowd – I am always amazed by how softly spoken he is when not singing – but the sound was a bit iffy – Kerry’s guitar was a bit buried in the mix. Great set list (see below) – shame no room for Expendable Youth but first time I have heard Hell Awaits for a while. First Slayer gig I have seen since death of Jeff Hanneman – South of Heaven was a bit poignant.

Setlist (Ripped from Metal Hammer)
World Painted Blood
Disciple
War Ensemble
Hallowed Point
At Dawn They Sleep
Mandatory Suicide
Altar of Sacrifice
Jesus Saves
Spirit in Black
Postmortem
Snuff
Hate Worldwide
Seasons in the Abyss
Hell Awaits
Dead Skin Mask
Raining Blood
Encore:
South of Heaven
Angel of Death

Anthrax – over the last couple of years Anthrax have just got better and better. This show was no exception to that continual improvement and shows that the decision to get Joey Belladonna back in the band was the right one. Caught in a Mosh was a particular fave.

Evil Scarecrow – great fun band who drew the biggest crowd of the weekend to the Spohie stage. Getting the crowd to (a) chant the chorus of Thor vs Ra (b) scuttle left and right during Crabulon and (c) let off £80 worth of party poppers in unison were moments of great showmanship. Met them in Ibiza a few years ago so spoke to them a few times over the weekend – they were a bit nervous in the run up to the gig but completely blown away by the reception they got. A great show and I suspect it will get written up by many as the surprise band of the weekend.

RSJ – again friends from Ibiza gigs. Similarly nervous in the run up but again, rightly, got a great reception. An excellent band and a top bunch of blokes – the more I see them the more I think they deserve lots of success.

Gama Bomb – got up especially early just to see them – they didn’t disappoint and when the announced a UK tour in January with SSS in support I did a little dance (thankfully none of my mates saw that)

Exodus – utterly blistering – saw them a few times over the years but as I was due to see them at the Underworld on Tues I thought I had better refresh my knowledge.

Phil Campbell’s All Star Band – missed them – was walking past the jager stage (where they were due to be on) when I heard orgasmatron – consulted my expensive bloodstock timing sheet – saw they were not on for another 2 hours, assumed it was someone else, went to the bar. Bollocks.

First 6 months of 2013

17 January 2013 – Peter Hook and the Light, Koko

Playing the first two New Order Albums Movement and Power Corruption & Lies in order. Wasn’t sure this would work but Hooky can both play and sing. I was transferred back to the very early 80s for one magical night. Hope to see him do a Joy Division set soon.

14 February 2013 – Black Light Burns, Underworld

Wes Borland’s side project – hardly knew any of their songs apart from “how to look naked” but what great energy and a quite intense show.

15 & 16 March 2013 – Status Quo, Apollo Hammersmith

I missed Hammerfest – a proper metal festival - just for these two shows. I am so glad I did. Both shows were exactly the same and quite brilliant. A sad reminder of how good they were and how poor they have become. Alan Lancaster was looking very frail with his illness but in very strong voice. I so hope these were not the last shows I see by the “Frantic Four” but fear they might be. A definite headliner if they ever resurrect the High Voltage festival.

5 & 6 April – Wildhearts, manchester Academy and Nottinghamd Rock City

A Wildhearts road trip for the 20^th Anniversary of Earth vs The Wildhearts. Brilliantly conceived show – whole album starting with Greetings from Shitsville and the 2^nd half the crowd got to choose the songs. Two songs on big placards were paraded on the stage and the one that got the loudest cheer got played. |Some obscure songs and some very tough choices. Shouted myself hoarse at Rock City  when Nita nitro was one of the choice....all to no avail.

22 April 2013 – Endless Boogie, Small Club near Waterloo

Their name sums them up – some very long songs but from memory very enjoyable.

27 April 2013 – Saxon, Shepherds Bush Empire

Saxon never let you down. Always enjoyable. Nuff said.

15-22 May 2013 – Hard Rock Road trip

A great week long piss up interrupted by a number of very forgettable bands with the exception of the Quireboys and RSJ. They whole thing is more about the fun than the music.

31 May 2013 – The Smyths, 229 Club

My next door neighbour’s Smiths tribute band – a great fun night – all the classics well delivered.

6 June 2013 – Megadeth, Brixton Academy

Utter shite – love this band and nothing wrong with what they did but the sound was just so awful that I thought they were playing next door. A total wasted night.

14-16 June 2013 – Download Festival, Donington Park

On paper the strongest line up for a long time – Slipknot, Maiden and Rammstein with Limp Bizkit, Volbeat, UFO, Korn, Papa Roach, Motorhead, Airbourne and Black Star Riders. Overall a very good festival – the highlight for me was Limp bizkit on Sunday night who were playing opposite Rammstein so pulled out all the stops...a full on greatest hits set. A spitfire flypast to herald the arrival of Maiden was a brilliant touch that will live long in the memory. There is nothing like the sound of a merlin engine. If there is any justice, Volbeat will headline this festival one day.....they are that good.

22 June 2013 – Wildhearts, Forum

Same format as earlier in the year with the same result....I lost my voice singing.

24 June 2013 – ZZ Top, Apollo Hammersmith

As smooth as silk and as great as ever. But at £50 a ticket for 70 mins including encore I felt a bit ripped off.

28-30 June 2013 - Graspop Festival, Dessel, Belgium

Fewer great bands than the last two years but with Slipknot, Maiden and Twisted Sister headlining it was still decent. A brilliantly organised festival and on a much better scale than Download. Twisted Sister played in an awful downpour...a bit like we got all day at Deep Purple at Knebworth in ’85..but still played a great set. Slipknot great as every and Maiden ok ..... same set as download but not as well delivered. Other highlight was testament in a tent....got right down the front...chest against the stage. Made me feel 17 again.  

7 July 2013 – Suicidal Tendencies, Electric Ballroom

Ok not great. Another band I have lost count of the number of times I have seen but a bit going through the motions almost knowing that they will never recapture past glories. Time hangs heavier on some bands than it does on others. Suicidal are not ageing well.

12 July 2013 – AC/DC UK, Malvern Theatre

I have a soft spot for tribute bands, especially good ones and AC/DC UK are a good one. A good Brian Johnson with a strong voice (arguably better than the real thing) and an Angus who is about the same age and size so is a dead spit for the real thing and wow can he play. Starting with Riff Raff will always get me on your side....especially if it is done well, which it was.

27-28 July – Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale

A very small festival (4-5K max) up a mountain just outside Ebbw Vale. Awful weather but great sound, two great headliners in Saxon and Schenker with quite a few decent acts in support. As such a small festival in a really odd place...I kid you not it was a 15 minute drive up a very steep part tarmac part metalled road....it had a really great atmosphere, a decent bar, good food and as is usual for a rock festival...lots of nice people. Schenker and his new band played very well and Saxon were as reliable and punchy as always. Truckers Diablo were very tight and certainly one to look out for in the future and I like what I heard of Skam. Bit disappointed with Snakecharmer...all the old Whitesnake stuff was excellent but the new material was a bit meh.

Last 6 months of 2012

An update (as requested by a mate) - last 6 months of 2012 were quite busy

20 June 2012 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Albert Hall

This was a great gig. Not seen Tom Petty for over 25 years and he was quite sublime. One of those acts who are so slick and polished that you get sucked into the show even if you’re not a big fan of their material. Was brilliant to see Scott Thurston (his guitarist) - so many years after I saw him play with Iggy Pop.

22-24 June 2012 – Graspop Festival, Dessel, Belgium

Second time at this festival with a decent line up: High and lowlights included:

Limp Bizkit – Absolutely fantastic show. Mix of old and new material and looked as if they were really enjoying it. The ought to do more off Gol;d Cobra as it is a great album and drop the shit covers.

Ozzy Osbourne – a great set with a mix of solo and Sabbath material and made up for his no show last year. In fine voice.

Black Label Society – dreary as fuck.

Guns n Roses – shit. Just shit. A once great band reduced to a parody. I would have slept on the street overnight in 1987 to get a ticket now I wouldn’t cross the street to piss on them if they were on fire. Left early I was that depressed.

Slayer – Magnificent. nuff said.

Motorhead – ok but going through the motions.

Megadeth, Twisted Sister both put in very creditable performances.

6 July 2012 – Wolfmother, Indigo 2

Another year, another line up – Andrew Stockdale the only member left of the band I first saw a few years ago. Not a good as they were but still enjoyable.

14 July 2012 – Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, Hyde Park

Went with my 9 year old god-daughter on the day they turned the power off when Paul McCartney was on stage jamming with them. A typical Springsteen show – a great 2 hour gig crammed into a 4 hour show. If I had had my way the power would have been turned off at lot earlier. A mix of singing and yawning.

11 August 2012 – Public Image Limited, Shepherds Bush Empire

A great show from a master showman. Never dull and always pushing his music to the limit.

19 August 2012 – SSS, Disused factory in East London

I never tire of this band and went along to a festival hosted in a disused factory in the arse end of east London. SSS were on mid afternoon but were still blistering. New guitarist and drummer – top quality.

4 October 2012 – Reckless Love, Barfly

If there is any justice this band will start to play some bigger venues. Very cheesy but very good.

6 October 2012 – RSJ & Spirytus, Intrepid Fox

First met RSJ in Ibiza earlier in the year. Very good bunch of lads and a proper growly band. They all ended up getting very drunk and sleeping on my floor. A very very enjoyable evening.

15 October 2012 – SSS Underworld

Support to ....can’t remember......no matter I only went to see SSS. Absolutely great as ever – the new stuff is growing on me. Had a drink with the new guitarist and drummer in the Worlds End before the show – they were both really surprised when they got recognised. Top blokes – Foxy dedicated a song to Sheila and I to say thanks for the beer.

17 November 2012 – Motorhead, Brixton Academy

A standard Motorhead show. Am becoming a bit fearful that they rarely if ever hit the great heights they used to in the early 80s. Have become a bit formulaic and not as exciting as they were. 

29 November- 2 December 2012 – Hard Rock Hell, Phwelli

New venue. Great fun was had by all. Highlights

Testament – always surprised that these have not done better as they really know how to whip up a storm.

Ugly Kid Joe – a comeback year – very tight great fun.

Molly Hatchet – is there any original members left.....I fear not but a great show even if they are a bit of a tribute band like Blackfoot who were similarly good.

Tigertailz – always great fun

17 December 2012 – Wildhearts, Forum

I remember that it seemed like an age since the Wildhearts last played. Ginger was his own support but the Wildhearts ripped it up big time. I love this band so ended the show with no voice – yes yes yes they played Nita Nitro.

KILBURNFLYER

A busy time of it.

UFO - good but not great. A bit flat at times and the sound was pretty poor.

Limp Bizkit - Magnificent show. The whole of Brixton Academy seemed to be bouncing during Break Stuff making it incredibly hot. Shame they didn't do much off the new album and dredged up a couple of their shite covers - Behind Blue Eyes as an encore song was a bizarre choice. Roll on Graspop.

Ibiza RoadTrip - Great shows from Evil Scarecrow, RSJ, Spirytus, Marky Ramone's Blitzkreig, Bonafide, Kyrbgrinder, Attica Rage and Sanguine. Great thing about this week is that you have a great laugh getting pissed with people and then find out they are in one of the bands. Such a great laugh.

Download - the site was like the Somme at the start but ended up being one of the driest Downloads I have ever been to. Too much to cover but highs/lows included:

Cockney Rejects - not seen these guys for decades and missed the start of Metallica to catch their show. Was only planning to see a couple but stayed for the whole thing . Flares and Slippers plus War on the Terraces were particularly favourites.

Ginger Wildheart - good but not great. Suckerpunch a particular fave.

Reckless Love - as camp as a row of tents but brilliant live band who play to their strengths. Have the potential to be massive if they keep going in this vein.

Prodigy - great show, all the songs you would want them to play but all done and dusted in 80 mins - expect a bit more from a headliner.

Chase and Status - surprisingly good.

Metallica - probably the best live band in the world doing the whole of the Black Album. Nuff Said.

Saxon - good and solid as always.

Black Sabbath - not as good as they were at Birmingham Academy and same set done in a better order but still great.

Megadeth - Only and hour but an hour of Megadeth is always a good hour.


Finish later............

KILBURNFLYER

Heaven the club under the arches at Charing Cross is a much under used and magnificent venue. The sound system is good and the stage is nice and high so you always get a good view - that said shutting ythe bar at before 10.30 was pants. I was therefore delighted that Public Image Limited used it to showcase some of their impending first new album in 20 years. needless to say that Lydon and his not so merry band (they didn't crack a smile all evening) did not disappoint. The new material sounded good and his rendition of old classics like Religion (not a song I am particularly fond of), Death Disco and Friends were breathtaking. Finishing with Rise and one of his songs from Leftfield days were similarly great. I am never less than impressed by Lydons ability to bring out a performance. Sadly no Public Image nor careering but all in all a great gig delviered well and at sometimes earsplitting volume.

To the Forum tonight for UFO.....here's hoping for a a few classics

KILBURNFLYER

So to Prestatyn for the fourth instalment of Hammerfest....it was as good if not better than all of the previous events. It is always a good festival for checking out new bands or old ones that passed you by. Loads of forgettable stuff but some notable highs and lows....

Lawnmower Deth - were absolutely fantastic fun. Ripping the piss left right and centre and looking like they enjoyed every minute of it. Icky Ficky, Satans Trampoline, Sumo Rabbit and the cover version of the weekend in Kids in America. Bought their entire back catalogue when I got home so keep going lads.

Evil Scarecrow - similarly a rip the piss band and highly entertaining. Looking forward to Vampyre Trousers when I get to see these again in Ibiza.

Anthrax - Everytime I see this lot I am reminded of just how great a live band they actually are and how many brilliant songs they have written over the years.

Skindred - Brilliant as ever but need to freshen up the live act as seen the same from them for the last 2 years.

Mortad - Great new band from London with an Iranian girl singing with a proper hardcore voice. Will definitely be seeing these again.

Senser - somehow missed these back in the day. Loved the show - got to download their material

Spirytus - excellent show as ever. Very exciting prospects. Again seeeing them at Ibiza and just ordered their CD. Got something that sets them apart so could well go a long way.

Hell - highly entertaining as a one off but doubt I would go see them headline anywhere

Paradise Lost - sorry just dont get this lot. Dreary as fuck.

Oaf - a bass player and a drummer - great fun and great pisstakers.

Amon Amarth - highly popular with the crowd but to my ears a bit of a dirge.

Dirty DC - a really brilliant AC/DC tribute band

KILBURNFLYER

Just back from a few days in Chicago the purpose of which was to see Van Halen. Overall they were excellent - same setlist as an earlier show (ripped from Ultimate Guitar) which was great

01. You Really Got Me02. Runnin' With The Devil03. She's The Woman (new song)04. Romeo Delight05. Tattoo (new song)06. Everybody Wants Some!!07. Somebody Get Me A Doctor08. China Town (new song)09. Mean Street10. (Oh!) Pretty Woman11. Alex Van Halen Drum Solo12. Unchained13. The Trouble With Never (new song)14. I'll Wait15. Dance The Night Away16. Hot For Teacher17. Women In Love (perfomed live for first time since 1980)18. Outta Love Again (perfomed live for first time since 1979)19. Beautiful Girls20. Ice Cream Man21. Panama22. Eddie Van Halen Solo23. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love24. Jump

Dave's voice is not quite what it was so had to sing within himself a few times but overall that didn't detract from an excellent night. More worrying for the long term is that Dave seemed a bit stressed by technical issues...head mics failing so having to use a handheld rather than trying to maximise his personal performance. Note to band: headmics always look shit on rockbands - once the headmic came off the whole thing looked so much better - if Corey Taylor can bounce around the stage as much as he does and still use a handheld then so can Dave. The band were brilliant - Eddie was as jaw droppingly great as I remember, Alex likewise and Wolfgang seemed at home on Bass. The harmonies were superb - if they are backing tracks as some have alleged then they mimed brilliantly. Still no news on whether they will play any European festivals or pitch up at the O2 or somewhere later in the year - go see for yourself - they were and still are a great live band and although the whole thing was ridiculously extravagant it was worth every penny.

KILBURNFLYER


Stopped smoking 11 days ago and have had difficulty sleeping since then - so writing this in the wee small hours but fuck it, I refuse to be beaten by a weed wrapped in paper...again. Chickenfoot at Brixton Academy willl be my first gig of the year on Saturday - but stupidly excited to have booked to see Van Halen next month in Chicago. Ridiculously extravagent but have not seen them since Donnington 84 I think it was. Am sure they will do some European festivals - probably Sonisphere but just couldn't take the chance and have got loads of leave owing due to Libya excitement last year.