KILBURNFLYER

Last two gigs this year.

Buckcherry, Papa Roach and Disturbed at Wembley Arena - 2/3 full for 3 decent bands. Sound was terrible for Disturbed but a decent show nonetheless. Buckcherry were excellent - think the singer would be a great replacement for Brian Johnson if he ever gave up the AC/DC gig. Papa Roach always leave me a bit underwhelmed but they try very hard - best I have seen them.

Echo and the Bunnymen at Brixton Academy - absolutely fantastic. The whole of Crocodiles and Heaven up Here plus a few faves for an encore. Superb sound, great backlit set and great memories of past glories. Always gotta love the Bunnyment

KILBURNFLYER

Hard Rock Hell IV was as good as the previous three - a great line up, a great laugh and splendid to meet so many friends from Ibiza and previous events. Highlights not in any particular order:

MSG - great to see Schenker has turned himself around. Got a great band together and he was godlike in his playing. All the obvious MSG songs from the first two albums plus Lights Out and Rock Bottom which UFO had omitted the previous day.

Airbourne - they play with such energy that they are always exciting but first time I had seen them indoors and they were just excellent - probably the band of the weekend - diamond in the rough was their best song.

UFO - Mogg in great voice and they played well. Short set but very enjoyable with Shoot Shoot a highlight.

Di'Anno - first saw him front Maiden at the Ruskin so always a big fan. Voice was patchy and his mobility limited by a back problem but still largely enjoyable. Murders in the Rue Morgue, Phantom of the Opera and Iron Maiden the highlights. No Running Free which was a surprise.

Viking Skull - trad metal done extremely well - will def get some of their material.

Scutty Neighbours - met two of these lads at Sonisphere - was impressed by their raw energy and the confidence of their front man. They really had a lot of fun - both on and off the stage - oh to be in my twenties again - wish them very well. Bought their CD.

Attica Rage - great bunch of lads - new material sounds good. 2011 a big year for them - hope they get the breaks they deserve.

Diamond Head - decent but not the best I have seen them.

Uriah Heep and Helloween both ok - not a big fan of either band but they were fine.