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.

KILBURNFLYER

Schenker at the Twist in Colchester (great venue) and great return to the stage by a seemingly sober Schenker. He was clearly back to his best but really could do with a proper band around him - they were ok but he had to carry the whole thing. Met the great man outside in the street and simply shook his hand to thank him for the last 30 years. Felt like a bit of a starstruck teenager.

KILBURNFLYER

Hammersmith Odeon again last night - it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

There is clearly something very wrong with Michael Schenker - he was so awful it was painful. Not sure whether it was drink or drugs but he made more mistakes during a shambling performance of Doctor Doctor than I have seen in all previous concerts put together. As he shuffled off the stage unsteady on his feet and throwing his cap at a roadie he clearly knew how bad it had been. The guy next to me called out for Rock Bottom - I am glad to say he didn't oblige. The last time I saw someone clearly out of it trying to hold a concert together was Rory Gallagher at the Town and Country Club (now The Forum) where I was so angry that I stormed up to the box office and demanded my money back after about 20 minutes. He left the stage shortly thereafter and we were sent home with the promise of a refund as "Rory apologises but he cannot continue as he is not very well". Tragically that was the last time I saw him as he died about a year later. I hope the same fate does not await Schenker.

The Scorpions on the other hand were magnificent and full of energy. It is astonishing to think that this band in it various guises have been together for over 30 years. They were joined in the middle of the set by Uli John Roth and delved very deep into the back catalogue - Speedy's Coming was a highlight but sadly no Robot Man but you can't have everything. Stellar versions of Lovedrive, Bad Boys Running Wild and Blackout led to a slightly disappointing encore. I always hated Winds of Change and felt a bit robbed that they played it but didn't find time for Another Piece of Meat or Virgin Killers - being churlish I know but all in all a great show.

Am a bit sad for Schenker and hopes he sorts his life out soon. He is truly a great rock guitarist and the world would be a sadder place without him.