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

Diamond Head were extremely good last night and played a storming set at extremely high volume - as a veteran of some very loud rocks concerts over the last 25 years my hearing has clearly been damaged so it is rare event that my ears were still ringing when I awoke this morning. Only downside was that this was part of the "what's in your head" tour to promote their latest album and they didn't actually play that song - a bit odd especially as it is one of the best on the album. It was terribly sad that only 100-150 people were there to see the gig especially as Witchfynde were supporting - who were also extremely good. It worries me that they might throw in the towel if they can only attract such small crowds to one of their headline shows. They can't be making much if any money out of this - I know they will be doing it for love but you've got to make a living. A fucking great band who deserve better support.

KILBURNFLYER

Hope that Diamond Head at dingwalls goes ahead tonight. Last two gigs have been called off because singer had tonsilitis. Seen them quite a few times since first introduced to them by a lovely girl from Walsall in the early 80s. I recently downloaded their latest album and was both surprised and impressed by how good it was - I picked up a liking for some of the new material at HRH last year and then on the Lizzy tour and it is always better to hear these songs when you are at least familiar with them. Looking forward to a good gig.

KILBURNFLYER

Only one more gig to go this year - Lizzy and Diamond Head at Hammersmith so have been thinking about the highs and lows of the year.

Best Gigs - not in any particular order:

Wolfmother at Hammersmith - best new band I have seen in a decade or more.
Muse at Wembley - just so fucking professional
Stranglers at Roundhouse - 30 years of joy with half the songs done twice

Worst gigs -

Siouxsie at Roundhouse - just flat and dull
Schenker supporting the Scorpions at Hammersmith - way too pissed to even stand let alone play guitar

Best all round event - Hard Rock Hell - just such a great laugh and so many great bands that I can't wait to book for next year

Best Comeback - Sex Pistols (didn't get a Zeppelin ticket or that would have been a no brainer)

Most fun - UFO at HRH - myself and a mate bouncing around like 14 year olds singing every word

Biggest surprise - just how good Twisted Sister were at HRH

Biggest Twat - Bass player from Saxon cruising HRH to ponce drinks and not even pretending to be interested in talking to his fans

Biggest disappointment - apart from not getting a Zeppelin ticket - has to be Schenker again - I have never wanted someone not to play Rock Bottom so much. Hope he sorts himself out.

Bands to keep a close eye on - Wolfmother (can they follow up the first album) - Beyond the Grave - were they really as good as I remember or was I just wasted

Looking forward in 2008 - Zeppelin tour (so hope so) but especially hope Van Halen come across the pond after so many years. Radio silence from AC/DC can't be maintained can it? Motorhead, Judas Priest, Suicidal Tendencies and Megadeth all playing HRH - I would love it. Someone buying the State in Kilburn and making it the premier mid sized venue in London - has got so much potential I wish I was as rich as Bill Gates so I could do it myself