The Damned - Manchester Ritz - December 8th 2012

The Damned

Tis the season too be jelly, or so Mr Zappa said, but tonight there will be a cause for sanity, for The Damned are playing, time to dust off the old pogo and get gone. Unfortunately due to my recent illness I am still prone to a little dizzyness and not sure about driving, but Mr Kieran being such a nice chap, was willing ready and able to provide the necessary transport, plus I had his ticket.

Captain Sensible

Supporting The Damned on this tour are The Dickies, so Punkdom was alive and well for the evening, rhythmically moving up and down whilst throwing itself about. My familiarity with The Dickies ends with Banana Splits, Paranoid and Nights In White Satin, one of which I heard, not sure about the others as we missed the beginning of their set, but all was not at a loss. After they had set the sprung dance floor a bouncing, entertaining many ageing punks a quick encore followed and they were off, and so were the punks, to the bar that is. That gave me and Kieran the opportunity to get a good spot to witness The Damned, plus Kieran had his recorder with him and would be recording the gig for posterity.

Stu West

The Damned never disappoint, from start to finish they are having fun on stage as we are having fun off stage. Tonight there is no album to promote, no special anniversary to commemorate, just a fine selection of top tunes from a magnificent back catalogue. There would be no singalong to Eloise, but and I must emphasise the but, we would be treated to some absolute classics, some of which I am sure have never been played live before, but I may be wrong, but I don't care, I was there when they played White Rabbit.

Dave Vanian

The last few years they have grown as a band, considering only Sensible and Vanian remain from the original line up, they connect well on stage, being well rehearsed, tight and having fun being on stage with each other. The usual banter between band and fan keeps up the hilarity, they are a fun band, but take their music seriously. Sensible pulls off many Hendrix-esqe solos when required, Pinch and Stu are a solid rhythm section while Monty is just a crazed loon on keyboards, that just leaves Vanian to be himself, simple as that.

Monty On Keyboards

The tempo rises and falls throughout the set, teasing us with a classic singalong while swiftly moving into a punky throw about. Directly infront of the stage are the die hards, New Rose and Neat Neat Neat gets them thrown about, only to be stood back up and croon along to Grimly Fiendish. Rabid gets a good shout a long while Christmas is celebrated with Sanity Clause. All the usual suspects are here, Smash It Up concludes the evening with Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde making an appearance along the way.

Another great night out with The Damned, they never disappoint, lets just hope that next year brings a 30th anniversary tour with Strawberries, that would be interesting.

SET LIST:

Under The Wheels

Noise Noise Noise

Rabid

Danger To Yourself

Neat Neat Neat

Grimly Fiendish

Dr J

Love Song

Democracy

Stranger On The Town

Antipope

She

White Rabbit

New Rose

Ignite

Sanity Clause

Lovely Money

Looking At You

Wot (of sorts)

Smash It Up

Photo's (c) Doctor Majuba

Got The Time - Anthrax & Motorhead @ Manchester Apollo November 6th 2012

Oh yes, it's Anthrax

Thanks to Mr Jon Whitehead lending me Master Of Puppets back in 87, I have been a convert to what is known as THRASH METAL. So back then I was able to see many of the major names of the scene, Metallica, Megadeth, Testament, Slayer, but one band eluded me, that being Anthrax. With their punky approach to thrash and a love of Judge Dredd, they soon became one of my fave metal bands, but in 92 Mr Belladonna left the band and replaced by a number of competent singers. None of these had what Joey had, that Dickinsonesque/Dio power vocal, and so my chances of seeing Anthrax disappeared.

Joey Belladonna

BUT in 2005, Joey was invited back to tour with the band, along with John Bush their current singer. This tour was short lived and Joey went back to whatever he was doing before and Anthrax continued with John Bush. My hopes where raised and dashed simultaneously, as I had missed the tour, but a DVD was available, purchases made, viewing commenced and enjoyment followed.

Fast forward to 2010, and the grand reunion and magnificent new album with the wonderful Mr Belladonna on vocals, and a big four tour with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. Again getting to these gigs became problematic as most of them were in Europe until they played at Knebworth as part of Sonisphere and a weekend ticket was a little expensive.

So here we are in 2012, noodling on Facebook and a tour has been proposed, Anthrax and Motorhead, with the existing line up. So that means it's Mr Belladonna doing his stuff, time to buy a ticket.

Rob Caggiano

Rob CaggianoWhy is it that no matter how well planned, or careful I am to get somewhere or see something, situations arise to foil it. A wet evenings drive to Manchester eventually led to a huge tailback on the motorway into the city. My sat nav is showing me I have around a mile before I get to the Apollo, but all I can see are brake lights into the distance. Anthrax are the support band for tonight and so will be on stage quite soon. Time ticks on, slowly crawling to my destination, that destination I can now see on the other side of the roundabout. Eventually I am able to park on the spare land round the back of the venue, gathering up my ticket I speedily rush around and enter the Apollo.

A quick look up at the t-shirts and I want one, but the band will be on too soon for me to fight through the queue, that will have to be later, I have a band to see.

Worming my way through the crown I find a nice spot behind the mixing desk, obviously it's the best position for the best sound. A grin is forming on my face, finally I am here.

What can I say, apart from it was quite emotional, they are there, I am here, and playing many of my fave tracks, both old and new.

Frankie Bello

Set List : Worship, Caught In A Mosh, Fight 'Em Til You Can't, Antisocial, Indians, Hymn 1, In The End, Madhouse, Got The Time and I Am The Law.

The sound is perfect, not the usual bassy throb you get these days, but a nicely focused, well rounded, crisp mix. All the band are pumped up, the replacement drummer Jon Dette fills in for Benante due to some personal reasons. All the while Scott Ian whips up the crowd with his enthusiasm, even stopping Indians part way through to make sure the balcony dwellers are having a good time. Joey runs around the stage possessed and rejuvinated with his trademark microphone stand, his voice cutting through the immense sonic assault. At one point just before the start of Indians he spots that someone has a Native American Headress for him, of course he cannot pass this opportunity, makes his way to the fan and commences to wear it for the entire song, running from fellow Anthraxian to Anthraxian what he has on his head. The band love it, and you feel the intensity rise to a Spinal Tap 11. Frankie Bello blitzes through the set, singing along every lyric, stomping from left to right, showing off his skills during Got The Time and its subsequent solo. Rob Caggiano provides a counter point to Scott Ian, widdling when widdling is needed and chugging under his beany hat.

Scott Ian

There is an atmosphere here right now that you cannot fully explain, apart from actually being here, tonight there is a connectivity between the band and audience that I have not experienced that often at gigs, apart from at a Cardiacs gig where you feel you are part of an extended family.

Anthrax end their set with I Am The Law, and we feel it, tonight WE ARE THE LAW, DROKK IT.

Eventually all must come to an end and Motorhead take over the stage, somehow the electricity that charged the room during Anthrax's set has dissapated, well this is Motorhead and they play rock n roll, Lemmy by numbers and all that. I stay to watch their set, I like a few songs, but they do tend to blend into each other after a while. Ah well.

Until next time, maybe a headline tour for Anthrax in 2013, that would be something to look forward to.......

...... and yes I did get myself a t-shirt, nicely emblazoned on the front is Judge Death, with dates on the back. I don't usually buy t-shirts at gigs, but tonight has been a special night, treated myself I did.

Sparks - Manchester Ritz - September 2012

One band that made me realise that music didn't just go dum dum dum was Sparks back in the 70's, seeing them on Top Of The Pops was a revelation, no band around sounded like them. Over the years I have dipped in and out of their career, but not until the mid 90's when they brought out the Plagiarism album, did I really get into them, and hunted down the back catalogue, and have loved them ever since.

To hear they were touring, and playing nearby, was a must see occasion, despite the fact that it would be a stripped down performance, hence the name, Two Hands, One Mouth, I bought my ticket and counted down the days. Parking nearby I couldn't contain my excitement of seeing them for the first time. Obviously I had seen live footage over the years, but to actually see them......

Bang on time Ron came out on stage first and played a 5 minute sampler of the songs that would be performed tonight. Over the last few years they have moved into an almost musical theatre approach to their sound, and this with the stripped down approach worked so well, even on the more rocking numbers. The audience sang, cheered and whooped as classic after classic was reinterpreted.

They left the stage briefly for a pseudo encore, instead of piano accompaniment it would be a hard electro sound for 'Number One Song' and 'Beat The Clock' during which Russel took over the keyboard and Ron was centre stage, time for his crazy dance.

Soon the evening was over, an evening not to forget. My two hands and one mouth are exhausted from clapping and cheering, this town was definitely big enough for all of us.

Cult & The Mission - Manchester Apollo

Many months ago I booked many tickets to go see many bands over the forth coming months, this one had been rescheduled due probably to poor ticket sales, they had intended to play Manchester Arena, but it got moved to Manchester Apollo, plus it made it a midweek gig, but hey ho.

Off I went in my little car, off to the Apollo. Killing Joke were supposed to be first on the bill but Jaz decided he was better than that, slagged off The Cult and pulled out of the tour. So when The Mission came on stage playing the first bars to the Killing Joke song Eighties then asked 'do you know who we are' it was rather funny. Their set comprised of most of their early material with a couple of new numbers thrown in. Having been a bit of a Mission fan it was not objectionable to me, and was quite entertaining.

The Cult came on and proceeded to rock the house, again playing many old tracks, mostly off Love and Electric, but Spiritwalker was thrown into the mix and Billy was asked to play the opening bars to Christians to which he complied, but eventually gave up. Ian's vocals were a bit staccato, this being the first of many dates, I don't think he wants to blow his voice, but saying that they played well. The mix was a bit mushy with the bass being not to defined, you can't have everything though can you.

I went home quite happy, not seen the Cult in over 20 years, so it quite good to get out and see them again.

Amon Tobin - Manchester Academy

Went to See Amon Tobin with Peter and Kris to see his amazing set tonight, what can I say but WOW

That's it, see it if you can, miss it at your peril.

here is a sample of what to expect

Damned - Manchester Academy November 2011

Went to see the Damned at the Academy in Manchester, as they were celebrating their 35th anniversary. Marking the occasion by playing the first album Damned, Damned, Damned, in its entirety, and following that with The Black Album. How could I not go see that.

Obviously I drove over, having a car and all that, met up with Julie Windle, and Darren 'Mumpy' Hill, and headed forth. Julie knows the manager so was able to get in on the guest list, so that left me and Mumpy to fend for our selves. As you cannot smoke inside Mumpy went outside to have a quick one. Whilst waiting I could hear someone shouting my name, not sure who or where it was coming from I looked around, only to be face to face with Carole, my friend Sandra's younger sister. Bizarre or what, but she being a bit of a Damned fan, not really.

We had a quick chat as you do and got myself a good spot to enjoy the gig, and did I did.

A proper sing along commenced, with them buggering off after the first album was complete then to return for the second. What an event, the Black Album is probably one of my fave albums of all time, and to see it being performed was a dream come true. Even the wierd little intermission bits are performed, ending with the most amazing version of Curtain Call, light show and all.

Buggering off again they return to play 4 more songs from their impressive back catalogue and the night is over, but not yet........We had arranged to meet up outside the venue as I had agreed to give Julie and Mumpy a lift home, so outside we are, Mumpy is having a fag and I get a phone call, it's Julie.

She had okayed it for us to go into the VIP lounge and have a drink, so you cannot pass up and opportunity like that everyday so we do. After negotiating security we wander upstairs. There are a few people scattered around chatting, amongst them is Captain Sensible, obviously he is there he plays guitar in The Damned. So what else is there but to go up to him and say hello, and so I did. After saying hello I asked him what are his recollections from the 10th Anniversary gig in London, and his face dropped, he kinda recognises me and asks me how the hell we got to that house, so I recounted the events of the night to him, and during my retelling of what happened, you can see he remembers bits of it, then fills in some gaps that he remembers from his perspective. Very funny.....

All that is left is to get a quick piccy with him and he has to go, and so do we.

Driving home was quite the adventure, thick fog had descended and the junction I need to get off at had been closed, so a slight detour was needed, and no Julie if you are reading this, we didn't go to Wales.

Oh yes, the gig was recorded, so I got myself a copy, couldn't miss reliving this one.

June 2010

Friday the 4th of June saw the payoff of what I started back in October 2009, but more of that later.

5th of June was The Damned in Manchester Academy, so myself Lee and Kieran met up with Julie Windle and set fort on the train to Manchester for beer and merryment, and was had with aplomb. Since we spent time in the bar consuming pints of golden liquid, we missed the support bands, but as soon was available we set forth and entered the room of delight.

The Damned never dissapoint, always a great show, and quite often as tonight was the case, play some old songs from their ever expanding catalogue. The delight's they played tonight were, Fan Club, Fish, Gun Fury, Bad Time For Bonzo, Limit Club and Thanks For The Night. Great banter between the band and the audience punctuated the set, as as the good Captain remarked, we (Manchester) were a better audience than the previous night (London). Well we Northern Scum do appreciate good music when we hear it.

Microphones had been placed on the sides of the stage, maybe they were recording, they did record the Machine Gun Etiquette DVD here, so maybe we have been recorded for posterity.

Anyhow, didn't take my camera with me, but some kind person did, so here is a link to what they took - Kevin Ruscoe's pictures, here is one of those mentioned, not taken by me pictures for you to enjoy.

Zappa Plays Zappa - 17th June 2009

Here we are at Manchester Bridgewater Hall, that is myself and Kieran, to see how one son continues the memory and legacy of his father. The son being Dweezil, the father Frank. This is the second time I have seen this tribute to Frank Zappa, the first was accompanied by 2 ex members of Frank Zappa's band those being Napoleon Murphy Brock, and Steve Vai, but this time there would be no such performers. That does not mean that the performance will be lacking in any shape or form, to the contrary, the musicians that make up this band bring their own individuality and interpretation to each song without altering the whole, something that Zappa always wanted from his musicians.

The atmosphere is quite friendly, Dweezil jokes about the last time he played in Manchester, with his equipment failing to perform correctly, but tonight all goes without any hiccup, even inviting people from the audience to join them on stage.

It is so good to see Zappa's music still being played live, so a new audience can be a part of such a musical legacy. The setlist is quite eclectic, but covers most bases, and bass solos lead the way through the night of many more solo's. Unfortunately I did not take my camera, so only a couple of mobile pics are taken. A most splendid night, thanks to all who performed, turned up and enjoyed.

Set List.

APOSTROPHE
PURPLE LAGOON
MAGIC FINGERS
CAROLINA HARDCORE
LUMPY GRAVY
MONTANA
VILLAGE OF THE SUN
ECHIDNA'S ARF
DONT YOU EVER WASH THAT THING?
DIRTY LOVE
GAS STATION
INCA ROADS
OUTSIDE NOW
BAMBOOZLED BY LOVE
POUND FOR A BROWN
ZOMBY WOOF

---

PEACHES EN REGALIA
COSMIK DEBRIS
YELLOW SNOW
WILLIE THE PIMP

Bodyworlds - Manchester

Had a day trip to Manchester with Peter and Kasia, to visit the dead bodies at the MOSI (Museum Of Science & Industry) and what a trip it was. Dr Gunter Von Hagen has perfected a way of preserving cadavers and arranging them for public observation. It boggles the imagination, for nothing can prepare you for the confrontation of our own mortality and bodily function, for all is laid bare, quite literally.

Unfortunately no pictures can be taken at the exhibition, but there is no need, for such images are seared into the brain for a long time to come, and yes I did feel a little peckish on the way around.

Some of the exhibits are purely scientific, as in hearts, lungs etc, sectioned and displayed, but it is the fact that they are actual body parts thats holds our fascination.

Other exhibits are positioned into elaborate poses (guitarist) or are recreations of classical scientific/religious artworks. The more you see the more you are in awe of the fantastical spectacle before you.

You must see it before it leaves Manchester, in the middle of August.



After here we became a little more traditional, a quick visit to the air and space museum, mainly to escape the rain, then it was onto the art gallery, to pull bemused faces at traditional 'art' and to stand open mouthed at contemporary pieces (Gwon Osang).

Cardiacs Manchester Academy 21st november

Here we are again, it has been nearly 3 years since I was last able to witness this most amazing band, and tonight would reaffirm how good this band is. With us tonight is a Cardiacs virgin, so who knows what she is expecting. Supporting the Cardiacs is former Cardiac, Jon Poole, with his band The Damn Filthy Whores.

Ballsy rock n roll with a Cardiacsy twist, entertain all those who wish to stand, sit or swim before them. Banter with ’Bernard Manning’ and a brief love affair with a large beard are but tiny interludes in these precedings. Jon’s tenure as focal point come to an end, but entertaining he was and always will be.

Of course we the fish, are here for the big ugly shark, and this huge swimming muscle must flex and twist the night away. The bass drum pounds with constant poundings, an introduction to what is to follow, and what follows will be remembered till our synapses cease their firing. This grand spectacle beholds the swaying pond, while a historial selection of musical interludes with smatterings of current offerings are welcomed with open hearts and minds. Highlights include Tarred & Feathered, Breakfast Line, Dive and RES.

Tim is his usual self, a duality of personas, headmaster and child, while his brother is a stoic as usual, with the occasional bow to the pond in recognition of appreciation. Karvus the animated, is well, animated. The new non-dancing girls don’t dance but bang drums and sing with aplomb. Bob, when you can see him, wears headphones with style, and his style works the room.

So comes the end, a little earlier that the set-list had planned for, but, well it doesn’t really matter, does it, for what came before is more than what we expected. So say goodbye to those funsters, hope to see you soon, maybe on one of those digital plastic disc things, if youtube is anything to go by.

Riders On The Storm - Manchester Apollo

Riders On The Storm - Manchester Apollo, January 2007

When are the Doors not the Doors, when they are Riders On The Storm, this being due to some injunction or something.

But Jim is dead you may proclaim, yes I know but Ian Astbury has donned the leather jacket and shades, and taken over the vocals. Boy does he do it well.

Along with original members, Robbie Krieger and Ray Manzerak, they took to the stage in Manchester and rocked the Apollo.

Mostly the 'hits' are played, but a few obscure fan favorites are included. Astbury does not attempt to be Morrison, and simply slips to the rear of the stage in between songs, thus allowing those who were there to tell us about being there.

That being said, there are a few moments when you could almost believe Astbury was Morrison, what with his vocal stylings and physical presence. Jim has left the building, but the Doors are still open.

Damned - Manchester Academy

Damned - Manchester Academy, December 9th 2006

The Damned may not be the greatest band in the world, or the best musicians, but boy could they write a good tune or two. So here we are again at the Manchester Academy to see this band perform but a small selection of fine tunes they have entertained us for many a year.

Last time we saw them they were on the 25th year Machine Gun Etiquette tour, so they were promoting that, but this time nothing to promote, just a bunch of aging punks playing to an audience of aging punks.

Included amongst the classics were Alone Again Or, General and Rabid, all of which I never expected to gear live. As usual the band is on form and the pantomime banter punctuates the set list with the obligiatory 'Sensibles a wanker' being chanted whenever possible.

The Damned never fail in their ability to entertain. They may not be the best band in the world (possibly in my top 10), but for sheer entertainment, they are up there with the best of them.

NDR Big Band

NDR big band

manchester november 22nd 2006

Towards the end of Frank Zappa's momentous life & career his touring band began to resemble the 'big band' format. So it was no stretch of the imagination in predicting what format tonights even would take.

So when a middle aged jazz warbling warbler began a warbling, I was a little warbled myself, but not in a good way. These were not Zappa tunes being big banded into warbleville, but contempary pop tunes. Was this the right room, had I paid for 5 minutes or the full half hour.

This big band strangeness ended with a warbleful of Sting's 'Moon over bourbon street' and the reign of the warble queen was over, long live the king.

This prompted a brief intermission, thus giving us time to ponder what had transgressed & what was to be.

Fortunately the second half was to be warble free, and was to be as advertised, Zappa, Zappa and more Zappa. Some might say this is yet another tribute band, but this is so much more. Interpretation & imagination seperate this from your standard soundalike tribute band. This is tribute with a diamond encrusted T, and extra gold stars for effort.

And so it began, from 'peaches' to 'black napkins', 'lets make the water turn black' to 'g spot tornado', all exhibiting such proficiency, even passing cyclists would qualify. If tonight was a long playing record, you would have no need for a hungarian phrasebook to tell you of its condition, pristine scratch free, and willing to hold it against your body.

Nods of appreciation from fellow band members follow solo musical excellence, followed in turn by the slapping sound of paired fleshy extremities. This is pure Zappa, and hurrah.

Anderson & Wakeman

anderson & wakeman

manchester opera house 30th october 2006

I feel a little underdressed considering the surroundings, as this is an opera house, Manchester Opera House to be precise. A certain decorum must be observed, a reverence dictated by the oppulent facade. Here there are boards that have been tread, whats that I hear, he's behind you, oh shit. Pantomimes and dodgy musicals are on the bill, fortunately, not tonight. Prog maestro's Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman age going to tease us with acoustic renditions os classic Yes, interspaced with new offerings written by just the two of them.

Mr Andersons has wifely support from Mrs Anderson sitting inthe balcony to the side of the stage, so at moments of mutual secrecy, he would gaze up to her, blowing kisses, waving of arms, and generaly saying hello.

Mr Wakeman has no support apart from his piano stool upon which he sits. Moments of verbal amusement eminate from his section of the stage. A swapping of tales from duo to audience give rise to titters and guffaws, depending upon severity of incident being recanted. Usually of Mr wakemans alcoholic past.

Mr A accopanies Mr W on acoustic guitar, and yes surprisingly it is plugged in ans amplified to a decent level. Reworkings of familiarity are interspersed with smatterings of new stuff, written especially the duo-ic concept. Mr W tinkles ivories like an ivory tinkler tinkleing Yes tunes, which of itself is self evident, for that is what we expect to hear.

Halfway through, just after the intermission Mr A takes up the stool and begins his own tinkleing, much to the amazement of the seated audience. Mr W enters the stage, places are traded, and Mr W gives us reditions of familiar nursery rhymes in the stylings of classical composers, and ends his solo spot with a highly subjective yet recognisable version of Eleanor Rigby. Before Mr A returns to his familiar spot, Mr W tells a few jokes and the evenings entertainment is allowed to continue.

As before is what is after, remarkable renditions of remarkable renditions, expert performances, considering how long they must have been playing some of these songs, to know them backwards is an understatement, but sometimes as Mr W was to quip,

"I didn't play on that one"

Zappa Plays Zappa - Manchester Apollo

zappa plays zappa

manchester apollo 1st june 2006

It may be over 10 years since the unfortunate death of the genius that was Frank Zappa, but for tonight in Manchester, his music lives on, aided and abetted by his son Dweezil & many friends. One of whom strat abused his way through many Zappa albums & performances, the equally bizarrely monikered guitar hero, Mr Steve Vai. Another is minus his tiny horse, but will mime one it if requested, Napolean murphy Brock.

This night should have been another night, that night being an earlier night, but for unseen circumstances it became this night & not the other night. But if that night was the night then this night would have been an oedinary night with nothing of significant importance to write about. But as this night is the night & this night is about to begin, then the start is the place to be.

It begins at the bar, where else may be asked, but lubrication is required & the bar will provide. This location must be possessed of exqusite Britishness, as the institution of the queue is in effect. An orderly line has formed in parallel to the bar and patience dictates a serving order. All is not what it seems as premium prices are in effect, 1 can of beer & a soft drink emptied my wallet of nearly £5. Time to sit down & cherish these premiumly priced beverages. Of course we are not here fot the beer, for the beer is too dear, and we have no idea, when the band will appear, oh dear (Dr Seuss would be hating me for that).

Eventually seats are filled, techies ensure all is well, armed with their maglites, drum roll please, the show is imminent. A rather large projection screen is situated at the rear of the stage flickers into being, onto which is projected concert footage of the great man himself, despite the fact we are watching a screen there is certain, quite special feeling being generated by the seated Zappaphiles. Slowly the band drift onto stage just as the projected Zappa tunes his guitar, similarly as an awaiting orchestra twiddles with sound, the non-projected band do similarly, now its live. An apt seque.

Napolean Murphy Brock provides vocals for the evening, looking younger than he did over 20 years ago, performing the same strange dance and mine routines he did many a year ago, as a fully fledged Zappa band member of previous incarnations. When not exercising his vocals, his talents are explored via the flute, sax, and some Brian Jacks style dips between stacks of equipment. Why you may ask, who knows.

Dweezil leads the menagerie of talent from the front, Gibson SG around his neck, performing leads breaks as though channeling techniques from his late father. At one point he attempts some Zappa style conducting with the band. Having devised visual queues, hand signals and gestures, a combination of which inform the individual members to perform intended musical actions. Thus providing each member the ability to show off their respective talents, and boy can they play.

As this is to be a 3 hour gig, the set comes in 2 parts, over half way through the first part, gremlins enter the preceedings. Dweezils guitar rig decides it doesn't want to produce sound anymore, techies armed with obliatory maglites try to accertain the problem, leads are exchanged, pedals unplugged and effect units reset. Nothing cures this ailment, of course Dweezil apologises to the audience & the band strikes up tunes that would not normally be part of the set (Pound for a brown), hurrah for us. Somebody from the audience tells Dweezil to plug into Vai's amp, to which he replies, 'I can't do that, it would be like sleeping with his wife'. Normal service is evenually restored, apart from the fact that Dweezil has to plug straight into his amp, no effects.

The techical delay has interupted the set, so some songs have to be dropped, not that you would know, unless you had prior knowledge of what they would be playing tonight, or had been informed somehow. Eventually the fault is found, fixed and facilitates Dweezil to effect his guitar again.

A short intermission follows, and all is resumed from where we left off. A couple more songs are played & out steps Mr Vai, the room goes wild. No surprise there, as Spinal Tap's amps go up to 11 to give them 1 louder, with Vai around the skill level tonight steps up to 12. Playing the most amazing solos, effortly and pristine, this true showman knows how to put on a great show. Trading licks with Dweezil, a crossroadian duel, where we are the victors, if anyone had sold their soul tonight it had to be Vai, you have to wonder how many fingers he has on each hand, 7 would not be enough.

The rest of the evening continues to raise the bar higher and higher, complex songs are performed to an eager audience, old favorites of many colours wash over an expected audience, nothing dissapoints even when the screen desends for a second time. This time the band are to play along with the projection, Frank Zappa on screen, Dweezil Zappa on stage, this we are told is the first time this had been attempted, again a special occasion for us at Manchester. Frank Zappa solos his way across the screen, his son looks up at his father, again a special moment. Of course all this must end, it is decided not go go through the usual encore routine of going off stage, waiting, comming back on and so on. The Band go straight into what would have been played on returning to the stage without actually leaving it.

Yes, it does end, and we have to leave, there is no encore for us, just happy memories of a wonderful night. A one off performance from a group of seminal musicians, it was well worth the wait. The music of Zappa lives on, a new generation of fans continue the memory, long may it last.

System Of A Down - Manchester Arena

system of a down

manchester MEN 14th june 2005

Its Tuesday night, U2 are playing the City of Manchester Stadium, and where would i rather be, yup, Manchester Arena, to pay witness to one of the most bizarre metal bands you are probably gonna witness, ever. Perverting the supposed rules of what makes metal metal into something that resembles eastern european folk, mixed with an Italian castrato, dueting with Barry White with laryngitis.

Ripping through an imense back catalogue of political awareness, demanding nothing from the audience but appreciation of a job well done. When you hear 10,000 people shouting in unision the words 'Mother F**ker', you realise your tongue must be placed firmly in ones cheek, as nothing is what it seems.

No elaborate light show, just 3 carpets for the ones without a drum kit. Just 90 minutes of non stop hard core metal frenzy, quirky yet catchy tunes. All this cut in between Armenian vocal stylings and a penchance for bodily theatrics, leaves SOAD with no encores, as they don't do them, what is the point of following a expected norm, when you don't play to the expected norms.

All that leaves is to have a nice wander back to the car, its a fine evening, after a fine evenings entertainment. Go home, and look for the bootleg on Ebay in a few days.

Rammstein - Manchester Arena

rammstein

manchester MEN 6th february 2005


Saw Rammstein at Manchester Arena, wow what a show. Supported by Apocalyptica, a metal/classical string quartet and a drummer, playing classical versions of thrash classics, along with own compositions, giving a most apt support to what was going to be the highlight of a year that had only just begun, probably the most impressive gig I have witnessed for quite some time.

Rammstein fuse a solid driving beat, with techno splashes, over which twin guitarists play riffs that Black Sabbaths Tony Iommi would be proud of.

The stage set was like something out of Gigers imagination, flames erupt out of the stage at choreographed moments, even sometimes from the band members heads themselves. The band produce a stage show without speaking to the audience at any time, but participation from the crowd is compulsary, despite the fact Rammstein sing in their own language, German.

From start to finish, Rammstein gave a most polished performance, dedicated to providing their fans with a spectacle to remember, complete with a large cooking pot, inside which the keyboard player is roasted by the singer (dressed as a nightmarish chef) using a flame thrower from the other side of the stage. All this to a song about a cannibal who ate somebody who advertised themselves on the internet.

In all a memorable night, enjoyed by all and sundry.

Cardiacs - Manchester Academy

Cardiacs

manchester academy december 9th 2004

Not having seen the Cardiacs for quite some time i was looking foward to it, especially as earlier that day i was in Barcelona visiting friends, so it was going to be an eventful evening to a long day.

Gladly my band of choice did not dissapoint.

A new guitarist had joined the ranks, and was filling a well worn pair of shoes as though he had bought them for himself. As for the choice of songs they played, well, a history lesson in the bizarre word that the Cardiacs inhabit was on the cards this evening.

A veritably well ticked dance card of old favourites was presented to a confused audience, as the Cardiacs were the support act for another, namely The Wildhearts, so the audience was not fully their own, but a gentle nudge in the right areas, and the fish in the pond were well and truely swimming in delight.

Out came all the classic tunes, some, as far as i know, had not seen the light of day for many many a year, but sounding as fresh as the daisy that adorned many a convert in the crowd. Tim loved us all, Tim loved his brother Jim, and we all loved them back.

But all good things must come to an end, and the end it did come, pity.

Watched the Wildhearts for a couple of songs, but no comparison.

Lets hope the Cardiacs play again sometime soon.