“We are Motorhead and we play rock n’ roll”, these are the immortal words that Motorhead frontman, founder and legend Lemmy, greets every audience with. They do play rock n’ roll…very, very loudly!
First band of the night though are Danko Jones, Classic rock riffs and the obligatory songs about sex, all shouted a 100mph, appeal to only a small selection of the audience.
In the 80’s, one of the biggest bands of the ‘New Wave of British Heavy Metal’ movement were Saxon. The set they play tonight is chock full of songs from that era and they still sound as fresh as they did 20 years ago (oops showing my age there). Motorcycle Man, Never Surrender and 747(Strangers in the Night) are dusted off and aired and sit comfortably alongside newer tracks Whichfinder General and Ashes to Ashes. We were even treated to two new songs, Live to Rock and Hellcat off the new album Into the Labyrinth.
I thought Saxon kicked ass and will definitely try and catch ‘em if they do a headlining tour.
On to the living legends that are Motorhead! I’ve seen them quite a few times over the years and they are still the only band around that casually stride out on stage and proceed to batter your eardrums into submission.
With powerful songs like Stay Clean, No Class, Killed By Death and the excellent Metropolis all designed to pound your inner ear to mush, they are the undisputed champions of pure noise.
They come out for the encore and we get a little respite with their bluesy skiffle song Whorehouse Blues, it’s Motorhead unplugged!
Just as you thought it was safe, they give us a double barrelled finish, in the form of classic tracks Ace of Spades and Overkill.
We leave the Guildhall with these bands literally ringing in our ears.
Same time next year? You bet!
Friday, 14 November 2008
Monday, 20 October 2008
UK Guns n’ Roses & Voodoo Vegas The Opera House 11-10-08
This is the first time I’ve been to the Opera house and I’m impressed. It looks great inside and the ever-changing mood lighting is class! With a bar in every corner, there’s no waiting around to be served and although the drinks are a little pricey and there’s no real beer only Lager, the surroundings remind you that your money’s going to the upkeep of a great venue.
The mood lights dim and the stage lights go up and we are treated to the best classic rock band in the area. Voodoo Vegas bound on to the stage and proceed to rock the audience silly. Their original songs pound out of the speakers, forcing the late arrivals to quickly make their way in and rush down to the front. Talking to people in the crowd later on, everyone was stoked with their performance. I’ve seen them supporting several times now and it probably won’t be long before they are headliners in their own right.
UK Guns n’ Roses have been doing this for a while now and have honed their stage show razor sharp. They kick off with Nightrain and we all jump on board and start to party. During the rest of the evening the hits come thick and fast with Welcome to the Jungle, It’s So Easy, You Could be Mine, November Rain and Anything Goes getting everyone singing and dancing in time.
The Opera house stage is great for them as Axl starts spinning around and the rest of the band dodge out off his way with practised ease. The fantastic lighting show is also worth a mention as it always sets a shows tone.
The evening draws to a close well after midnight, as Slash starts playing the Godfather theme tune which morphs into Sweet Child of Mine, everyone has a last sing up and it’s time to go.
Whereas with the real Guns n’ Roses, you never knew if you were going to get a poor gig because Slash was strung out or Axl Rose was going to throw a hissy fit and walk off stage, with these guys it’s a guaranteed killer show every time.
Hats off to Mr Kyps for putting on a great nights entertainment.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Dragonforce, Southampton Guildhall, 28 September
Finland isn’t generally known for producing Metal bands but with Turisas, that could all change big-time!
Judging by the amount of people gathering outside the Guildhall tonight, with their faces painted dark red with black stripes and sporting plastic swords and shields, it shows that many of the crowd have come to see these Viking Metal pioneers as well as the headliners.
Turisas declare war and kick off with their excellent anthem: Battle Metal! Their blend of Finnish folk music and straight up Heavy Metal has the Guildhall bouncing. Clad in animal skins and face paint they survey the carnage as the audience turns the Guildhall’s carpeted hall into a slam dance battlefield.
Showing that a good sense of humour is needed for this band, they finish off their set with a tongue in cheek cover of Boney M’s Rasputin. Pure class!
Dragonforce have their work cut out and the headliners don’t disappoint as they set about picking up the blood stained sword Turisas used to slay the crowd with, and proceed to implement their own attacking style.
With twin guitars primed and aimed at the audience they let fly with salvo after salvo of high speed Power Metal. Killer songs, My Spirit Will Go On, Operation Ground and Pound and Soldiers of the Wasteland are lobbed into the air and explode like concussion grenades in the packed hall.
When major hit Fury of the Storm is detonated, the Mosh Pit threatens to engulf the Guildhall from the stage to the mixing desk, dragging in bystanders without regard.
Through The Fire And Flames, the track that is considered to one of the most challenging on the Guitar Hero video game series, gets all the gamers in the audience headbanging like crazy.
Climaxing with the band bringing out a tray of beers for the crowd and throwing them out to the punters, all whilst taking the mick out of one of the lead guitarists thinning hair, makes this an all round brilliant smile-on-the-face gig.
Filing out, we walk past boxes of confiscated swords, shields and helmets, safe in the knowledge that Southampton’s Metal warriors will soon be reunited with their armour to continue their quest against the forces of bland pop music.
All hail the best Sunday night in a long time!
Judging by the amount of people gathering outside the Guildhall tonight, with their faces painted dark red with black stripes and sporting plastic swords and shields, it shows that many of the crowd have come to see these Viking Metal pioneers as well as the headliners.
Turisas declare war and kick off with their excellent anthem: Battle Metal! Their blend of Finnish folk music and straight up Heavy Metal has the Guildhall bouncing. Clad in animal skins and face paint they survey the carnage as the audience turns the Guildhall’s carpeted hall into a slam dance battlefield.
Showing that a good sense of humour is needed for this band, they finish off their set with a tongue in cheek cover of Boney M’s Rasputin. Pure class!
Dragonforce have their work cut out and the headliners don’t disappoint as they set about picking up the blood stained sword Turisas used to slay the crowd with, and proceed to implement their own attacking style.
With twin guitars primed and aimed at the audience they let fly with salvo after salvo of high speed Power Metal. Killer songs, My Spirit Will Go On, Operation Ground and Pound and Soldiers of the Wasteland are lobbed into the air and explode like concussion grenades in the packed hall.
When major hit Fury of the Storm is detonated, the Mosh Pit threatens to engulf the Guildhall from the stage to the mixing desk, dragging in bystanders without regard.
Through The Fire And Flames, the track that is considered to one of the most challenging on the Guitar Hero video game series, gets all the gamers in the audience headbanging like crazy.
Climaxing with the band bringing out a tray of beers for the crowd and throwing them out to the punters, all whilst taking the mick out of one of the lead guitarists thinning hair, makes this an all round brilliant smile-on-the-face gig.
Filing out, we walk past boxes of confiscated swords, shields and helmets, safe in the knowledge that Southampton’s Metal warriors will soon be reunited with their armour to continue their quest against the forces of bland pop music.
All hail the best Sunday night in a long time!
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Alice Cooper
Southampton Guildhall 25-7-08
As the house lights dim and the air of expectation rises, you can’t help but look around at the Guildhall’s high ceilings and chandelier type lights and think how well it complements the atmosphere that the man performing tonight exudes.
A huge drape with the legendary name ‘Alice Cooper’ emblazoned on it hangs at the front of the stage, concealing the rostrum from view. Suddenly a spotlight shines from behind onto the veil and into the beam strides the silhouette of Alice Cooper.
He punches the air and the crowd shout out their appreciation, but wait…another silhouette appears behind the first, holding a sword, he raises his arm and runs the first one through. The curtain falls and there stands a black leather-clad Alice Cooper over the still twitching body of his white tuxedoed doppelganger.
This is pure theatre and the Guildhall’s audience is eating it up. Over the next hour and three quarters, we are witness to one of the best rock shows in the world. Not only are we bombarded with a visual feast of entertainment but also the music’s not bad either!
This tour is promoting the release of his latest album ‘Along Came a Spider’ but Alice Cooper knows that what 95% of the crowd want is the ‘old stuff’ and boy does he deliver! No More Mr Nice Guy, Eighteen, Under My Wheels, Dirty Diamonds and Woman Of Mass Destruction are fired off in quick succession.
A short break for the man himself while Kerri Kelli and Jason Hook play two short guitar solos and then pitch in to help out (former Kiss drummer) Eric Singer play a thundering drum solo.
Alice returns for Only Women Bleed and his daughter, a classically trained dancer in her own right, twirls and pirouettes in time to the rhythm. At this point, being dragged on to the stage by grotesque henchmen, is a huge gallows. Cast to the floor and put in a straitjacket, Alice is then hauled up the stairs, has a noose placed around his neck and as a minion pulls the leaver activating the trapdoor mechanism, he plunges through it. Alice is then wheeled off the podium, swinging gently between the gallows posts.
Have no fear, he returns for an encore of his hit songs Billion Dollar Babies, Poison and Elected and judging by the general feeling as we head out into the night, Alice Cooper the master showman, made sure we all had a night to remember.
As the house lights dim and the air of expectation rises, you can’t help but look around at the Guildhall’s high ceilings and chandelier type lights and think how well it complements the atmosphere that the man performing tonight exudes.
A huge drape with the legendary name ‘Alice Cooper’ emblazoned on it hangs at the front of the stage, concealing the rostrum from view. Suddenly a spotlight shines from behind onto the veil and into the beam strides the silhouette of Alice Cooper.
He punches the air and the crowd shout out their appreciation, but wait…another silhouette appears behind the first, holding a sword, he raises his arm and runs the first one through. The curtain falls and there stands a black leather-clad Alice Cooper over the still twitching body of his white tuxedoed doppelganger.
This is pure theatre and the Guildhall’s audience is eating it up. Over the next hour and three quarters, we are witness to one of the best rock shows in the world. Not only are we bombarded with a visual feast of entertainment but also the music’s not bad either!
This tour is promoting the release of his latest album ‘Along Came a Spider’ but Alice Cooper knows that what 95% of the crowd want is the ‘old stuff’ and boy does he deliver! No More Mr Nice Guy, Eighteen, Under My Wheels, Dirty Diamonds and Woman Of Mass Destruction are fired off in quick succession.
A short break for the man himself while Kerri Kelli and Jason Hook play two short guitar solos and then pitch in to help out (former Kiss drummer) Eric Singer play a thundering drum solo.
Alice returns for Only Women Bleed and his daughter, a classically trained dancer in her own right, twirls and pirouettes in time to the rhythm. At this point, being dragged on to the stage by grotesque henchmen, is a huge gallows. Cast to the floor and put in a straitjacket, Alice is then hauled up the stairs, has a noose placed around his neck and as a minion pulls the leaver activating the trapdoor mechanism, he plunges through it. Alice is then wheeled off the podium, swinging gently between the gallows posts.
Have no fear, he returns for an encore of his hit songs Billion Dollar Babies, Poison and Elected and judging by the general feeling as we head out into the night, Alice Cooper the master showman, made sure we all had a night to remember.
Motorkill
+ Voodoo Veags @ Mr Kyps 13-8-08
It’s a debut for Motorhead tribute band, Motorkill at Mr Kyps. A lot of people are turning up early to see the excellent Voodoo Vegas who are supporting them tonight.
The Vegas boys put on cracking show and their good time party rock songs such as ‘Perfect Girl’ and newie ‘The Ferry Song’ are the perfect introduction to the headliners set.
Motorkill play Motorhead’s classic tracks just like the real thing, very loud and very fast.
Opening with ‘Sucker’ and ‘Please Don’t Touch,’ they pound the crowd into submission and don’t let up once. Midway through the set, Lemmy invites Voodoo Vegas up on the stage to perform the song ‘Born To Raise Hell’, at which point things get very messy onstage and everyone in Mr Kyps is joining in the party.
It’s got to be said that the band has Motorhead down to pat and have obviously been listening to and studying them hard. Lemmy is very good and looks and sounds just like the man himself. Expect the word to spread and the next time they play here there will be twice the crowd. So book in advance and be prepared to have your eardrums blown to bits.
It’s a debut for Motorhead tribute band, Motorkill at Mr Kyps. A lot of people are turning up early to see the excellent Voodoo Vegas who are supporting them tonight.
The Vegas boys put on cracking show and their good time party rock songs such as ‘Perfect Girl’ and newie ‘The Ferry Song’ are the perfect introduction to the headliners set.
Motorkill play Motorhead’s classic tracks just like the real thing, very loud and very fast.
Opening with ‘Sucker’ and ‘Please Don’t Touch,’ they pound the crowd into submission and don’t let up once. Midway through the set, Lemmy invites Voodoo Vegas up on the stage to perform the song ‘Born To Raise Hell’, at which point things get very messy onstage and everyone in Mr Kyps is joining in the party.
It’s got to be said that the band has Motorhead down to pat and have obviously been listening to and studying them hard. Lemmy is very good and looks and sounds just like the man himself. Expect the word to spread and the next time they play here there will be twice the crowd. So book in advance and be prepared to have your eardrums blown to bits.
Whole Lotta Led
MR KYPS 27-6-08
I’ve heard good things about tonight’s band and I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed. Billed as a ‘sound a like’ rather than a ‘look a like’ tribute band, they take to the stage and deliver classic songs from Led Zeppelin’s immense back catalogue with aplomb.
The audience, granted, consist mainly of middle-aged blokes, but there is also a smattering of the younger generation. Kids probably curious about Led Zeppelin after reading about them in the rock press and having their fave bands cite them as a major influence. And not being able to afford £160 for a ticket to the O2 gig, this is as close as it’s gonna get.
There is no support band, so the show is split into two halves with a 15 minute break or thereabouts, in between. Singer Lee Addison does a fantastic job, as Robert Plant isn’t the easiest of singers to emulate. He also introduces each song and tends to give out a bit of relevant trivia i.e. if the song was ever played live; what album it was on; which gig etc.
These guys have a serious passion for their idols and the second half of the set is filled with the showpiece songs. Bass guitarist Geoff Hunt makes ‘Dazed and Confused’ a set highlight, as does Graham Twist on ‘Moby Dick’. Drum solos don’t usually go down too well in this MTV influenced age but this was a faithful recreation of John Bonham’s solo on ‘The Song Remains The Same’ album and I’m glad to say it went down a treat with the Mr Kyps faithful.
Of course the yardstick which every Zepp tribute act will be measured by is ‘Stairway To Heaven’ and they pull out an absolutely amazing rendition of this much loved classic. Climaxing with ‘Whole Lotta Love’ and with ‘Communication Breakdown’ slotted in the middle for good measure, guitarist Nick Ferris excels himself and shows off his six string skills to the max.
If you haven’t seen this band before and you like Led Zeppelin, beg, borrow or perhaps more sensibly buy a ticket and be prepared to have one of the best musical experiences around. I know I did.
I’ve heard good things about tonight’s band and I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed. Billed as a ‘sound a like’ rather than a ‘look a like’ tribute band, they take to the stage and deliver classic songs from Led Zeppelin’s immense back catalogue with aplomb.
The audience, granted, consist mainly of middle-aged blokes, but there is also a smattering of the younger generation. Kids probably curious about Led Zeppelin after reading about them in the rock press and having their fave bands cite them as a major influence. And not being able to afford £160 for a ticket to the O2 gig, this is as close as it’s gonna get.
There is no support band, so the show is split into two halves with a 15 minute break or thereabouts, in between. Singer Lee Addison does a fantastic job, as Robert Plant isn’t the easiest of singers to emulate. He also introduces each song and tends to give out a bit of relevant trivia i.e. if the song was ever played live; what album it was on; which gig etc.
These guys have a serious passion for their idols and the second half of the set is filled with the showpiece songs. Bass guitarist Geoff Hunt makes ‘Dazed and Confused’ a set highlight, as does Graham Twist on ‘Moby Dick’. Drum solos don’t usually go down too well in this MTV influenced age but this was a faithful recreation of John Bonham’s solo on ‘The Song Remains The Same’ album and I’m glad to say it went down a treat with the Mr Kyps faithful.
Of course the yardstick which every Zepp tribute act will be measured by is ‘Stairway To Heaven’ and they pull out an absolutely amazing rendition of this much loved classic. Climaxing with ‘Whole Lotta Love’ and with ‘Communication Breakdown’ slotted in the middle for good measure, guitarist Nick Ferris excels himself and shows off his six string skills to the max.
If you haven’t seen this band before and you like Led Zeppelin, beg, borrow or perhaps more sensibly buy a ticket and be prepared to have one of the best musical experiences around. I know I did.
Sunday, 8 June 2008
UK SUBS at Mr Kyps 31-5-06
‘PUNKS NOT DEAD’ screamed the T-shirt of one of the smokers in the crowd banished to Mr Kyps car park to puff on their ciggies. As we pulled up and got out of the car, a tall punk with bleached blonde, spiky hair detached himself from the crowd and ambled over, he informed me that he was on the door tonight and the charge for parking was £2! Before I had a chance to protest, his face broke into a massive grin “Naw, only joking mate…just ‘aving you on”.
He then promptly told us it was the 24th time he’d seen the Subs and gave us a big hug and told us we’d enjoy tonight.
With the tone of the evening well and truly set, we made our way in.
With every song barely over a minute and a half Thunderdump probably get more songs into their half hour set than most headlining bands manage to do in the main set! Riff heavy punk rock with some amusing lyrics. Towards the end of the set the songs start to get a bit repetitive but at the end they throw in one with a bit of Ska in it, but it isn’t enough to get the punters engaged.
The Demonic Upchucks get a few more bodies up to slamdance/pogo. Their brand of punk is more polished and structured than the previous band (even though they share the same bassist) and guitarist Matt’s vocal goes from low growl to mediolic singing from song to song. They have a good live presence and were a definite crowd pleaser. Set highlight for me was ‘American Werewolf in London’.
There aren’t many bands that can boast as loyal a following as the UK SUBS can, frontman and founder member Charlie Harper is on par with Motorhead’s Lemmy as a relentless touring machine, willing to play anywhere and everywhere and be able to deliver the goods every night. As he emerges from backstage the crowd lets out a huge cheer.
With an extensive back catalogue to choose from, the Subs proceed to whip Mr Kyps up into a punked up frenzy of classic tracks from their past. ‘Tommorrow’s Girls’, ‘TV Blues’ and ‘Stranglehold’ ensure that there will be a few brusied ribs from the mosh pit the next day! Watching the like of American acts Greenday and The Offspring, have massive album sales and sell out tours, must be sickening for them, as they are one of the most underrated punk bands around today. They are clearly enjoying themselves as much as the crowd, which all adds up to a great night.
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As we left, I noticed a sticker for a local anarchist group plastered on the bonnet of my car! I thought ‘Damn that’s going to be a bugger getting off’ but like tonight’s event it came off smoothly with no fuss.
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