Classic Rock (Phil Collins lives, run for the hills)

MCFCTrick said:
Went to see Uriah Heep on Monday. First time since 1977 when John Lawton (R.I.P.) was their singer. (Loved his voice)
Wasn't sure what to expect, and the thought of an acoustic 45 mins set to start didn't fill me with optimism ...

My doubts were soon put to rest, after a video opened proceedings showing pics and clips of the band's history (It is their 50th anniversary tour) and they band ambled on to take their places ....stage was set at the front, with a screen in front of the main area for later. A small drum kit, keyboard and electric bass ... the only actual 'acoustic' bit was Mick Box's guitars, but the bassist sat on a stool, so that counts ;-)

This set allowed them to play some pretty deep cuts, like Come Away Melinda (with it's frighteningly still relevant anti war lyrics) from the first album. Of course the big acoustic 'hit' The Wizard got an airing too. The band seemed in great spirits, and I enjoyed it far more than expected.

Following a 25 mins interval, we took our (Row F in front of Box) seats for the main part. Prior to it, they showed many videos congratulating the band on reaching 50 years, from a wide range of other bands and artists, from contemporaries like Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Brian May, to some you wouldn't expect, like Midge Ure singing their praises.
(I have to mention a cracking line from Francis Rossi, who after congratulating them, said something along the lines of see you all soon .... here, or if not maybe on 'the other side ... it won't be long!' Which got a huge laugh.

A very explosive start with pyro, dry ice etc heralded them onstage, and feck me they still have some energy! Bassist Davey Rimmer is clearly the youngest at 53, but singer Bernie Shaw gets around the stage like a man even younger. His voice suits the band perfectly. Mick Box is the same as always ... constantly smiling, jovial and vey much in charge of 'his' band now. A shout out to drummer Russ Gilbrook , a powerhouse in the style of Bonham and Roger Taylor. Felt knackered just watching him.

Have seen a few 'heritage' bands in recent years, many are clearly going through the motions(yesyou Deep Purple for one) but not the 'Heep.

All the hits were rolled out, (including Hanging Tree from my favourite Firefly album) from July Morning to Gypsy and all you could wish for (well I would have loved to hear the Return To Fantasy title track, but you can't have everything) ending of course with a rousing Easy Livin'.

Have been to the Bridgewater a few times (Frank Sinatra Jr, Tony Bennett and Glenn Miller Orchestra with my old man, and JulianClary ... not with my old man) but this was my first rock gig there. It really echoed being in my teens at gigs in the Free Trade Hall, the auditorium even looks very similar in design. Top venue.
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Sounds great. Hanging Tree is my fav too.
 
Protein Junkie said:
Iron Maiden tour next Summer with tickets on sale a week tomorrow.
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I recall Sound's (and later Kerrang! editor) Geoff Barton raving about Iron Maiden and Def Leppard in his reviews of their early singles. I bought one of them, Running Free. Honestly couldn't see what the fuss was about it.
Never became a fan at all, but now when I hear them on the radio, I far prefer the stuff with Paul DiAnno singing, to the aptly nicknamed 'Foghorn' that is Bruce Dickinson.

But they have a loyal fanbase, and can still sell out arena tours, so what do I know, lol.
 
MCFCTrick said:
I recall Sound's (and later Kerrang! editor) Geoff Barton raving about Iron Maiden and Def Leppard in his reviews of their early singles. I bought one of them, Running Free. Honestly couldn't see what the fuss was about it.
Never became a fan at all, but now when I hear them on the radio, I far prefer the stuff with Paul DiAnno singing, to the aptly nicknamed 'Foghorn' that is Bruce Dickinson.

But they have a loyal fanbase, and can still sell out arena tours, so what do I know, lol.
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Ah the days of buying Sounds and NME every Thursday as a teenager in the late 70s.
Used to hang on every word written in the former.
I have one album of each of those bands. I do think both of them have highlights - Photograph and Number of the Beast especiallly.
Iron Maiden have a very loyal fan base and I remember trekking to the famous Ruskin Arms to witness DJ Neal Kay back in the day.
Great times my friend.
 
I was always a fan of Billy Squier, and on buying his Emotions In Motion album around 1982/3 (?) it was a suprise to hear this song which features Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor on vocals. Mainly because they didn't guest on record with many other artists back then, and Squier was only ever a star in the US.

But it's only today, I have discovered that Fred actually sang this intro to it. Apparently Capitol Records cut it from the album.

 
MCFCTrick said:
I was always a fan of Billy Squier, and on buying his Emotions In Motion album around 1982/3 (?) it was a suprise to hear this song which features Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor on vocals. Mainly because they didn't guest on record with many other artists back then, and Squier was only ever a star in the US.

But it's only today, I have discovered that Fred actually sang this intro to it. Apparently Capitol Records cut it from the album.

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Think that album and Don’t say no. was produced by Queen producer Mack, so that would be the connection, liked that album but preffered the one before Don’t say no, with In the Dark, and Stroke.
 
blueparrot said:
Think that album and Don’t say no. was produced by Queen producer Mack, so that would be the connection, liked that album but preffered the one before Don’t say no, with In the Dark, and Stroke.
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Also Squier and Fred both had apartments in the same building in Manhatten apparently.

Don't Say No was his finest yeah. He had a very distinctive voice for me. On the husky side, which did actually remind me of Taylor at times.

As for the cut intro, I feel on balance they made the right choice, and I prefer the song without it. Fred's vocal is very much of the late era Queen sound ... a bit overblown and dramatic. Lol, I know, his early stuff I love could be said to be the same, but it had a different feel for me ...
 
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