OK I admit it, I had some misgivings about this show beforehand. Whitesnake have just put out their best album in years with 'Forevermore', and vocalist David Coverdale rolled back the years on that record, belting out anthem after anthem to give a monumental performance. So much so I feared he'd left all his throat in the studio and would struggle to deliver that same thing live, night after night.
The last Whitesnake tour was cut short with the singer having to end prematurely a show and cancel the remaining dates of the tour, and he was diagnosed shortly after with damage to his vocal cords. A statement was issued which said that they were fortunate that it was caught in time, so a prolonged period of rest was prescribed before the singer was given the OK to resume work last year. The resulting album seemed to indicate the vocalist was out to prove he still had it in him, with some huge performances put down on tape. He's been active once again in the rock transfer market since the last tour, with bassist Uriah Duffy and drummer Chris Frazier being released in favour of new signings, Michael Devin having assumed the bass role and Briian Tichy now behind the kit. Keyboard player Timothy Drury also departed last year, although he plays on the new record, and it is Brian Ruedy who has taken over the ivories for this latest run. So - with three new Snakes, and a month into the tour already for the veteran rock god, can he still deliver the goods live? He certainly came up trumps at Newcastle, with Tichy now behind the kit the band's sound hits harder than ever and Coverdale had to work hard to elevate himself above the nuclear explosions coming from the back of the stage. The appeal with Coverdale is he always gives 100% every night, he may not hit every note, he may sound rough round the edges sometimes but he never holds back. That was the case last night, he was going for it hard and reaching - and holding - notes that he certainly was not doing in 2008. Perhaps it was the setting (Newcastle being in his native north-east) but, for someone who once declared that he wanted "less strain on the old Calvins" (a quote of his from over a decade ago), the Calvins were under as much strain as ever this night! He does rely on his band to back him up - the harmonies are sounding excellent in this new line-up - but when he was reaching for the fabled lung-busting roar, he got it. It was noticeable that the older songs have been taken down, possibly by as much as a whole step, but Coverdale has set himself a daunting task with this set list. Packed with demanding songs including five off the new album, it's understandable he's arranged them in a lower key in order to perform night after night. They opened with 'Best Years' as they did in 2008/9, but this was the only 'Good To Be Bad' song performed. With so many new songs played Coverdale took the safe option with the oldies. He dare not drop 'Ain't No Love In The Heart of The City', for instance. So the new ones included 'Love Will Set You Free', 'Steal Your Heart Away', 'My Evil Ways' (which came after the guitar duel and preceded a blistering Tichy drum solo, including a Tommy Aldridge-inspired hit-em-with-the-hands part), the epic 'Forevermore' which showcased the vocal harmonies of the band, and a surprise in 'Fare Thee Well'. For this, everyone apart from Ruedy and Coverdale himself had acoustic guitars - even Tichy, who came out from behind the kit to play alongside the rest of the band. That was about as mellow as it got all night, most of the rest of the night was high-octane stuff. Even 'Is This Love' rocks harder now, with a turbocharger driving the band! As I've been intimating, the revelation of this new line-up is the drummer. Briian Tichy has lit firecrackers under the band and as a result the whole sound is heavier, harder, and more Metal than ever. Unreconstructed headbangers (raises horns!) will love it, purists who hanker for the older style may not be quite so keen. However, this is the direction that has proved most successful for Coverdale over the years, so for now at least, he's sticking with it. Tichy does have his immense power under control - he's not just a slam merchant - but when he really lets loose, duck! Fellow newbies, bassist Michael Devin and keyboard player Brian Ruedy, are less conspicuous and have blended into the line-up nicely. The two guitarists are now the longest-serving members apart from Coverdale himself, and you know what you are getting by now - Reb Beach is the flashier of the two, but Doug Aldrich has more of a bluesy feel. The only reservation I did still have after the show was the solo spots - they're getting longer if anything, and as great as the guys are, I've never been a fan of long solos. Tichy's drum solo was also lengthy, and it might have been better to have the spots more spaced out. As it is, only 'My Evil Ways' separated the guitar and drum solos. meaning an extended period with Coverdale off the stage. If the singer does need a mid-set breather, it might be a better idea to revive 'Snake Dance' and have the other guys jam, or maybe even give, say, Reb Beach a song! The lengthy solos do tend to break the momentum of the show, and the mainman may need to look at this part of the show again. For the most part though, Coverdale has once again triumphed. He hits the big six-oh in a few short months and is aware that he cannot tour like this indefinitely, but if he is planning on taking a different path in future, this is a momentous way to end. So much for my misgivings!Support was from The Union, with vocalist Peter Shoulder on home territory. He and former Thunder guitarist Luke Morley have established a strong reputation in the short time they've been together, and the live band included Chris Childs (also ex-Thunder) and new drummer Dave McCluskey. They were given only a short time to impress, but they did just that with Shoulder impressing the North East crowd with his own rich, bluesy voice. An immensely talented singer and guitar player in a band that oozes class, he and Morley will be selling out these kind of venues themselves soon if there is any justice. Don't miss these guys. [[posterous-content:pid___0]]
Showing posts with label reb beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reb beach. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Caught Live: Winger, Manchester Academy 3, 24 March 2010
I seriously considered getting a plain black T-shirt and a fabric paint pen, and scrawling 'WINGER' on it in crude letters in a tribute to Winger's biggest fan (Stewart from 'Beavis and Butthead') before going to this gig, but as I didn't much fancy a bass guitar wrapped around my head I played safe and wore my favoured Whitesnake T-shirt, in recognition of the fact that guitarist Reb Beach was back with the band that first made him famous.
It's well known that band leader Kip Winger was less than pleased with the constant ribbing of his band all those years ago, and especially at the sight of Metallica chucking darts at a picture of him in one of their videos. Considering all that, it's ironic that in 2010 it is Metallica who are the unapproachable stadium rock gods, whereas Winger are playing small venues on this tour such as the Academy 3 at Manchester University, a far more down-to-earth and up-close and personal gig. The turnout was actually quite disappointing; the Academy 3 (formerly the Hop and Grape) is small but still by my estimation only around 60% full. A shame, since those that stayed away missed a very good night of rock.
The opening act (Darkhorse) were on as I entered the hall, with few people here at this stage I was able to get a spot just a few metres off the front with no problems. The band played well, but their music was unspectacular hard rock which owed a lot to Lizzy, AC/DC and early Leppard. They certainly looked like they'd come from the early 80s too. However I've seen far worse, and they've got time yet to improve.
The support drum kit stayed in place after they finished and before long a band that really WERE from the 80s came on. I had no clue who they were, as six blokes obviously well into middle-age appeared on stage. One of their guitarists was a ringer for darts player Simon Whitlock (!) and the other looked like he should be playing prop for Sale Sharks! Fronted by a slender (but still older) gent with a strong voice, I was intrigued, since it was clear from their first song they were a very good band indeed.
It turned out that this band was Airrace - who made one album almost 25 years ago ('Shaft of Light') and disappeared soon after. Back in 1985, they got press attention mainly because of the fact they had Jason (son of John) Bonham on drums; he is not involved with the band nowadays but that didn't matter much to me since this was pretty much all I knew about them before tonight! The Simon Whitlock ringer was Dean Howard, who has appeared with many other bands including T'Pau, and the prop forward on the other guitar was Laurie Mansworth, once of More, who played at Donington almost 30 years ago. Both played very well as indeed did the whole band, and got a fine reception from a crowd which had swollen at the front.
They say that after 25 years, they are finally to make a second album ('Shaft of Light' has been reissued and was available at the gig) - a gap that makes Boston seem prolific (!) but based on what I heard tonight, it should be worth checking out.
After a prolonged break Winger finally emerged at 9:40 pm, with the bespectacled frontman reminding me of cricketer Daniel Vettori (there's a bit of an Antipodean sports theme going on here!) and, as yours truly was not wearing a crudely-improvised Stewart-style T-shirt, my noggin was quite safe from any basses! My main reason for coming was of course to see Reb Beach; I have only one Winger album (the second one, 'In The Heart Of The Young') and then only on vinyl, so it's fair to say I'm not exactly knowledgeable about their output. From the word go Reb was a totally different character to that I usually see with Whitesnake; much more to the fore and pulling endless guitar gurns as he shredded like crazy, he was clearly enjoying this gig, in a far more intimate setting than the huge stages he's been treading over the past two years. He seemed to be having a laugh and a joke with several members of the crowd too, and his singing was top-notch along with that of fellow guitarist John Roth. The band played a set that featured most of their fan favourites, with 'Easy Come Easy Go' appearing early on. It seemed to me that Kip's vocal was noticeably lower in pitch than in years gone by, but in any event it was subdued somewhat by a sound mix that was surprisingly heavy. Anyone who dismissed these guys as wimpy should have been at this gig - they definitely rocked hard!
Kip Winger is renowned as one of rock's premier bassists of course, and from my centre position I could clearly see how much he puts into his playing (all the while singing too) - he's not just tapping the bottom E string all the time, there's a lot of fills going on there and to see that up close was very impressive. He gave all his band members featured spots; first John Roth got to show his own solo skills and then was given a country-style lead guitar showcase, then Reb Beach was given the stage to shred to his heart's content. He kept it short but packed a lot in, and towards the end drummer Rod Morgenstein got his chance to do a similarly short solo. I prefer to just hear the songs rather than solos, but I suppose that is a part of an old-school gig and this was certainly one of those!
For the ballads, Kip played keyboards and the band did without bass altogether; an unusual approach I thought considering there were two guitarists, normally you'd expect one of those to take over a bass where keyboards are involved. It didn't seem to affect the live sound, though.
They didn't leave us without playing '17' of course, but I couldn't help but think that if 'she was only 17' all those years ago, surely she must be pushing 40 by now?
All in all then, a very good gig; two very good bands and an opener with potential. Well worth the trip up the M62, even if the band were and still are perceived as 'uncool' by those daft enough to be fashion victims still (as opposed to victims OF fashion as Kip and co were!). I'd go as far as to say that even Beavis and Butthead would have enjoyed the gig (even if they insisted on staying hidden throughout, huhhuhhuh!)
Next time you get a chance to see this band, take it.
It's well known that band leader Kip Winger was less than pleased with the constant ribbing of his band all those years ago, and especially at the sight of Metallica chucking darts at a picture of him in one of their videos. Considering all that, it's ironic that in 2010 it is Metallica who are the unapproachable stadium rock gods, whereas Winger are playing small venues on this tour such as the Academy 3 at Manchester University, a far more down-to-earth and up-close and personal gig. The turnout was actually quite disappointing; the Academy 3 (formerly the Hop and Grape) is small but still by my estimation only around 60% full. A shame, since those that stayed away missed a very good night of rock.
The opening act (Darkhorse) were on as I entered the hall, with few people here at this stage I was able to get a spot just a few metres off the front with no problems. The band played well, but their music was unspectacular hard rock which owed a lot to Lizzy, AC/DC and early Leppard. They certainly looked like they'd come from the early 80s too. However I've seen far worse, and they've got time yet to improve.
The support drum kit stayed in place after they finished and before long a band that really WERE from the 80s came on. I had no clue who they were, as six blokes obviously well into middle-age appeared on stage. One of their guitarists was a ringer for darts player Simon Whitlock (!) and the other looked like he should be playing prop for Sale Sharks! Fronted by a slender (but still older) gent with a strong voice, I was intrigued, since it was clear from their first song they were a very good band indeed.
It turned out that this band was Airrace - who made one album almost 25 years ago ('Shaft of Light') and disappeared soon after. Back in 1985, they got press attention mainly because of the fact they had Jason (son of John) Bonham on drums; he is not involved with the band nowadays but that didn't matter much to me since this was pretty much all I knew about them before tonight! The Simon Whitlock ringer was Dean Howard, who has appeared with many other bands including T'Pau, and the prop forward on the other guitar was Laurie Mansworth, once of More, who played at Donington almost 30 years ago. Both played very well as indeed did the whole band, and got a fine reception from a crowd which had swollen at the front.
They say that after 25 years, they are finally to make a second album ('Shaft of Light' has been reissued and was available at the gig) - a gap that makes Boston seem prolific (!) but based on what I heard tonight, it should be worth checking out.
After a prolonged break Winger finally emerged at 9:40 pm, with the bespectacled frontman reminding me of cricketer Daniel Vettori (there's a bit of an Antipodean sports theme going on here!) and, as yours truly was not wearing a crudely-improvised Stewart-style T-shirt, my noggin was quite safe from any basses! My main reason for coming was of course to see Reb Beach; I have only one Winger album (the second one, 'In The Heart Of The Young') and then only on vinyl, so it's fair to say I'm not exactly knowledgeable about their output. From the word go Reb was a totally different character to that I usually see with Whitesnake; much more to the fore and pulling endless guitar gurns as he shredded like crazy, he was clearly enjoying this gig, in a far more intimate setting than the huge stages he's been treading over the past two years. He seemed to be having a laugh and a joke with several members of the crowd too, and his singing was top-notch along with that of fellow guitarist John Roth. The band played a set that featured most of their fan favourites, with 'Easy Come Easy Go' appearing early on. It seemed to me that Kip's vocal was noticeably lower in pitch than in years gone by, but in any event it was subdued somewhat by a sound mix that was surprisingly heavy. Anyone who dismissed these guys as wimpy should have been at this gig - they definitely rocked hard!
Kip Winger is renowned as one of rock's premier bassists of course, and from my centre position I could clearly see how much he puts into his playing (all the while singing too) - he's not just tapping the bottom E string all the time, there's a lot of fills going on there and to see that up close was very impressive. He gave all his band members featured spots; first John Roth got to show his own solo skills and then was given a country-style lead guitar showcase, then Reb Beach was given the stage to shred to his heart's content. He kept it short but packed a lot in, and towards the end drummer Rod Morgenstein got his chance to do a similarly short solo. I prefer to just hear the songs rather than solos, but I suppose that is a part of an old-school gig and this was certainly one of those!
For the ballads, Kip played keyboards and the band did without bass altogether; an unusual approach I thought considering there were two guitarists, normally you'd expect one of those to take over a bass where keyboards are involved. It didn't seem to affect the live sound, though.
They didn't leave us without playing '17' of course, but I couldn't help but think that if 'she was only 17' all those years ago, surely she must be pushing 40 by now?
All in all then, a very good gig; two very good bands and an opener with potential. Well worth the trip up the M62, even if the band were and still are perceived as 'uncool' by those daft enough to be fashion victims still (as opposed to victims OF fashion as Kip and co were!). I'd go as far as to say that even Beavis and Butthead would have enjoyed the gig (even if they insisted on staying hidden throughout, huhhuhhuh!)
Next time you get a chance to see this band, take it.
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