The evening started with a fine pint in The Nook, a pub that had been recommended to us and well worth a visit if you are in the area.
This was the second time I’ve seen Gwyn Ashton’s Two Man Blues Army and I really enjoyed his set again. There seemed to be a really great vibe between Gwyn and drummer Kevin Hickman who gave the set a driving rhythm. Thankfully Gwyn Ashton had plenty of spare guitars because I counted at least two string breaks throughout the set. (You just can’t get quality materials today). The Two Man Blues Army is well worth checking out.
Having seen two blistering sets from Saxon earlier in the week Magnum had a lot to live up to. I had been listening to the latest CD offering, The Visitation, and to be honest it is okay but some of the track lack a bit of something for me. So could they deliver live? Well any doubts I had were soon removed and even the new material had a new dimension in a live setting. There was plenty of crowd participation in the form of swaying, clapping singing etc. with Bob Catley conducting us throughout the whole show. The set list was the same as at Oxford review below covered by the fellow scribe (ME). Some great song in that set, but one that really surprised me was The Moonking, It wasn’t one I would have put down as a favorite of mine, but I really enjoyed this live version.
As a result of this show I’m going to now give The Visitation CD another few spins.
In just under a week I’ve been lucky enough to attend three great concerts and see five excellent bands. There is some fantastic music (and beer) out there, go and discover it.
NH
Friday, 29 April 2011
Magnum, Gwyn Ashton - Oxford O2 Academy 18 April 2011
First up Gwyn Ashton's Two man Blues Army. A heady mix of heavy blues,garage rock,60's psychedelia,swamp blues that at times veered from wonderful to way out of tune.
There was wonderful chemistry with drummer Kev Hickman and they went down well with the quickly swelling crowd.
Magnum in support of their latest creation "The Visitation".
The 1 hour 45 minute set was a great mixture of old and new from the new cd and also since the reformation a few cd's ago.
The setlist was
Back to Earth
When We Were Younger
Wild Angels
Brand New Morning
Mother Nature's Final Dance
How Far Jerusalem
Spin Like A Wheel
The Moonking
Freedom Day
Les Morts Dansant
Black Skies
All My Bridges
All Englands Eyes
Vigilante
Encores of :-
Kingdom Of Madness
On A Story Teller's Night
The new cd songs which if I'm honest are a little pedestrian on cd all were kicked into shape by Harry James(drums)who along with bassist Al Barrow put on an incredible rhythm team. Al as the youngest did all the bouncing around for the rest of band.
Mark Stanway(keys)embellished all songs with depth leaving Tony Clarkin(geetar)to play over the top. After Gwyn Ashton's sound it was a joy to hear such clean melodic tones(no pun intended!!)
Bob Catley on vox was Bob. His voice for a man of 40 years in the business was brilliant and we had the usual Bob workout video movement that you can love or hate or both.
The sound was excellent and the rumoured live cd from the tour should be brilliant with the Oxford crowd giving it some especially for the legendary songs which were all played just so!! The last 4 with the encores were off the scale.
So another Magnum tour and long may they continue.
ME
9/10.
There was wonderful chemistry with drummer Kev Hickman and they went down well with the quickly swelling crowd.
Magnum in support of their latest creation "The Visitation".
The 1 hour 45 minute set was a great mixture of old and new from the new cd and also since the reformation a few cd's ago.
The setlist was
Back to Earth
When We Were Younger
Wild Angels
Brand New Morning
Mother Nature's Final Dance
How Far Jerusalem
Spin Like A Wheel
The Moonking
Freedom Day
Les Morts Dansant
Black Skies
All My Bridges
All Englands Eyes
Vigilante
Encores of :-
Kingdom Of Madness
On A Story Teller's Night
The new cd songs which if I'm honest are a little pedestrian on cd all were kicked into shape by Harry James(drums)who along with bassist Al Barrow put on an incredible rhythm team. Al as the youngest did all the bouncing around for the rest of band.
Mark Stanway(keys)embellished all songs with depth leaving Tony Clarkin(geetar)to play over the top. After Gwyn Ashton's sound it was a joy to hear such clean melodic tones(no pun intended!!)
Bob Catley on vox was Bob. His voice for a man of 40 years in the business was brilliant and we had the usual Bob workout video movement that you can love or hate or both.
The sound was excellent and the rumoured live cd from the tour should be brilliant with the Oxford crowd giving it some especially for the legendary songs which were all played just so!! The last 4 with the encores were off the scale.
So another Magnum tour and long may they continue.
ME
9/10.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Saxon, Wolfsbane, Fury UK – Bristol -02 Academy 19 April 2011
As luck would have I was in the Bristol area when Saxon played to another great crowd on Tuesday, so I was able to take in a second show on the tour.
Fury UK again put in a blistering set which went down really well with the Bristol crowd. Wolfsbane also put in another show which was really well received.
Saxon opened up again with Hammer of the Gods and Heavy Metal Thunder, but just as I thought I knew what was coming they through in Motorcycle Man and after this the set list was really changed around from two nights earlier. We also had Atila the Hunn in the set and Demon Sweeny Todd ran straight into Battalions of Steel.
If you weren’t lucky enough to see Saxon this tour they will be back in the UK after the summer so get saving your money because you really do need to get a ticket to see this band.
NH
Fury UK again put in a blistering set which went down really well with the Bristol crowd. Wolfsbane also put in another show which was really well received.
Saxon opened up again with Hammer of the Gods and Heavy Metal Thunder, but just as I thought I knew what was coming they through in Motorcycle Man and after this the set list was really changed around from two nights earlier. We also had Atila the Hunn in the set and Demon Sweeny Todd ran straight into Battalions of Steel.
If you weren’t lucky enough to see Saxon this tour they will be back in the UK after the summer so get saving your money because you really do need to get a ticket to see this band.
NH
Saxon, Wolfsbane, Fury UK – Leeds -02 Academy 17 April 2011
I had to be at the 02 Academy at 4 0’clock for this on as I attending the sound check as part of a charity fund raising for Childline and Nordoff Robbins Charities. We had a listen to five or so songs at the sound check ad then did the meet and greet with the band. All in all a great experience (and for a good cause too).
 |
| NH from Rockgig with Fury UK |
 |
| NH with Saxon |
Fury UK put in a blistering set to open up the show. They played I See Red, Fall From Grace, Alien Skies, Manslaughter, Call to Arms and rounded it all of with the great Death by Lightening. They seemed to go down really well with the crowd so let’s hop that the future is looking bright for this band because they really deserve it. They play a headline show at Bradord Rios on 27 May 2011.
 |
| Paul Quinn From Saxon |
The whole show ran from 7:30 to 11:00 with just short gaps for the change of gear, so at £17.50p a ticket I think that is incredible value. Well done to all concerned for a great evening out.
NH
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Exclusive Interview with Nigel Glockler of Saxon
Nigel Glockler is the drummer with rock legends Saxon and we have been fortunate enough to get an exclusive interview with him as the band embarks on their UK tour. We shall be posting reviews from the shows at Leeds and Bristol as well soon.
Rockgig. How has the band become involved in the Norrdoff Robbins and Childline charities? I think it's a great idea and a really nice gesture by the band.
NG. The initial seed was planted by Maiden's manager, Rod Smallwood - there was going to be a cycle ride across Cuba - would Biff take part - with the band's schedule it was impossible so it was decided to invite people to donate money in exchange for coming to meet the band and watch a soundcheck.
Rockgig. Any idea how much you'll raise for the charities through the sound check fund raiser?
NG. No idea so far but it's looking good! We are taking £10. per head.
Rockgig. The new CD Call to Arms isn't out until 23rd May, after the UK tour, have you got any favorites yet and how many songs are we likely to hear from the new CD on the UK tour?
NG. At the moment we're playing four new tracks - we didn't want to play any more at this stage - basically, we don't want all the tracks on youtube before the album comes out. Haven't got a favourite - it's always great and refreshing to play new material.
Rockgig. The new song Hammer of the Gods has had over 62,000 hits on the 747 web site, you must be really pleased with that?
NG. Yep, that's fantastic!
Rockgig. You have played a couple of shows on a ship recently as part of the 70,000 tons of metal tour, how did they go, and was anyone sea sick?
NG. It was definitely a new experience - but it was most enjoyable - we played two headline shows, the second of which was during a particularly choppy sea so it was amusing to say the least - the guys were trying to keep their balance and at one point I went to hit a cymbal and missed! - but both shows were great. No-one was seasick thank god! - and the food was superb!
Rockgig. The tickets for the tour look great value for money, especially with the two support bands you have playing with you (Wolfsbane and Fury UK). Was it a conscious decision deliver such a great value for money show, or did it just happen that way?
NG. We always like to put a good package together for the fans - with ticket prices nowadays we feel it's important to give value for money.
Rockgig. Here at Rockgig.co.uk we've been lucky enough to see Fury UK a few times, and hear there CD, which we really like. Have you heard or seen them play yet?
NG. I first saw Fury UK a couple of years ago at a St.George's Day gig organised by the Saxon forum in aid of the 'Help For Heroes' charity - they're a great band and a nice bunch of guys too!
Rockgig. What music are you listening to currently?
NG. I listen to all kinds of stuff - prog, metal, classical, ambient, choral - depends what mood I'm in. One minute it could be Slipknot, the next Mike Oldfield, the next early Genesis, the next Russian Orthodox choral stuff, then Stone Sour, then Porcupine Tree, then Cream, then Delius! I just love music full-stop! - as long as it's not crap! - and there is a lot of that around!
Rockgig. The band have a reputation as big tea drinkers (I think it started from information on the back of The Eagle Has Landed LP) are you all still big tea drinkers, if so any favourites?
NG. Oh yeah - still drink loads of tea! - PG Tips is my fave! - but I also love to drink Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchon. Actually, I've just got into drinking Honey Ginger Latte which I get from a Chinese supermarket near me - ginger's really good for you - but you can't beat the kick of that first strong mug of PG in the morning!
Rockgig. Over the years Saxon must have toured in countless countries, is there anywhere that you still like to go and play live that you've not been to before?
NG. That's a hard one - New Zealand is one place I'd love to go to - also St Petersburg in Russia - we've only played Moscow there so far. That still leaves a lot of countries - I guess anywhere there are Saxon fans would be cool!
The Saxon UK tour, with support from Wolfsbane and Fury UK continues at the following venues
Thurs 14th Glasgow O2 ABC 0871 230 7131 £16.50
Fri 15th Newcastle O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £17.50
Sun 17th Leeds O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £17.50
Mon 18th Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 0870 320 7000 £17.50
Tue 19th Bristol O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £17.50
Thurs 21st Falmouth Princess Pavilion 0871 220 0260 £17.50
Fri 22nd Bournemouth O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £16.50
Sat 23rd London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000 £18.50
The New CD called Call To Arms is released on the 23rd May You can listen Hammer of the Gods from the CD on the official Saxon web site.
I would like to thank Nigel Glockler very much for his time and wish Saxon (a band I've followed since 1980) all the best for the future.
NH
Rockgig. How has the band become involved in the Norrdoff Robbins and Childline charities? I think it's a great idea and a really nice gesture by the band.
NG. The initial seed was planted by Maiden's manager, Rod Smallwood - there was going to be a cycle ride across Cuba - would Biff take part - with the band's schedule it was impossible so it was decided to invite people to donate money in exchange for coming to meet the band and watch a soundcheck.
Rockgig. Any idea how much you'll raise for the charities through the sound check fund raiser?
NG. No idea so far but it's looking good! We are taking £10. per head.
Rockgig. The new CD Call to Arms isn't out until 23rd May, after the UK tour, have you got any favorites yet and how many songs are we likely to hear from the new CD on the UK tour?
NG. At the moment we're playing four new tracks - we didn't want to play any more at this stage - basically, we don't want all the tracks on youtube before the album comes out. Haven't got a favourite - it's always great and refreshing to play new material.
NH from Rockgig with Nigel Clockler at Leeds on 17 April
Rockgig. The new song Hammer of the Gods has had over 62,000 hits on the 747 web site, you must be really pleased with that?
NG. Yep, that's fantastic!
Rockgig. You have played a couple of shows on a ship recently as part of the 70,000 tons of metal tour, how did they go, and was anyone sea sick?
NG. It was definitely a new experience - but it was most enjoyable - we played two headline shows, the second of which was during a particularly choppy sea so it was amusing to say the least - the guys were trying to keep their balance and at one point I went to hit a cymbal and missed! - but both shows were great. No-one was seasick thank god! - and the food was superb!
Rockgig. The tickets for the tour look great value for money, especially with the two support bands you have playing with you (Wolfsbane and Fury UK). Was it a conscious decision deliver such a great value for money show, or did it just happen that way?
NG. We always like to put a good package together for the fans - with ticket prices nowadays we feel it's important to give value for money.
Rockgig. Here at Rockgig.co.uk we've been lucky enough to see Fury UK a few times, and hear there CD, which we really like. Have you heard or seen them play yet?
NG. I first saw Fury UK a couple of years ago at a St.George's Day gig organised by the Saxon forum in aid of the 'Help For Heroes' charity - they're a great band and a nice bunch of guys too!
Rockgig. What music are you listening to currently?
NG. I listen to all kinds of stuff - prog, metal, classical, ambient, choral - depends what mood I'm in. One minute it could be Slipknot, the next Mike Oldfield, the next early Genesis, the next Russian Orthodox choral stuff, then Stone Sour, then Porcupine Tree, then Cream, then Delius! I just love music full-stop! - as long as it's not crap! - and there is a lot of that around!
Rockgig. The band have a reputation as big tea drinkers (I think it started from information on the back of The Eagle Has Landed LP) are you all still big tea drinkers, if so any favourites?
NG. Oh yeah - still drink loads of tea! - PG Tips is my fave! - but I also love to drink Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchon. Actually, I've just got into drinking Honey Ginger Latte which I get from a Chinese supermarket near me - ginger's really good for you - but you can't beat the kick of that first strong mug of PG in the morning!
Rockgig. Over the years Saxon must have toured in countless countries, is there anywhere that you still like to go and play live that you've not been to before?
NG. That's a hard one - New Zealand is one place I'd love to go to - also St Petersburg in Russia - we've only played Moscow there so far. That still leaves a lot of countries - I guess anywhere there are Saxon fans would be cool!
Thurs 14th Glasgow O2 ABC 0871 230 7131 £16.50
Fri 15th Newcastle O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £17.50
Sun 17th Leeds O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £17.50
Mon 18th Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 0870 320 7000 £17.50
Tue 19th Bristol O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £17.50
Thurs 21st Falmouth Princess Pavilion 0871 220 0260 £17.50
Fri 22nd Bournemouth O2 Academy 0844 477 2000 £16.50
Sat 23rd London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000 £18.50
I would like to thank Nigel Glockler very much for his time and wish Saxon (a band I've followed since 1980) all the best for the future.
NH
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Bowling for Soup: An Acoustic Evening with Jaret and Erik: Oxford O2 Academy, April 13th 2011
As my wife has decided not to come along tonight (due to catching my "manflu" apparently) it was up to me to man-up and take on the role of "Responsible Adult" as I took along my BFS loving 8 year old daughter. Realising that she wasn't going to see much, simply resulted in us being stationed at the back with me leaning on, and her sitting on, the bar... Result!
We then spent 2 hours in the very pleasant company of Erik and Jaret (had we turned up on time it would have been much longer as they also appear in the support bands - People on Vacation (Jaret), Erik Chandler and the Mulberry Street Socialites and long term BFS collaborator Linus of Hollywood!). Their pop-punk songs work perfectly in an acoustic setting (even the brilliant "Really Cool Dance Song"), in fact it adds an extra dimension to some of their ballads. Frequently chatting to each other and the audience between - and during - songs, this was a light hearted acoustic romp through some of the BFS back catalogue and a few new tracks from the forth coming album. Maybe in an attempt to shut up the person who kept yelling "Emily" last year - They opened with "Almost" and went straight into "Emily" (so to speak) and didn't let up. I can't recall the whole setlist, but we had "A-Hole", "Trucker Hat", "Punk Rock 101" "Belgium", "Bitch Song", "High School Never Ends" and of course "Girl all the Bad Guys Want" and "1985". Absolutely recommended.. hopefully this is an annual event now.
Full band are back for Download and a UK tour (but not Oxford) in October.
NR
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Vanden Plas Fused Festival - 01 April 2011
I never thought what with all their theatre work in Germany I would ever say that I would see Vanden Plas.
I've been a big fan for 15 years and their mix of heavy and light music always does it for me.
So a trip to the first Fused Festival run by the Classic Rock Society in deepest Gloucestershire on the banks of the Severn to Lydney had to be done.
The venue was the Town Hall and as it sounds with the latest minutes for the council meeting available to read!!
It held about 250 people but had superb acoustics and the maybe 200 there had an absolute ball.
First up were County Durham's Winter In Eden in support of last years "Awakening"cd led by the superb vox of Vicky Johnson. Symphonic rock of the finest order.
Most of the "Awakening" cd was played with special mention for "Fate Will Oblige","Stolen Fairytale","Ruled By Fear" and "Oblivion".2 new tracks were also played "Trapped"and "Suffer In Silence" all showcasing the musical dexterity the band have in fact drummer Wayne Mcaloon was incredible.
Sam Cull on geetar riffs like crazy and solos fantastically when required and in fact could be used more.
The hour set flew past and was rapturously received by the crowd and one to look out for.
Vanden Plas were simply incredible.
2 hours of sheer heaven with the crowd going simply mad.
The setlist was as follows(with a copy in my grubby paws and geetar pick handed to me by geetar player Stephan Lill)
I Can See
Into The Sun
Holes In The Sky
Silently
Iodic Rain
Rush Of Silence
Far Off Grace
How Many Tears(not Quicksilver as stated due to bass drum problems.Acoustic version with drums added to end as all mended!)
Cold Wind
Frequency
Soul Survives
Scar of an Angel
Postcard To God
Encores of Christ O and
Rainmaker.
Where to start.
The incredible musicianship. The interaction of geetar/keys,keys/drums,drum/bass,geetar,drums all just fantastic.
Andy Kuntz on vox's crowd interaction and getting lost in the music as well as his fantastic vocals.
The backline of Gunter Werno on keys,Torsten Reichert on bass and Andreas Lill on drums gave Stephan Lill on geetar to riff and solo where needed. A true pleasure to be stood so close to such a player.
The light and shade of the music all helped by the the superb sound.
Even the bass drums problem gave us an acoustic interlude giving Andy a chance to shine before the band came back in.
I could go on and on.
Congrats to the organisers for being able to bring Vanden Plas over and a shame I couldn't get to see Threshold on the Saturday.
More please.
Life at times at the moment is pretty crap with the ongoing health issues but for 2 hours I could forget although I paid for it over the next 2 days feeling pretty crap but it was worth it it was so worth it.
Accept 2 weeks previous were incredible and I scored it 12/10.
Tonite's score would be off the scale.
Thank god for music!!
ME
I've been a big fan for 15 years and their mix of heavy and light music always does it for me.
So a trip to the first Fused Festival run by the Classic Rock Society in deepest Gloucestershire on the banks of the Severn to Lydney had to be done.
The venue was the Town Hall and as it sounds with the latest minutes for the council meeting available to read!!
It held about 250 people but had superb acoustics and the maybe 200 there had an absolute ball.
First up were County Durham's Winter In Eden in support of last years "Awakening"cd led by the superb vox of Vicky Johnson. Symphonic rock of the finest order.
Most of the "Awakening" cd was played with special mention for "Fate Will Oblige","Stolen Fairytale","Ruled By Fear" and "Oblivion".2 new tracks were also played "Trapped"and "Suffer In Silence" all showcasing the musical dexterity the band have in fact drummer Wayne Mcaloon was incredible.
Sam Cull on geetar riffs like crazy and solos fantastically when required and in fact could be used more.
The hour set flew past and was rapturously received by the crowd and one to look out for.
Vanden Plas were simply incredible.
2 hours of sheer heaven with the crowd going simply mad.
The setlist was as follows(with a copy in my grubby paws and geetar pick handed to me by geetar player Stephan Lill)
I Can See
Into The Sun
Holes In The Sky
Silently
Iodic Rain
Rush Of Silence
Far Off Grace
How Many Tears(not Quicksilver as stated due to bass drum problems.Acoustic version with drums added to end as all mended!)
Cold Wind
Frequency
Soul Survives
Scar of an Angel
Postcard To God
Encores of Christ O and
Rainmaker.
Where to start.
The incredible musicianship. The interaction of geetar/keys,keys/drums,drum/bass,geetar,drums all just fantastic.
Andy Kuntz on vox's crowd interaction and getting lost in the music as well as his fantastic vocals.
The backline of Gunter Werno on keys,Torsten Reichert on bass and Andreas Lill on drums gave Stephan Lill on geetar to riff and solo where needed. A true pleasure to be stood so close to such a player.
The light and shade of the music all helped by the the superb sound.
Even the bass drums problem gave us an acoustic interlude giving Andy a chance to shine before the band came back in.
I could go on and on.
Congrats to the organisers for being able to bring Vanden Plas over and a shame I couldn't get to see Threshold on the Saturday.
More please.
Life at times at the moment is pretty crap with the ongoing health issues but for 2 hours I could forget although I paid for it over the next 2 days feeling pretty crap but it was worth it it was so worth it.
Accept 2 weeks previous were incredible and I scored it 12/10.
Tonite's score would be off the scale.
Thank god for music!!
ME
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