U.F.O.
The Stables seem to be having quite a few ‘older’ rock bands appear lately, Nazareth, Fish, Wishbone Ash, Focus to name a few… and I can see why. It’s a very nice venue with a calm setting and great acoustics, with the whole auditorium being comfortably seated and with great views.
U.F.O. hit the stage at the ridiculously early time of 8.00pm and with no support act either… this sold out gig was purely their show. The band seemed in fine form musically, and smiling a lot constantly making jibes at each other and the audience – they were having fun! Phil Mogg’s vocals stayed true to form doing justice for songs old and new, and amazing guitarist Vinnie Moore, who is now a firmly rooted member in U.F.O. these days performed a great show playing through song after song with endless ease, but bringing his own touch to the end result. My only real complaint with tonight is the volume level; I can’t help but feel they have been told to “turn it down”, maybe it’s because it’s an intimate gig? Maybe because there is another gig going on in the auditorium across the hall? It just could have been a tad rockier!
Taking songs from their newest release ‘Seven Deadly’ did justice for the crowd, but it was when the true classics came out of the bag in the later part of the set that things got more rowdy and people got up from their seats. ‘Only You Can Rock Me’ got the people pumpin’ and ‘To Hot Too Handle’ stoked it up even more with guitarist and bassist having a guitar duel above each others heads! I can out-play you YER! Even a middle aged lady got up at this point and started dancing frantically by the corner front stairs. After which Phil Mogg exited the stage, only to take a seat in the front row and watch the band whilst introducing the next song “I always wondered what it was like this side he said” strolling smugly back onto the stage. ‘Lights Out’ got a great response and obviously following number ‘Rock Bottom’ really got the crowd singing along, it even inspired an air-guitar dancing looney to try and get people going even more. Set closer ‘Doctor Doctor’ was highly expected, but was greatly appreciated and pleased a lot of fans tonight. The band did return for ‘Shoot Shoot’ playing note perfect but possibly lacking in amplification (probably a venue guide line no doubt). Anyway my 7 year old daughter enjoyed it, and we were back home and in our beds by 11.00pm! Mark Freebase
