Rival Sons Live Review

After Seeing Rival Sons support Lenny Kravitz at his show on the 6th of December I knew I had made a fantastic decision to book tickets a couple of months before to see them on their solo tour. On the 9th of December I went to their show in Wolverhampton at the Wulfrun Hall.

The show was a sell out and was packed front to back which was an incredible achievement for the band. However it did leave little dancing room for myself but I can overlook that little glitch as the show was phenomenal!

Starting the evening off, the main support band the Blues Pills performed a short set. The Blues Pills are a female fronted Blues Rock band from Sweden. Their Set list was pure Blues Rock with a slight heavy edge which just made it better. I personally love a female vocalist fronting a rock band, but of course it has to be done correctly. Like the big female singers of the past and present: Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Alannah Myles, SKIN and Taylor Momsen. Just to name a few. As she performed the set she had a little grit behind her vocals which was brilliant! I will look into the band at a later date as they were very entertaining and talented, they are a band I would recommend.

We have reached the headlining act of the post! Rival Sons! Before the show started I had been looking through some of the past set lists they had performed and I had noticed the band had not been playing one of my favourties All Over The Road from their first album, and I was a little gutted. However I did send a tweet saying I hoped they would play that song and to my utter surprise the opening song of their set was 'All Over The Road'! Lets just say the smile that spread across my face was full of shock and happiness! Oh Yes my song was playing!

The sound that filled the room could shatter ear drums they were loud! Which of course all us rock fans love! The guitar work from Scott Holiday was beautifully produced, just perfect. The cords are so simple but he makes them come across so intricate and well mixed. 

And I can't possibly explain how much Jay Buchanan's voice blew me away! The notes he hit when producing the proper rock scream gave me goose bumps and left me standing there with my mouth open in awe. Trust me this man could smash any note you gave him out of the park! (Metaphorically of course.)

Highlights of the night came when the songs off of the new album, 'Electric Man', 'Secret' and 'Good Luck' were played. The sound was incredible from the whole band. The performance they provided was exceptional and they just proved exactly why they have the reputation they do. I first heard of the band when watching highlights of the High Voltage Festival on Sky Arts and since then I have followed them.

As a separate highlight I need to mention the song 'Where I've Been'. This song has stuck with me since the night ended. As you probably know the day after a gig you always end up walking around work or school the next day singing a song from the previous night. And this is the song for me that has just stuck. It wasn't a full on rock song but the emotion and power behind the lyrics and music was truly moving and I feel everyone in the room that night would agree with me. I love it when a song tells a story and 'Where I've Been' did exactly that. If you have a spare six minutes please take a listen to that track as it is pure genius.

Finishing off the review I would just like to thank both Rival Sons and Blues Pills for putting on an incredible show for a sell out crowd. You truly have a strong fan base in the Midlands, so if you are reading (Probably not) please do come back in the next year or so as I would love to see you guys perform again. And to you the reader do take a look at their back catalogue as I promise you will not be disappointed.

Lissy.C

Lenny Kravitz Review Wembley Arena 2014

Finally after months of waiting it was time to go and see Lenny Kravitz at his only UK date in London, at the SSE Wembley Arena. It was the first time I had travelled father than Birmingham for a show but this was a must!

Only a week before the show I found out his support act would be The Rival Sons, a California based band who are very Blues Rock N Roll which I love! I am going to see Rival Sons on Tuesday in Wolverhampton for their solo UK tour. For the past couple of years every time I attempt to go an see the band live I'm always either on holiday or at another show. So all our eggs came in on basket with this band seeing them twice in the space of a week! But I am certainly not complaining.

Right the Venue. SSE Wembley Arena is a mix between The NIA and The LG Arena. Outside the front is all lit up and very well organised. Inside the actual concert hall was different. The hall was long and narrow not like the LG where it is wide and long. I would definitely go again without a doubt it was great.

The first act of the night. I could not possibly tell you who he was but I can say he was awful and I was bored stiff, luckily I had my good friend Jack Daniels to knock the edge off.

 The main support band of the night as you already know was Rival Sons. Kicking their set off with Electric Man off of their brand new album. The music was brilliant Loud, clear and powerful. Jay's vocals were also superb, so much soul behind his tone. After Electric Man came too a end the crowd clapped and cheered in satisfaction as the night really began to crank up. 'Good Luck' vibrated through the venue next. The old Rock N Roll sound began sending out the groove and I couldn't stop myself from singing and dancing along. The two big highlights of the set was 'Pressure And Time' and 'Open My Eyes'.

I just can't possibly describe how good these guys are. Please look them up and listen to their music they are proper old school Rock N Roll, just phenomenal. And if you are going to their shows in the UK you will not be disappointed I promise!

Right the main act!

"STRUT! LET ME SEE YOU WALK STRUT! LET YOU'RE BODY TALK STRUT!"

I think the first sound out of my mouth when Lenny hit the stage was... "WOOOOOAAAAH!" I think I actually deafened myself. Opening up the fabulous set with 'Dirty White Boots' off of the brand spanking new album 'Strut'. The king of funk and groove was back and ready to party with the rest of us. The venue was packed front to back, seated to the floor. I was on the floor of course breaking out my incredible dance moves! 

As the place bounced and grooved to the funky beat Lenny paraded around the stage amongst the many spotlights flashing around the room owning the circular stage he was stood on. As the first song faded out into the background Craig Ross brought back the classic guitar riff that is 'American Woman'. The crowd just grew with energy through the first two songs which made the atmosphere just feel absolutely electric! The three female backing vocalists are amazing! The harmonies they created with Lenny were mind blowing. The whole band behind him are fantastic! Cindy Blackman on the drums always looks as if she is having a wail of a time! Her hair flying her arms hitting those drums for all they're worth. She is truly the woman you  would want to party with! 

After 'American Woman' one of the greatest songs I have ever heard came through the Marshall amps like velvet. 'It Ain't Over Till It's Over'. The whole room lit up and was dancing and singing the song for Lenny, even from where I was stood I could see the shock on his face looking out at nearly 10,000 people singing his song. The whole venue was lit up underneath the giant disco balls and spotlights, it is a moment I will never forget. 

The rest of the Set list just went from strength to strength 

4. Strut- A song that just oozes funky music. It is my favourite song off of the new album and I properly filled my boots and danced to every beat of the song belting out the cracking lyrics. 

5. Dancin' Til Dawn

6. Sister

7.New York City

8. Always On The Run- The Blues Rock track co written with on of the greatest Guitarists in the world Slash! The track just set the place on fire. Bringing his brass band along with him the trumpets sounded out vibrating loudly around the venue which were extremely loud! But if you are a true rock fan we all know the only way to listen to rock music is Loud!

9. I Belong To You

10.Let Love Rule

11.Fly Away-  Finishing off the main Set list after curfew Lenny let his fans sing this incredible song for him. "I WANT TO GET AWAY, I WANT TO FLY AWAY! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!" It is just an indescribable feeling when he plays music, I get goose bumps every time a note rings out, he is just my ultimate Idol.

After leaving the stage at ten past eleven, Lenny began warming up his Flying V guitar for the huge finale, which all came far too soon. We all cheered for Lenny to make his way back to the stage, I would probably guess you could hear us all from Wembley Stadium over the road. The lights spun around the room as Lenny and the crew made their way back to centre stage starting up 'The Chamber'. 

"I GAVE YOU ALL THE LOVE I HAD. 

AND I ALMOST GAVE YOU ONE MORE CHANCE.

 THEN YOU PUT ONE IN THE CHAMBER 

AND SHOT MY HEART OF GLASS

 THIS TIME WILL BE YOUR LAST!"

There was so much emotion in one song I never wanted it to end. 

Then along came the last song of the night. If you don't know what that is already then shame on you but it is of course 'ARE YOU GONNA GO MY WAY'. And of course we were all thinking the same thing. "I will go anywhere with you Lenny!" 

As the Lenny made the Riff come to life the whole crowd began to jump up and down lifting the place off of the floor! I just wanted to live in that moment forever but far too soon it all came to and end. As the lights reflected of his mirror plated guitar the room was in total bright white. I now know why he wears sun glasses inside! As the track died out and the fans applauded the greatness that is Lenny Kravitz I just wanted him to perform the whole set over again. But of course he needed to leave as he was almost and hour over curfew. Not that we care at all but his bank balance would take a slight hit.  

Finishing up I would just like to encourage all of you to listen to this man's work as it is very Old School and inspired by the greats before him. Thank you so much for reading this piece has truly been one of my favourites to write as I feel like I am reliving the night all over again!

Lissy.C

Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators

What a way to kick off the last month of the year!

I am of course talking about the Slash concert at the LG Arena on the 1st of December. I had been gearing up for this show since I had the tickets all the way back in September. I had of course already seen theses guys in show before two years ago and that night was incredible. But I have to admit Slash just took this show to a whole new level! Starting off with the support band he chose to open the show...

"LET IT BURN! LET IT BURN! I'M GONNA SET IT ON FIRE WITH THE MIDNIGHT OIL!"

California Breed! Not heard of them? Look them up. They are a three piece all star band formed in California. On lead vocals and bass guitar, the phenomenal Glenn Hughes, known for his involvement in bands such as Depp Purple and Black Sabbath and he was born in Cannock! He is a Midlands boy and always will be no matter where he moves too. Next on the drums Jason Bonham! The sun of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. He has also been apart of well known bands such as Black Country Communion which Glenn Hughes was in also. Finally the youngest of the group Andrew Watt only 24 from New York. 

They hit the stage full of power and energy and had all the fans eyes glued to the stage. Glenn Hughes' voice was exceptional, the range he still has in his voice is mind blowing. When he kept hitting all of those high notes you just couldn't stop your jaw from dropping and mouthing the word 'WOW!' Even the Andrew Watt has a cracking voice and his guitar work was brilliant, they are bringing back the guitar solos which I love! "Work it baby!"

Even though I didn't know many of their songs, everyone they performed kept me entertained and wanting more. And I certainly wouldn't mind going to see them again! 

In the interval between the bands I began to see the arena pack out everyone anticipating one of the greatest guitarists ever known! And guess what? He is a Midlands boy too! What can I say we create the greatest musicians ever known on our little Island. 

As the lights went down the crowd roared to life as the band hit the stage. Brent Fitz came out first followed by the new Rhythm guitarist Frank Sidoris and Todd kerns. And last but not least Slash and Myles headed centre stage. Opening the show with 'You're a Lie' the night kicked off with a bang. Slash hitting out note after note and Myles smashing the vocal highs and lows they are electric!

Drifting straight into 'Night Train' after 'You're a Lie' gave the fans a bit of the old Guns N Roses back Catalogue.

The set list was very well thought through, the guys mixed in music from Slash's previous Solo albums like 'Back from Cali' and 'Ghost', too the old Guns N Roses songs 'You Could Be Mine' and 'Mr Brownstone'. But most importantly they put in a bunch of new tracks which the fans loved. 

Highlights of the night are pretty incredible to be frank...

1. Rocket Queen. I have never know a man who can take a five minute song and drag it out to nearly twenty minutes! No lie Slash lost himself in a mini jam session during the middle of that song. People saw the opportunity to have a toilet break and get another drink while that song played. I know dragging songs out can get a little risky as fans may get a little bored but he is Slash! He can do whatever the hell he likes right?
2. Just for the Birmingham show Slash bought on Glenn Hughes and Phil Campbell of Motorhead to perform a Blues Rock N roll track which Glenn Hughes sung called "Back to Birmingham". The scream in that mans voice left you speechless! Truly Incredible.
3. Just for us Phil Campbell and Todd Kerns performed the great track 'Ace of Spades' which really got the crowd going. It was such a surprise to us the fans and one we are truly grateful to have witnessed. Todd you did Lemmy proud!

Coming towards the climax of the show Slash bought out his multi neck guitar for an amazing rendition of 'Anastasia'. Just hearing that song come from the Marshall amps makes you realise why this man gets all the praise he does! 

Finally Myles bought the show to a close with the much loved songs of 'Sweet Child' O Mine' and 'Slither'. No matter how old these songs get people never tire from hearing them. They are truly brilliant.

Of course for the encore 'Paradise City' Sounded out through the venue keeping fans rooted to their spots till the very end of the show. Slash darted around the stage as usual finishing the show just like it started with a bang. 

Much too soon the show was over and the fans filtered out all saying what a show that was.  

Well that is all from me on this one, I think I have babbled on long enough. You just can't stop me when I start. But thank you all for reading hope you enjoyed it. And please check out 'World On Fire' it is a brilliant piece of work by the guys. They should be really proud of themselves.

Lissy.C