Marilyn Manson Live Review Wolverhampton 21/11/2015

Marilyn Manson, the king of Gothic Rock and Shock Rock was about to perform at the small venue of the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. As soon as I heard the announcement of his shows I was straight on it to grab myself a ticket to this must see show.

It was a freezing cold night but that didn't stop all 3000 fans coming out decked in their leather and PVC. Their platform goth boots and of course the face paint!

By Half seven the venue was already packed out and waiting for the support band to make it on to the stage. Krokodil. That was the support band, I had never heard of them and only briefly played their music on YouTube before the show. In all honesty I didn't really enjoy their music on audio but... Live they were brilliant! I love it when a band shock you when they play live. I was prepared for a lot of screaming and shit music but to be fair to the band they absolutely rocked it live. Maybe its the traces of whisky still in me but I enjoyed their performance.

Leaving the stage at half past eight the atmosphere began to rev up with anticipation for Marilyn to Arrive. What made us most excited was when they tested out the smoke machines at the front of the stage. At around nine the screams started and the shouts of Manson rang out in the Civic Hall.

But finally at 21:15 the lights when black and the smoke started up and filled the room with the hazy glow of red lights. The sound the crowd made as Twiggy reached the stage ahead of Marilyn was immense.

Kicking off the set list with Deep Six the crowd came alive and were jumping, clapping and singing along with the newest single release. The music was phenomenal the sound they created in such a tiny place blew me away it had to be one of the best sounding concerts I had ever been too.

Next came Disposable Teens! A huge hit with all the fans a classic song. The crowd packed rails to wall were jumping now and showing Manson what his songs mean to each of us. Mobscene followed another awesome sounding track live, Marilyn making the songs come alive with his performance and vocals that send shivers down your spine.

No Reflection finished off the four song opening and what a opening it was it just set the tone for the rest of the show. Cupid Carries and Gun was next on the set list before Sweet Dreams, a slow but dark song Manson made his own. He came out on stage on giant crutches before serenading us all. The balance between his screams and melodic tones were incredible and I can still remember the song live now.

Flowing through the set list with Angel With Scabbed Wings, Tourniquet and Irresponsible Hate Anthem Marilyn and the band put on quite the live performance.

Then we had reached the point of the gig when the show was beginning to come to an end. Dope Show started off the long encore ahead. The song from his first album had the fists pumping and the Metal horns in the air.

Next Antichrist Superstar was a sight to behold. Marilyn Manson on a high podium with a burning bible in his hand reading a verse from John the Baptist, truly artistic.

The penultimate song was my favourites can you guess? The Beautiful People. One of Manson's classic and most popular songs. I don't think there was a fan in the room who wasn't singing along to one of the most loved songs of the Shock Rock legend.

Finishing the show with Coma White Manson left the stage almost unrecognizable. Without an encore. He definitely knows how to leave the fans wanting more and more. I could of happily stood and listened to him perform for another two hours.

Well that is my review of that nights events and I think Marilyn Manson truly deserves all the praise he gets for his music because he isn't afraid to produce songs with controversial meaning and backlash and he truly knows what his fans want from him and his music. And for that I applaud him for being a fantastic artist and Rock Legend.

Lissy.C

Motley Crue and Alice Cooper Live Review Birmingham 04/11/2015 Part 2

Back to the well documented events of the last ever Motley Crue gig in Birmingham. Alice Cooper had just left the stage when the lights went back up and everyone began to buzz about the upcoming set. After watching Alice Cooper's set I knew Motley Crue were going to have to pull something out of the bag to top what I had just seen.

The lights went back down at around 20:55 just the right time for Motley Crue to hit the stage and perform their two hour set. The set started off with a rendition of the Sound Of Music classic 'So Long Farewell which was fitting as this is their last every tour.

The screams and cheers that were ringing around the venue were incredible the atmosphere was electric that night and you could feel everything just turn up a few notches. Then Motley Crue hit the stage with a bang of fireworks and shoots of fire before playing Girls Girls Girls. From Nikki Sixx running onto the stage decked out in his war effect clothing and face paint to Mick Mars playing that first chord I knew the set was one I was never going to forget,

Screaming loudly and singing along to the iconic song all the women began to go crazy. I don't know what it is that Motley Crue have but the women love them and their music, Next came Wild Side and Primal Scream, these guys were bringing the power from the start. The pyrotechnics were awesome the stage was bright and you could easily see Vince Neil still moving about the stage even though over the years he has become a little slower but I didn't care he still sounded great with the band.

Same ol' Situation played next getting the whole crowd singing and clapping along in the break down the night was going fantastic, they couldn't of asked for a better welcome. Don't Go Away mad was next followed closely by Smokin' In The Boys Room Cover another song the crowd was singing and clapping along too.

Next it began to get a little punk with Looks That Kill, Mutherfucker Of The Year and of course the UK favourite Anarchy In The UK originally created by the much loved British Punk band Sex Pistols. The crowd came alive with that one I don't think the Line, "I want to be Anarchy" has ever been sung louder. Well what can I say us Midlanders can get a little rowdy when it comes to Anarchy.

Shout At The Devil and Louder Than Hell followed up in the set list which kept the party going and the crowd pumped. Who can't sing along to Shout At The Devil really?

The best event of the night by far happened next, yes it was Tommy Lee's epic drum solo on his rolling roller coaster drum kit! I have never seen anything like it in all my life. The stamina and individuality of that drummer is incredible. Playing along to match loved tracks like Black Sabbath Paranoid and Modern rave music and pop music such as Uptown Funk Tommy Lee bought the power! But my favourite part was the ending when he rolled around for the twentieth time and played out Beastie Boys Sabotage, on of my all time favourite track to rock out too.

Mick Mars and the rest of Crue came back to the stage then for the guitar solo which lead into the newest single Saint's Of Los Angeles released in 2008. The song was a bit of a foreshadowing to this final tour I feel, it's as if they new it was coming at some point.

Live Wire, Dr Feelgood and Kick-start My Heart played out the end of what was one of the best live set list's I have ever heard or witnessed. When they took their final bow and stood for applause the crowd erupted not one person was seated or not clapping this band.

Leaving the stage shouts for CRUE! Erupted. After five minutes of persistence the band re-entered the venue and made their way into the centre of the crowd onto a podium which was set up with Tommy Lee's baby grand white piano, Nikki and Mick's guitars and Vince's microphone, it was time for Home Sweet Home.

As The spot lights came down and the piano rung out the crowd began to sing the first verse of the song which shock the band but made them smile and appreciate what was before them. 16,000 dedicated Crue fans singing one of their most heart felt songs. It was truly a night to remember.

Well I am going to finish that little story there I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it and I hope the events rang as true for you if you saw these guys on their last ever tour too.

Thank you for reading and I will be updating soon with the review of Tracer at the Slade Rooms Wolverhampton.

Lissy.C

Motley Crue and Alice Cooper Live Review Birmingham 4/11/2015 Part 1

Finally the much awaited 'All Bad Things Must Come To An End' Tour hit Birmingham, Motley Crue were here! And with them they bought Alice Cooper. The anticipation of the final ever Motley Crue show was huge, I can't believe I will never see this band again live.

Hitting up the NEC once more, the venue was packed! Everyone was out in their Motley Crue esque outfits including one guy in a cowboy hat...

Getting into the venue just before eight Alice Cooper had already hit the stage! Making a mad dash to the merchandise and the bar I made it into the standing area to a electric atmosphere. What also shocked me was Tommy lee's Roller coaster Drum Kit that took up half the arena, it was huge!

Missing the first Alice Cooper song 'The Black Widow' I was a little disappointed but the rest of the set sure made up for it cause he was phenomenal. Continuing his show with 'No More Mr Nice Guy', 'Under My Wheels' and 'I'm 18' Cooper bought the power. Also his Giant Snake.

No take that first thought out of your head, it was an actual snake (animal). The theatrics Alice Cooper bought out in each song was amazing and the live sound incredible. What I loved about his backing band was the lead guitarist was a woman and she rocked the stage. She is my new hero!

Moving through the set list of 'Billion Dollar babies' and my favourite 'Poison' and 'Dirty Diamonds' Cooper played 'Go To Hell' and 'Feed My Frankenstein'. I must admit 'Feed My Frankenstein' maybe one of the best live tracks I have have seen or heard ever. The story to the song on stage was phenomenal. Cooper walked out in a giant white medical coat covered in blood bringing with him a giant electric table which he was then strapped too while wearing a gas mask. Smoke consumed the stage before the fireworks went off and Cooper disappeared. He then came back onto the stage as a twelve foot giant Alice Cooper Frankenstein! The cheers and claps that earn't was amazing.

After that the guillotine came out and it was time for Alice Cooper to die on stage. The Ballad Of Dwight Fry had him put in a straight Jacket then Killer and I love The Dead finished him off for execution.

After his decapitation the reincarnated Alice Cooper came back to perform the wonderful 'Schools Out'! Every one in the crowd sang along with this song and what I loved most was how Alice Cooper incorporated in Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick In The Wall' at the end. As the crowd sung the final line 'All in all you're just another brick in the wall' Alice Cooper's face dropped in shock, he couldn't believe the sheer power and noise behind the crowd singing that much loved British song so loudly.

 I'm going to have to do this post in two parts because the amount I have written will be too much for one post on its own. I hope you have enjoyed reliving this show with me because I sure have and I will be posting the second part shortly. Thank you for reading...

Lissy.C

Glenn Hughes and Doug Aldrich Live Review Robin 2 Bilston October 2015

Back to the good old 700 person capacity Rock Club in Bilston, the Robin 2. It is still one of my favourite venues to go to to see a live band. And what a pair of acts we had that night, Glenn Hughes coming back to the place he started his career all the way back in the days before Deep Purple, yes it's  been that long.

I knew straight away it was going to be a full house when we tried to get a car parking space but to no avail there wasn't any. Also in the tiny side street beside the Venue Glenn Hughes' tour bus practically took up the whole road! Got to live in style right?

Well as soon as we ditched the car and got into the venue we waited for the support band to start. JJNichols the band was called, and they were all the way from Mississippi USA. And they were fantastic! They had a fusion of old rock and blues which was right up my street and they looked great, also played great guitars!

As they made their way through a short set list the crowd began to liven up and interact with the band, which I love to see. Even though nobody knew any of the bands songs we still clapped along and shouted out in the right places. But as a ending the band played Mississippi Queen by Mountain which jogged all the memories in the room, even I remembered the song and it was created well before I was born.

Once the band said good and left the stage it was time for Glenn Hughes and Doug Aldrich to take the stage, kicking off their set list with 'Stormbringer' by Deep purple. And the night just got better...

2. Orion

3.Way Back to the Bone (Trapeze song)

4.First Step of Love (Hughes/Thrall song)

5.Touch My Life (Trapeze song)

6. Sail Away (Deep Purple song)

7. Good to Be Bad (Whitesnake cover)

8. Guitar Solo (Doug Aldrich)

9. Mistreated (Deep Purple song)

10. Can't Stop the Flood

11. Jam (Guitar & Drum Solo)

12. Drum Solo

(Pontus Engborg)

13. One Last Soul

(Black Country Communion song)

14. Soul Mover

Encore:

15. Black Country(Black Country Communion song)

16. Burn (Deep Purple song)

As an overall gig I must say it was brilliant. I couldn't quite believe how well Glenn hughes can still sing, the notes he can hit blows me away. Most singers when they reach a certain age lose their vocal range but not Hughes! Also Doug Aldrich was a joy to watch and I still love how he has all of his blonde hair. 

I you had the chance to go to see these guys on their tour I know you will agree with me that they were a great pairing to put on stage and I hope they stay together a little longer than California breed did because those guys were fantastic and it was a shame they broke up. 

But that's the way it goes, I am looking forward now to my next show Motley Crue and Alice Cooper at the NEC! Bring on the WILD SIDE!.. 

Lissy.C

Official Download Festival 2016 Headliners

Finally the main stage headliner spots are filled for the 2016 Download Festival! If you have the same if not similar music taste to myself than you must be extremely chuffed with the three heavy metal acts that are gracing the UK festival next year.

Well let's go back to Monday when the Sunday night headliner was revealed. I definitely had a strong feeling of who it was going to be, and of course I was right. For those of you who do not know, (seriously how do you not know?) it is IRON MAIDEN! I'll give you all just a couple of seconds to regain your composure because I was totally fangirling too when I heard the news. The last time I saw Iron Maiden was in 2012, so a pretty long while ago. But I know for sure we are in for a great night on the final day of the greatest hard rock festival in the world.

Tuesday night. Another 24 hours of painful waiting trying to come up with the Saturday night headliner spot. Once again I had a feeling it was going to be who it was because they just announced they would be doing one final tour and where better to finish your long and epic career than in your home country on a main stage as a Saturday night headliner. The band I am talking about of course is BLACK SABBATH! The midland boys from Birmingham, just down the road from me will be bringing the origins of heavy metal to the Donington stage. I don't know about you but I literally have goosebumps this lineup is amazing so far!

And this morning. glaring at the clock as it read 7:55 I waited and waited till 8:00 when the mighty RAMMSTEIN were announced as the friday night Download festival 2016 headliners! Yes I'm screaming right now! The German giants of heavy metal are back (still screaming)! I know for a fact anyone who has seen this band before are already putting their money aside to by a ticket for this show because they're the best live musical act I have ever scene in my life and I have seen AC/DC and many other great music giants! But the way these guys put on a show is mind blowing, I get completely transfixed on their live stage performance.

Well there we have it... Finally after months of waiting next year's Download Festival headliners have been revealed. IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH and RAMMSTEIN! Who would have thought it? The best Download festival weekend headliners ever! And if you have any sense at all you will not miss it, trust me get a ticket! But leave one for me.

Thank you for reading I hope I have brightened up your day with a fix of greatness and I shall be back next tuesday with a live review of Glenn Hughes and Doug Aldrich at the Robin 2 in Bilston from monday night (exciting)!

Lissy.C 

Car playlist

Now that I am officially driving, I only think it is right to have a dedicated list of songs to listen too on long journeys because their is nothing worse than being stuck in traffic with nothing to do other than watch the flashing red brake lights of the car in front.

I'm only going to list my top ten songs for essential driving and these songs could vary a bit but stick with me I promise you'll look at a few and think, 'yes, I remember that song!'...

1. Eagles-Hotel California... Almost definitely one of my favourite songs to listen to when cruising along the road. The long guitar solos and fantastic lyrics just put me straight into that music video.

2. The Cult- Love Removal Machine... My all time favourite Cult track and possibly one of my all time favourite songs! The once band track all the way back in the 80s is a must have on any playlist. I love the simplicity of the music and the best version of the song is definitely the one off of the remastered 'Rare' album, if you haven't heard it do check it out.

3. Guns N Roses - You Could Be Mine... The Terminator movie song! One of Slash's greatest works. I have heard this song live twice! Once at the NEC and live at Donington festival this year. Incredible such a tune to keep you awake and rocking.

4. Skid Row- Youth Gone Wild... 80s hit from a band that do not have enough recognition in my opinion. Even though the original line up is not the same this track along with a couple others deserve to be considered classics and that is why I play them as much as possible.

5. Rival Sons- All over the road... New American band that specialise in classic rock and soul. This song was the first one I heard by this band and as soon as I did I was hooked. Luckily enough I have saw this band on two occasions and those of you who have read other posts on my blog will know I've given this band a whole personal blog post. If you haven't read it go check it out, it's good I promise.

6. Airbourne- Running Wild... Australian rockers who could quite possibly be mistaken for AC/DC they're that good! And they're awesome live, three times I've seen this band and each time they get better and better and better.

7. Piston-Fade Out... New band local to where I live in the West Midlands. I saw this band supporting The treatment early last year and they were pretty awesome, this is their new single which I stumbled across and I can say they have just got better, and could quite possibly go on to be a big name in the rock industry. I will have to see them again at some point to give them a fall review but unfortunately I haven't seen too much of a set to give a good detailed impression. But what I've seen I am impressed.

8. Backyard Babies- Thirteen Or Nothing... The new single! A song I can not stop listening to it is too awesome! It is a proper punk rock track punchy and snappy with a lot of cow bells! Check it out you wont be disappointed unless you don't like punk rock that is.

9. Motley Crue - Shout at The Devil ... A classic 80s hair metal song which will never fail to have a huge impact on rock fans. This track is on my phone or Ipad wherever I go. And now when I drive I have it on full blast as I drive down the road, my neighbors must hate me.

10. KISS - Detroit Rock City ... I need no words, this song has been with me since childhood and it is a must have on my car playlist. Gene, Paul and the various changing Kiss line up created a hit with this track.

Well that is all from me another blog post will be up very soon and I have a gig in the next three weeks so keep your eyes pealed for a Fall Out Boy live review. I know a bit of a dive in the other direction compared with the bands I have just spoke about, but my friend has a spare ticket and who am I to turn down a free gig. Thanks for reading it is much appreciated and leave comments on your favourite driving tracks below and any review requests.

AC⚡️DC Live at Wembley Stadium Review 04/072015

The day had finally arrived, seven months after booking the tickets. Making my way from the West Midlands to London. The final date on the UK schedule. It was a glorious Saturday, and one of the hottest days of the year so far! Getting to the stadium around five o'clock the atmosphere was buzzing! There were AC/DC Tshirts everywhere! Possibly not the best day to wear black but nobody cared. On the walkway up to Wembley stadium I bought the iconic flashing red devil horns! Oh yes, if you are having a AC/DC experience you might as well do it properly! 

The only thing Wembley let us down with was the pop up bars! There was no beer bars! 90,000 AC/DC fans with no beer bars! So just to make the afternoon a little entertaining fans decided to use the mini sainsburys that was on the outside of the Wembley shopping centre. We were all cueing to get into a tiny sainsburys fans were walking out with a four pack of beer in one arm and a box of Pringles in the other. Rock fans will do anything for beer! 

Now, once we got into the stadium we made our way to our seats which were right at the top of the venue and off to the right of the centre. Being so high up you would think you wouldn't be able to see, however we possibly had the best view in the stadium! 

Right, first off the support act! And that would be Vintage Trouble! A band I have wanted to see for an awfully long time! But I have to say I was a little disappointed. Not with the Setlist or their performance but with their sound. There are three stages of venue... Civic halls and institutes, to arenas, to stadiums . I feel they would be incredible in a civic or arena because of their show capacity, but I think a stadium is just a bit too big for the band. It swallows the sound and no matter how hard you hit the drums or work that guitar it just won't work as a whole. If they had more of a stage production and put on a show of more than just music it could possibly work but with them on their own, it didn't the place was just to big and it sounded a bit of a mess from where I was. But that doesn't deter me from seeing them in the future, at a smaller venue of course because I have heard great things about this band when they have played the NEC and the NIA. So fingers crossed at some point in the future I will get the chance to see and hear them in a better light. 

        

                                  FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK WE SALUTE YOU!! 

The sole reason 80,000 plus fans were all piled into the Wembley Stadium, AC/DC! Possibly one of the last ever dates the iconic band will ever do in the UK, and I was there to witness the whole thing. 

Starting off with the huge screens showing a picture of space, then a giant AC/DC Meteor flying through the Galaxy on the screen giving us all a run through of AC/DCs big music moments. Back in black began to play out as the meteor flew past a statue of Bon Scott representing the very beginning with Let Their Be Rock and Highway to hell. Next the new and improved Rosie lying with her top hat on and not much else. Then Hells Bells bell and finally the Rock N Roll train. With a cartoon Angus' face plastered on the meteor it came closer and closer to the screen before the whole stage exploded and set off a chain reaction of fire works ACDC were here. 

Starting off what was truly a greatest hits show with 'Rock Or Bust' the self title single off of the new album. The roar that erupted around the stadium when the first few chords played out was unreal! The standing crowd began jumping, the arms were up in the air and every person in the stadium was chanting Angus' name. Brian Johnson hit his mark and began belting out those gruff vocals. His voice was superb! You wouldn't believe he is as old as he is, they all looked really good.

Moving on through the Setlist with Shoot To Thrill and Hell Ain't a Bad Place To Be the band was off to a flier! The stage looked awesome and the music was incredible. Next everyone in the stadium grew the ability to become professional air guitarists when the huge Back In Black started to play, I'm sure their will be some funny videos up on YouTube by now. Play Ball was up next also off of the new album, the crowd was still buzzing and rocking out too, which isn't hard when all the tracks playing are top of the range! Dirty Deeds Was next followed up by Thunderstruck! The floor once again erupted when the absolutely fabulous Thunderstruck riff rang out, if I could of filmed it I would have but it was a moment I will never forget. 

High Voltage was a great track live, it came across very upbeat and fresh, also Rock n Roll Train was a track that was clean and precise, Brian Johnson just kept hitting out great lyric after great lyric. 

Hells Bells! Was one of many songs with props AC/DC pulled out of the bag. The giant bell took its place above the stage and Mahn it didn't half ring out, I think it is to blame for my deafness right now.

 The next batch of songs kept the party going and the crowd entertained, their wasn't a moment the crowd appeared disinterested or distracted at all... Baptism by Fire, You Shook Me All Night Long, Sin City, Shot Down In Flames and Have a Drink On Me. Classics, that is what those songs are, classics! Songs like that won't ever be written again, or not for a very long time anyway. 

Oi,Oi,Oi,Oi.... Yes TNT a real song that got the fists pumping and the drunk voices yelling. What a great song for the British we can't act like that word isn't one of our favourites when in a bad mood and you need to get someone's attention. 

The big one was next, one of my favourite songs! And one of the biggest props in the business, of course it's everyone's favourite girl Whole Lotta Rosie! If this isn't a crowd pleaser I don't know what is. AC/DC even made our Rosie a little classy this time by having her stroke her leg during the song! As the last few tours she just looks like she is bouncing around which becomes really funny really fast.

For the final song of the set Let Their Be Rock! Taking it back to the seventies, the first album! And Angus took it to the next level! We all know during a AC/DC concert Angus needs to produce the longest guitar solo in history! And boy did he! All the way to running along the walkway and falling onto his back and spinning in circles! I have no idea where that man gets all his energy from, I'd get down on the floor but there is no way I could get up! Incredible absolutely incredible! He even dropped through the floor still playing his guitar then came running back onto the stage. But then it was over and the band went off, leaving only the encore...

                                                 IM ON THE HIGHWAY TO HELL!!

Kicking off the encore with the much anticipated song Highway To Hell, Angus wearing his devil horns along with fifty thousand other fans. We were all preparing for the end. Looking around the stadium now the sun had gone down and the darkness was extremely visible the crowd just appeared with thousands of flashing red devil horns; brilliant! 

But all to soon the final song of every ACDC gig came through the Marshall Amps, For Those About To Rock. The amount of emotions that washed over me hearing this iconic track live just blew my mind, I couldn't begin to describe what I was feeling, I had goose bumps. But what made the night was the Cannons! Those damn Cannons! You don't realise how loud those things are until you hear them live! I am still having difficulty hearing today! But I wouldn't change what I saw for the world it was an incredible show that can't be beaten. Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Stevie Young, Chris Slade and Cliff Williams were absolutely incredible and they deserve every penny they earn because the put their heart and soul into every performance they give and I take my hat off to them, brilliant pure genius!!

Thank you, for reading this piece. It has been a pleasure writing it and reliving what was an incredible day, well weekend. And I hope and pray I get the chance to see these guys again because they were a really pleasure to watch, true professionals and I hope more bands aspire to be like them. Well that is all from me until next time. 

                                                                       Lissy.C

Download Festival Sunday Part 3

Right you hard rocking lot we are down to the final part of my Sunday Download Review, and it's going to be a good one cause I have four of the worlds greatest bands coming up! 

Starting you off we have Billy Idol!! I couldn't tell you the pent up excitement I had while waiting for this man to hit the stage. For years I have wanted to see Billy Idol play live and now I had the chance. The weather was still a little miserable but we the fans didn't care one bit because the music was awesome! Starting his set off with the Classic 'Dancing With Myself' you could feel the atmosphere begin to build, 80,000 fans engaging with one tiny little man it was incredible! 

And to keep the atmosphere up 'White Wedding' was up next. Listening to Billy Idol on record or CD is nothing compared to hearing him live, Mahn that guy can sing! He can also strip! Billy being Billy, always the entertainer got his pecs out for the ladies, but then put his shirt and leather jacket back on (sad face). But, he did keep the jacket and shirt open (happy face). I know what you all are thinking, (He's old!). But I do not care that man is in shape for his age! Anyway back to the music! Carrying on the set he played a song off of his new album which I couldn't recall, he distracted me with his body!  'Flesh on Fantasy' and to finish up the amazing 'Rebel Yell'! Words cannot describe the feeling of hearing eighty thousand fans all singing that song. 

                                       

SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS!! 

Yes, yes many of you know how much I love Slash and Myles Kennedy so I'll try not to be biased in opinion, but bloody hell they're AMAZING! The clouds had covered the field but the rain had stopped. Slash and the bands hit the stage kicking off their set with 'You're a Lie' from the Apocalyptic Love album. Myles Kennedy's vocals outside sounded superb! And the sheer volume of music was electric. The set list was also brilliant, mixing the old Guns N Roses tracks with Slash's collection of solo albums.

Night Train

Back from Cali 

You Could Be Mine... 

We're only a few of the phenomenally sounding tracks of Slash's Setlist.

But what hit me the most and was one of my highlights of Sunday was when the band played 'Paradise City'. 80 thousand plus Rock fans all clapping and singing the iconic chorus line... Phenomenal, words cannot describe the atmosphere! 

I enjoy myself so much each and everytime I see this band, and I hope to see them again in the not to distant future. 

                        

Right! The band I have been waiting months and months on end to see live for the very first time... MÖTLEY CRÜE!!! 

The hardest rocking and living band in the world who have met, drank and played with all of the greats. I was like a four year old at Christmas waiting for Vince, Tommy, Mick and Nikki to hit the stage... 

And when they did, Download went mad!! 

Setting off their truly iconic set with 'Saints Of Los Angeles' just set the place a light. The whole band looking as good as ever, even Mick Mars after his struggle with illness. We were all happy to see him back and looking well. Nikki Sixx, was well Nikki Sixx being the showman we all love. Vince's vocals we also awesome, you would think after twenty odd years in the game his voice would ware but it hasn't he can still hit those notes. Tommy, like Nikki was Tommy Lee hitting out beat after beat punishing his drum kit I am Always surprised how he never puts a hole in one. 

Next in the Set List was 'Wild Side' one of Mötley Crüe's most popular songs with the fans. After reading Nikki Sixx's book The Heroin Diaries made me actually listen a lot more to songs on the 'Girls Girls Girls' and 'Dr Feelgood' albums. And I now have a better picture on the highs and lows of this band and how the music shows their story. 

Anyway back to the music! Set List...

3. Primal Scream

4. Same Ol' Situation

5.looks That Kill 

6. On With The Show

7. Too Fast For Love 

8. Smokin' in the boys room

9. Anarchy In the UK

10. Dr Feelgood

11. Shout At The Devil 

12. Live Wire

13. Girls Girls Girls

14. Kickstart My heart 

The set list was incredible and unfortunately Mötley crüe's couldn't do their classic mass of pyrotechnics but what they did do was brilliant. Especially in Shout at The devil they had flames shooting off of the sound deck in the centre of the field and fire works along the wire runners. Also the stage set looks electric with large spikes shooting flames all around Tommy Lee. 

Nikki Sixx also thought he would use his Flame throwing Bass guitar which looks as if it weighs a tone! I can't say it was the most amount of fire and Pyrotechnics I've ever seen because I have seen the mighty Rammstein live and those guys bring the fire!! Quite literally from their faces!! 

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and Mötley Crüe had to leave and end their set. Giving the band a huge standing ovation which they truly deserve, for giving us many years of incredible music and shows. 

But we did get a wonderful encore and vince Neil performed Home Sweet home which was beautiful!! 

However Mötley Crüe are doing a final UK tour which I have got my tickets booked for, all of you who have got tickets too I am positive we are in for an incredible ride!!

                                                          YOU WANTED THE BEST

                                                             YOU GOT THE BEST

                                             THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD...

                                                                      KISS!

Well what more can I say? Everyone knows when you watch a Kiss show you get what you paid for... 

Hitting the stage with 'Detroit Rock City' Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric bought the Rock N Roll! The sound was phenomenal! Paul and Tommy complemented each other perfectly on the guitars and Gene just instantly grabbed the crowds attention with his wild theatrics and his love ability! I mean seriously who doesn't love Gene Simmons? 

Continuing through their huge back catalogue of music Kiss put on a brilliant set...

2. Deuce

3. Psycho Circus

4. Creatures Of The Night

5. I Love It Loud

6. War Machine

7. Do You Love me

8.  Hell Or Hallelujah 

9. Dr. Love

10. Lick It Up

11. God Of Thunder

12. Cold Gin

13. Love Gun

14. Black Diamond 

ENCORE...

15. Shout It Out Loud

16. I Was Made For Lovin you

17. Rock N Roll All Night 

During the set Gene took centre stage when spitting fire from the sword and slamming it down on set. The theatrics just pumps up the crowd and wows them into wanting more. All eyes are on him and that is what you want. A band that not only has great music but also keeps you entertained throughout what was a cool night. 

 

My favourite part of the show was of course Gene being the demon and doing his bass solo and spitting blood. From an artistic point of view it is pure genius! The characteristics he puts on to make himself appear demented and evil make the show. 

And the encore finale was epic! Unforgettable! Gene and Tommy Thayer extended out above the download crowd on huge Crain like arms! I have seen a KISS show before all the way back in 2010 and thought I knew what to expect but yet again they surprise me! 

 

    

Well that is all from me on my Sunday Download Festival Review. I hope you have enjoyed reading all about my first Download experience because I have definitely enjoyed reliving a day I will not be forgetting anytime soon! 

I will be updating next week also with a huge, huge band review! Yes it is AC/DC!! I will be reviewing the AC/DC show from Wembley stadium! I cannot begin to tell you the excitement that I have pent up to finally see this huge sensational band! 

Thank you so much for reading and sticking with me...

                                                                  Lissy.C

Download Festival Sunday Part 2

Part 2! Right I'm ready to carry on with my short story of my day at download festival! What came next? Oh yeah Backyard Babbies! Moving from the main stage, we went over to watch the encore stage where the Backyard Babbies were playing.

I wasn't too sure who the Backyard Babies were, but my dad was adamant that I he had played they're album in the car numerous of times... I think he forgets I wasn't even born when the Backyard Babies became a band! But none of that matters, cause I would just like to say they were bloody fantastic, a proper punk band with short snappy songs that got you moving a jumping around. I would definitely like to see those guys again for sure.

After leaving the encore stage we headed back to the Main stage to watch Mark Tremonti. I wanted to see mark Tremonti because of Alterbridge. I have seen Myles Kennedy numerous times with Slash but have never been to see Mark Tremonti so I thought I'd take the chance while I could. Personally I love Tremonti's guitar style. He is a lot more modern on when it comes to music especially with his shredding and fast guitar licks. And surprising enough he can sing too! 

Unfortunately after a awesome start to the day, the rain had to come and spoil everything! So while trying to find a little shelter at the top of the venue we missed been able to watch Blackberry Smoke upclose. But we did hear them and watch them from the big screen up at the top of the hill. They were great! I just hope I can see them again maybe on a solo tour because I just love their music!

                                                   THE FINAL FOUR!!!

Yes the main four bands that were the soul reason of me grabbing a day ticket for Download Festival Sunday... 

BILLY IDOL

SLASH

MÖTLEY CRÜE 

KISS.... 

Thanks for reading, the final part will all be based on the four bands above and how they really stole the show for Download 2015...

                                                         Lissy.C

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL!!!! Sunday Review Part 1

What a total Monsters Of Rock day Sunday of the Download festival was!

This was the first time for me at a festival and I just have to say I was not disappointed, with the music anyway, the weather on the other hand could have been a little drier but it didn't stop me or 85 thousand other fans enjoying the line up of classic music! 

Getting to the venue around half past ten, I grabbed the most important piece of equipment for the day... My wellies! Seeing the rain from the previous two days, the ground I was sure was going to be a bit worse for wear. However I have to take my hat off the groundsman because the ground had been covered in hay which dried up all the water and stopped the excessive amount of mud. So thanks to those guys and ladies they made the day that extra bit better. 

As I qued to get my dog tag, I could hear the first bands of the day hitting the stages... Hearing outdoor music for the first time is something else. Hearing bands inside the noise is so compact and can sometimes ruin the sound of the guitars especially, but outside the music travels and comes out a lot clearer and takes the atmosphere to another level.

First band of the day Pop Evil; unfortunately as the que took a while we only caught the final two songs of their set. But from what I heard they were pretty decent! They are a band I need to look into in the near future, and when I do I will give a review of my thoughts. 

Next came 36 CrazyFists; to be quite truthful they weren't exactly my cup of tea. I just couldn't take to them. I seem to have a problem enjoying new bands that scream down the microphone like a five year old having a temper tantrum. I don't think I caught one word of any of the songs he sang/screamed. But... The guitar work and music was pretty good..., 8 for the music, 3 for the vocals. I won't be rushing to listen to their music anytime soon.

What I also like about the festival layout, after each band has played the crowd completely disperses for half an hour between bands. It gives you time to stretch your legs, get the blood flowing and look around what else the festival has to offer. 

The third band on the bill, on the main stage was Cavelera Conspiracy. Cavelera Conspiracy is fronted by the founding member of Sepultura. Now most rock fans will know Sepultura was one of the original thrash metal bands alongside Slayer and Anthrax. With hits such as 'Roots Bloody Roots' and 'The Roof The Roof, The Roof Is On Fire'. I know above I wrote how I don't like screaming vocals... But these guys are the originals! They made the thrash metal genre.  

That is all for Part 1 of my day at Sunday download review... Please continue to read the next two parts which will be up in the next 48 hours... I chose to split the posts into three so you all don't get bored with my babbling on and on. I hope you enjoyed it, please review or leave comments about your download experience if you were there, or if you have seen any of the above bands before.

                                                                    Lissy.C

May Favourites

Well since I have no live shows to see in April or May I thought I would write a post on some of the most recent songs I am loving at the minute....

10. Georgia Sattilites- keep Your Hands To Yourself

My dad used to play this band a lot when I was little, and over the many, many years I had completely forgotten about it. However I heard it on Planet Rock and the memories came back. It's a oldie but it's a classic so it doesn't matter

9. Rammstein- Mein Land

The most recent single by the German heavy metal band. I can't believe it has been over three years since I saw this band at the NEC. But whenever I hear those dirty guitar riffs and the booming German voice, I can't help but crank the volume up and transport myself back to what was the best ever.

8. Metallica- Enter Sandman 

Yes I know you're all nodding your head in agreement. Anyone who tries to say this song is worn out and getting boring can go take a run and jump, cause these guys know how to bring the power. And Enter Sandman is one of the most recognisable songs ever to be created. Especially in the Rock and heavy metal world.

7. We Are Harlot- Dancing On Nails

This my readers is a new band and new single. The band is fronted by the ex Asking Alexandria singer Danny Worsnop. They are nothing like Asking Alexandria, these guys are actually good! 

6. Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Snow 

Who doesn't like the Chilli Peppers seriously? And this song off of the Stadium Arcadium album is utterly brilliant. It isn't one of the bands most upbeat songs but the melody and lyrics are amazing. And it's definitely a kick back sort of track. 

5. Tracer - Too Much 

I love this band! They're a three piece band that are completely dirty hard rock, which is the music I love! It is proper music! How rock music should be... And to add to this short piece, Tracer are doing a UK tour at the end of the year. Tickets are on sale now... If you need to find a ticket source you can go through the Planet Rock website. 

4. Slash - Dirty Girl

This song is off of the World On Fire Album. Myles Kennedy just blows my mind when he sings this track. How his voice can go from soft and melodic to raw is incredible. Also Slash's guitar work just speaks for itself, it can't be recreated. 

3. Piston - Leave If You Dare

I must have seen this band early last year; when they were fairly new and unknown. You can tell these guys are a new band as they are still trying to find their sound, but they're nearly there if this track has anything to go by. The riff and lyrics just work together; and they used a guitar solo!!! Everyone clap and cheer the guitar solo is not lost!!! People are still using them! So you readers go check these guys out, you can go through YouTube to find the video, which is also pretty good. 

2. The Cult - Dirty Little Rockstar

Go Billy Go Billy GO Billy! Yes Billy Duffy working his White Falcon brilliantly in this track! (No that wasn't a sexual innuendo). What I love about a Cult song is its ability to be so simple but become so effective. Duffy's riffs and Astburys sultry tones and bizarre lyrics just work and this song, each time I've heard it, live and on disc it just keeps getting  better! 

1. Faster Pussycat - Power and The Gloryhole 

Back to hair metal days we go! This band were huge in the 80s along with the likes of Cinderella, Poison, Tyketto and Motley Crüe. These songs were just pure Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll. Just the way I like em! Hearing this song just makes me want to let my hair down, drink Whiskey and dance like no one is watching! 

Well there you have it my May favourites. If you also are listening to some awesome tracks right now new or the golden oldies let me know and I could do a feature on them, in a future blog post! 

                                                           Thanks for reading! 

                                                                     Lissy.C

Steel Panther and Skindred Live Review 12/03/2015

"DEATH TO ALL BUT METAL!"

That statement pretty much summed up what was an incredible night of music...

Standing out once again in the cold night, waiting for the Civic hall doors to open so we can get ourselves a huge dose of metal music. 

Although I didn't at all mind standing outside waiting for the doors to open as the sight before had me cracking jokes left right and centre. As Steel Panther are most known for their wacky 80s dress sense, you could only begin to imagine what then fans came dressed looking like. The amount of zebra print sparkled Spandex I saw was unbelievable... The wigs! Oh my god, there were a lot of Jon Bon Jovi impersonations going on. And not to mention the cue! I have never been to the Civic Hall where the fans have been cuing down the street! I of course, cheekily skipped the cue a little... I wasn't waiting in that line! I mean come on! Who is going to tell a good looking 18 year old wearing huge spiked Dr Martens to go and stand at the back of the line? (Not bragging or anything, but I did look pretty good). 

Anyway once through the doors the crowd began to fill in and consume the room... We literally raced to the opposite bar we were usually at to get a drink cause they were getting packed rather quickly. I dread to think how much beer and cider was consumed that night... we more than likely drank them dry! 

Starting the night were the Lounge Kittens...

What to say about the Lounge Kittens? Well they were three, beautiful women wearing 80's inspired zebra print dresses who completely trashed all of my favourite heavy metal songs! Basically the group turn well known heavy metal songs into Jazz numbers... I hated it. Don't get me wrong they can sing! But they ruined all of my songs. 

1. Limp Bizkit - Rollin'
2. Slipknot - Duality
3. Metallica - Sad But True
4. Skindred - Kill The Power
5. Steel Panther - Death To All But Metal

Next Came Skindred... 

"WARNING!"

Before even coming to the show I knew that Skindred would be a phenomenal band to see live. They're fusion of Metal, reggae and hip hop beats just create the perfect harmony and some of the best original sounding music I have ever had the pleasure to hear.

At the start of what was a mind blowing set list, Skindred played out the Star Wars soundtrack which morphed perfectly in 'Kill The Power' which in my opinion kick started the night!

What amazed me the most about the band was how Benji came on stage in a huge luminous faux fur coat... I mean how a man with dread locks, blacked out spiked sunglasses and huge boots could pull off a fur coat amazed me!

Enough about his outfit back to the music!..

The set list went as follows...

1. Kill The Power
2. Doom Riff
3. Rat Race 
4. Pressure
5. Ninja
6. Trouble
7. Sad But True (Metallica Cover)
8. Nobody 
9. Warning

From a support band that set list has to have been one of the best I have heard in quite sometime, The tempo never seemed to drop, fresh beat after fresh beat pounded through the speakers, getting everyone on the floor moving... Even my dad loved them! (And he is hard to impress let me tell you!)

And to top it off their interaction with the crowd was beyond perfect. They laughed and joked and took the piss out of the fans which had us all in stitches. I do admire a band that can keep a crowd entertained.

Moving onto the finale of the show 'Warning'...

Anybody heard of the Newport Helicopter? Well if you have you know exactly what I am going to talk about...

At the end of every Skindred show, they like to go out with a bang! And a bang was exactly what we finished with... The whole crowd was bouncing as the beat dropped and the red strobe lighting flew through the room. Warning, alongside Kill The Power is one of my favourite songs by Skindred and they keep it sounding fresh each time they play it, it never seems dated or old.

As they break down happened, T shirts came off and where held above the crowd. What was about to occur was the 'Newport Helicopter'. Benje counted the crowd in and then all chaos broke loose, the T Shirts started swinging round and created such a awesome atmosphere in the small venue it was totally epic!

If you reading have never been to see this band get your arses into gear and get yourself a ticket for a show, you wont regret it one bit!   

Next came the headline act of the night...

STEEL PANTHER!!! 

What can I say? The night evolved exactly how I imagined it would! Kicking off the set list with Pussy Whipped Micheal Starr hit centre stage with his long 80s head of blonde curly hair. His incredible vocal range and comical lyrics just mixed together perfectly and I would have quite happily stood there all night listening to him sing a crack jokes with the crowd. 

Stix, Lexi Foxx and Satchel where all on point too other than Satchel was feeling slightly Ill so we were warned every now and again he may end up throwing up all over the stage! Luckily for us however that never happened. But like a trooper he carried on pulled out the bag killer riffs and cracking classic guitar solos! 

What I loved most also about the gig was the bands interaction with the crowd, it was incredible. At the back of the stage was a huge screen so the people at the back could also see what was happening on stage. Also they played hysterical videos to go along with their set. When they played Fat Girl I couldn't breathe the video they created just had me in stitches. 

Steel Panther are also known for their love of the female fans... Yes I think nearly 100 girls graced the stage throughout the night! How I wished I was near the front of the crowd! When the band played 17 Girls in a Row, Micheal Starr began pulling girls from the crowd to get up on stage.... Lexi Foxx enjoyed  himself taking lots of Selfies with his adoring fans that were on stage, pulling his favourite pose, the hair flip and pout! How jealous we all are of that hair! (Even if it is fake). 

As a whole I must say the night was perfectly put together, the crowd enjoyed themselves. The drinks were flowing, the crowd was jumping, the band were electric. Definitely a band I will be going to see again!! 

Well there you are folks the Skindred and Steel Panther Live review, I apologise for how late this has being put up but I have been incredibly busy of late but I will however let you know, there are some incredible bands coming up in the next couple of months so please stay tuned and aware of the posts I put up. 

There will also be a couple of new music and favourite posts to let you all know of new music that has wowed me and make me feel the need to let you all know about it... Also any new gig news I will update you all... Including the new tour anounced by Def Leppard and Whitesnake 'Lets get Rocked, In the Still of the Night'

Much love...

Lissy.C

Download Here I come!

I have such exciting news to share, with you readers tonight....

"I'M GOING TO DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL!"

Yes, the start of my 18th year alive is going to be fantastic! First AC/DC at Wembley in July and now Download Festival, where I can witness four of my all time favourite bands on Sunday the 14th of June. 

I may only be going for the Sunday but by gosh it is the best day of the weekend. A true Monsters Of Rock line up... 

Billy Idol...

Unfortunately I missed Billy Idol when he did his UK Tour before Christmas. And I was gutted but now I have the chance to go and see the little pocket Rocket and 'dance by myself' all afternoon. (I won't be on my own, I have my father).

Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators...

Third time! It will be my third time of seeing my two favourite men together on stage in three years, it is brilliant! Bring on the greatest hits from Slash's back catalogue and the new classics from the Conspirators.

MOTLEY CRUE! 

Yes the title needed to be in capital letters! After a short spurt of misery of hearing Motley Crue would not be having a UK tour to finish their career I thought for sure they would be the band that got away from me. But Alas! They're here in the line up, for what will be one of my favourite days of my life... 'Kick-start My Heart' guys!

KISS

Where my live music experience started all the way back in 2010, gosh that feels like a life time ago! I will be seeing 'THE BEST, OF THE BEST' Gene Simmons warm that bass and Paul Stanley hit those vocals because I'm coming for you again and I want a performance that will blow my mind like the first time...

I'm sorry this is only a short post, but I have little time to write a large piece but comments and festival stories would be much obliged in the review section... Thank you for reading. Until next time...

Lissy.C

Saxon Wulfrun Hall Live Review

Back in the freezing cold town of Wolverhampton, Thursday night to go and see the mighty Saxon! Due to the health of Saxon's drummer the show had been rescheduled from December to February. Well all wished him a speedy recovery, unfortunately he was unable to make it to the show. But the faithful fans still made it, as we all bustled into the small venue of the Wulfrun Hall. I love the Wulfrun Hall. It is an intimate venue but not so intimate you want to punch someone in the back for standing on your foot or knocking your beer down your favourite T-Shirt.

Well this is normally the time where I give a brief overview of the Support bands that played and try and get people to give them a listen, to receive a little publicity because I like to help the talent coming through. But that ain't going to happen because all I can say about the support bands is, they were what I call Shit! 

Now I am fairly easy going when it comes to music I like to give a band a chance but, these two have no chance in hell. No pun intended since the main support act was called Hell. The first support band, was that bad I can't even remember their name. The whole set was just confusing! One moment I thought I was at a Mozart concert when the piano solos appeared and then thought I was at a thrash metal concert when the backing singer/guitarist started growling and throwing his head around like he was about to lose it. And don't get me started on the singer, poor girl just looked uncomfortable and out of place. But on a positive note the lead guitarist was really good in his solo's. However he needs to leave that band and find another band to join. 

Next came Hell! And Literally the music was Hell! The whole set was The Bible meets The Adams family. Their really isn't much more I can say than that because if I do say more I will not stop.

As you can tell for the first hour and a half we all stood taking the Mick and cracking jokes. Yes, I know what you're all thinking, but no it isn't harsh because I know for a fact if you were having to endure what I was you would of been taking the piss too. 

Ah finally I can move along to the main act.

SAXON!

Originally I was supposed to see Saxon when they were touring with Motorhead early last year but due to Lemmy's health problems the tour was postponed and Saxon and Motorhead did not join together for Motorhead's tour at the end of 2014, which I attended. But everything still worked out and I got to witness both great heavy metal bands.

Saxon started their set with Motorcycle Man and Sacrifice which was brilliant. The sound was clear and didn't half pack a punch! What I love about the small venue is how much the sound cranks up. In the corner of the room is a decibel metre and it goes from yellow, to green to red. And every now and then throughout the concert I would look over to the back wall and each time the colour would be in the red zone. In simple term it was fucking loud! 

The crowd was also rather pumped up  for the gig, cheering and chanting loudly as each song came to a finish and a new one would start up. It just shows not matter how old a band gets the fans are always loyal. Not like the music of today, fans are fickle. 

Saxon made their way through the set list with ease, packing in the greatest hits which everyone wanted to hear: 

• Power and the Glory
• I've Got to Rock
• Dallas 1 PM
• Never Surrender
• 747(Strangers in the Night)
• Heavy Metal Thunder
• Princess of the Night

Bringing the jam packed set list to a close the mighty Saxon created an encore which all fans could sing along too. Starting off with the ultimate classic Wheels of Steel. Once again the crowd was jumping and singing/ shouting rather loudly which was totally awesome. Next along came Strong Arm of the Law. Which was true Saxon Loud, gritty and powerful. To end the night with a bang Saxon finished us off with Denim and Leather, which I think only the crowed sung. I love it when the crowed sings bands songs, I don't know what it is but you just know a whole crowd singing a song is bound to bring the band back to the venue in the future. Even though I doubt Saxon will be making any more tour announcements any time in the future.

Well this was a rather short and bitter sweet blog post, but each band I say each gets a review as it is only fair all great bands get the same treatment wherever they are in their career. I know this one started off as a bit of a negative post but I hope the ending cheered you up ever so slightly. 

Till next time ...

Lissy.C

Korn and Slipknot Prepare For Hell Tour Birmingham Live Review

First show of the year 2015 was upon us in no time at all. The 27th of January was set to be an incredible night packed with Heavy Metal. Yes many of you reading this will have been to one of the many Prepare For Hell shows across America and Europe. And to you who did not or have not, I am talking about Slipknot joining up with the phenomenal force that is Korn!

Last Tuesday night I made my way to the NIA. (Whoever decided to change the name to The Barclay Card Arena is a total Muppet, trying to confuse us all. It will always be the NIA to me). Anyway back to Tuesday nights events. I was totally stoked to me finally seeing two of my all time favourite bands!  As always when we make our way into a venue the first protocol is always the merchandise desk. I have to tell you all of the fiasco I had. I made my way to the Merchandise and joined the short cue. I was stood behind a couple for around five minutes as they tried to pick out a t shirt. I kid you not I physically had to try and stop myself from laughing. The man's wife kept holding up t shirts in front of him and stretching them to see if they would fit. He looked totally embarrassed by his wife it was hard not to laugh. But after what seemed like forever I finally made my way past them and walked away with a new Korn T-shirt in ten seconds flat.

Next protocol is of course the bar! Need a beer or two to kick start the night. For the first time in a long time we were up in the stands for this gig. Anyone who hears the words Slipknot gig, think absolute mayhem on the floor! And to be quite honest that was the only reason I did not stand. Plus you have the added advantage of watching the whole stage show.

At quarter to eight the anticipation was at a high, and the atmosphere was through the roof. The screams and cheers flooded the venue as Korn hit the stage... Starting the night with Twist, Korn were off to a flyer. Jonathan Davis commanding the stage with his incredible vocal range and presence. Continuing the set with 'Here To Stay' and 'Love & Meth', the whole venue was in a trance. Time was flying by far too quickly, when Korn hit out 'Falling Away From Me' in the centre of their set.

From a stage perspective Korn hit the nail on the head! I loved how the stage lit up from the floor it gave the guys an even edgier look to fit their music. Monkey was as ever a mastermind with the bass guitar, completely brilliant decked out in his black and white stripe prisoner suit. Brian was completely on form with his guitar work! The sound was Korn, I have no other words to describe it...

Here are some videos of my favourite parts next...

Here is the video of Korn playing Falling Away From me, which was pretty awesome, I was head banging with the rest of the fans!

Korn and the boys playing Shoots And Ladders, and impeccably merging the song into Metallica's One ending! Truly magic.

Finishing off their set with Freak On A Leash and Blind, Korn exited the stage leaving the fans cheering and stomping their feet for more! Of Course they didn't come back no support band does, but in this instance we all wanted them back so much...

I must say I think that is the most I have ever spoke about a support band on my blog ever! But Korn deserve it because they are truly unique in their own right...

Moving on!

"PREPARE FOR HELL!" 

Yes you crazy hard rock and metal fans, I finally made it to a slipknot concert! Waiting many a year for their return I was there to witness pure brilliance! As the lights dimmed and the roar of the crowd increased my heart began to beat faster and faster with anticipation for what was about to happen! A huge white theatre curtain hung over the stage. My first thought was "It is going to drop" but I was however wrong! 

 XIX played behind the scenes while the shadows of the nine band members made their way to their places. The song drifted out as Sarcastrophe blended in and the curtain rose, revealing a set resembling the doorway to hell... Truly Metaphoric brilliance! From that point on the music came fast, hard and packed a punch! I have to say I don't think I have ever witnessed such an incredible opening to a gig, the first six songs were phenomenal...

1. Sarcastrophe
2. The Heretic Anthem
3. My Plague
4. The Devil in I 
5. Psychosocial
6. The Negative One

Well the whole set was phenomenal but that section  was of course my favourite! Corey and the guys moved around the stage and made as much noise and chaos as they possibly could. Revving up the crowd on the floor and in the stands. There was so much energy, we could of powered the country for a whole year!

Moving through the centre of the set and into the last couple of songs, the amps were turned up to 11 and the crowd could feel the atmosphere build as everyone waited for that one special moment we all knew was coming... that of course would be 'Spit It Out'. For those of you who do not know what happens in Spit It Out, I'll explain...

Every band has that iconic song that drives the crowd crazy to be heard play and that song for Slipknot fans is Spit It Out. For sixteen years Slipknot have had the tradition in the middle of Spit It Out, to have all of their fans (maggots) crouch down on the floor. And as all us fans have a little bit of a screw loose we comply. So when all the fans are on the floor Corey shouts out...

"When I say Jump The Fuck up, You Jump The Fuck Up!" 

Now you can all kind of recognise what is about to happen, So as the fans on the floor start cheering and gearing up for what is about to be the biggest mosh pit of their lives, Corey tells the guys (band) to bring us home and that is what he does, here is the last thing you hear before mayhem breaks loose! It is Fucking awesome!

'Bout time I set this record straight

Cuz all the needle nose punchin' is making me irate

Sick o' my bitchin' fallin' on deaf ears

Where you gonna be in the next five years?

The crew and all the fools, and all the politics

Get your lips ready, gonna gag, gonna make you sick

You got dick when they passed out the good stuff

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Are you sick of me?

JUMP THE FUCK UP! 

So after Spit It Out finishes Slipknot play Custer which is also a fan favourite. What I love most about Corey Taylor's voice is the way he can shift his tone from soft and gentle to full out grit and bitterness in his growl it is a brilliant talent to have.

When Slipknot left the stage and the crowd started roaring and clapping louder to bring them back asap! And truth be told they were back in just over a minute! They encored out with SIC, People = Shit and Surfacing which all packed a good hard beat that hit me through the chest! I was sad the show was at an end, it felt like I was in the room barely thirty minutes before I was bustling my way out. Well they do say 'time flies when you're having fun'.

So to all of you reading I would just like to say whether you like these two bands or not, you can't take away the fact that they put on a awesome show. And to those of us who are lucky enough to witness their brilliance understand that you get every pennies worth out of them!

Lissy.C