Review and Photos by Russ Powney




Given Voodoo Sioux’s absence from our lives for much of the last twelve years it was of little surprise that their assault attacked our very senses.  Mario’s driving bulldozing bass, Nikki screaming full throttle attitude a plenty.  Just the beginning we required and craved. The pace and joyful aggression continued throughout never slowing and always driving forward.  A fitting and welcome return, and one I very much want to see again.

http://www.myspace.com/voodoosioux

4Bitten although relatively new to our shores provided us with their own “Flying V“ intro to the legend of Schenker.  A traditional sound and at times almost a rock-by-numbers approach was never the less entertaining.  Commitment to the cause was never in doubt and in Fofi they have a female vocalist to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of them, full of range and power.

A mid set “Heart Warming Tribute” to the late great Ronnie James Dio transported us back in time, appropriately to 1980 with a cover of Neon Knights and if you closed your eyes like I did then you could almost smell Bingley Hall and all the delights it once held.  George played a Gibson Flying V throughout, a beacon that shines in the night, fuelling the debate which is best: Les Paul, Statocaster or Flying V?  Both Michael and George aided the latter's cause considerably.

4Bitten gained a fan tonight - certainly it felt awkward at times but they played as we ourselves would want to play. Strutting across the stage with passion and skill.

http://www.myspace.com/4bitten

We all like our heroes to be slightly flawed, I mean what is the point of them if they are perfect?  We need them to live out our fantasies to be who we are not.  In Michael Schenker we have that hero, responsible for some of the greatest riffs and guitar solos ever written and performed, and a history which includes the Scorpions and UFO.  A history that at times has been spectacular but also full of imperfections and demons, a true hero.

Tonight we are here to worship at the altar that is Schenker but my dilemma is this "Why so withdrawn?"  At times Michael stood so far back towards his Marshall stack we could not see him, his relationship with the rest of the band seemed distant and strained - they did their best, indeed it was good to see, but we wanted Michael.

Yes the songs were played well, the solos note perfect, at times it seemed all too easy for him and maybe that’s the trouble, is it to easy for him ?  Is he bored?  I don’t know the answer.  I was however glad to see him, the last thirty years have been a rollercoaster but Schenker is back playing and looking healthy, with a new album and dates booked across the globe - a mini revival is taking place and that has to be applauded.

For all the questions, I still enjoyed it.  When he plays you can forgive him.  For Schenker is my hero.

Set List: Armed & Ready / Cry for Nations / Let Sleeping Dogs Lie / Are You Ready / I Want You / A Night To Remember / Into The Arena / Lost Horizons / Rock My Nights Away / On & On / Lights Out / Attack of The Mad Axeman / Ride On My Way / Rock Bottom

http://www.myspace.com/michaelschenkerhimself