2010 sees the 40^th anniversary of the release of the debut album from Stray. Despite having a wealth of albums and celebrity support from Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris, they rarely receive the press coverage that is befitting of such a classic rock band of that era. Consequently, most of the people present are all long term fans that delight in the fact of reminiscing that they saw the band when Trapeze supported them at Mothers in 1971 and other comments of that ilk.

Led by the ever present Del Bromham, the thunderous three piece kicked off proceeding with an immense version of Houdini from the 1976 album of the same name. Although it was clear that this wasn’t going to be a romp down memory lane as it was quickly followed by ‘Move A Mountain’ from 2009’s superb ‘Valhalla’ album. Infact such is the strength of the new album that no less than five of the albums tracks sit comfortably within tonight’s set.

This particular line up has now been together since 2006 and bassist Stuart Uren and drummer Karl Randall form a tight and dependable rhythm section. ‘Time Machine’ goes down a storm. Other classics getting an airing tonight include ‘Jericho’, ‘After The Storm’ and ‘I Believe It’

One of ‘Valhalla’s’ highlights is the anti war song ‘1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’. Tonight this gets dedicated to those serving in Afghanistan and receives an excellent reception. Bromham is clearly enjoying the show and frequently comes off the stage to play directly to the punters one on one. During one of these forays into the audience, Del drags Pure Instinct’s Bryan James back on to the stage who takes over guitar duties for the solo of Suicide.

Inevitably it’s ‘All In Your Mind’ that closes the main set. It’s probably their most famous song, and sees Del controlling feedback, hanging the guitar off the lighting rig and whipping it before launching into the song proper.

When they leave the stage, the lights go on and music starts playing over the p.a. The crowd are not convinced, the music stops, the lights dim again and they get their encore in the form of Hallelujah/Rock And Roll.

Overall an excellent evening and a great start to 2010. Stray are continuing to tour in support of Valhalla and can be seen at a variety of venues across the Midlands in the next couple of months, some of which they are playing with The Groundhogs. Catch them while you can.