ACCEPT
Islington Academy, London, UK - 26th May 2010
Line-up: Accept
Review by Mike Exley
Well, well, well!! Who would have thought it? After more years than most us can bear to think about and more water under the bridge than the North Sea, we’re back at the illustrious Islington Academy to cast eyes over the band that basically invented Heavy Metal in Germany.
Now, you may argue that they were never the most technical and that there was more cheese on offer at this event than at Kraft itself, but you cannot argue with the power that is the twin guitar attack of Messrs Wolf Hoffmann and Herman Frank. No; tonight is not about simple semantics such as; “Is this the ultimate Accept Cover Band”, “Should they be doing this at all without the definitive voice of Udo?” or, worse, “Can they still cut it live”, this is simply about enjoying some timeless music and hoping that all the hype that went into the build up doesn’t backfire.
Sure, singer Mark Tornillo (ex TT Quick) will have to answer the critics for time immemorial, especially as new album Blood Of The Nations is released only four months (allegedly!) before the next Udo record, but when the band start tonight’s set with 'Metal Heart' and Tornillo warms up the vocal chords, it’s all about watching an old band ‘love’ itself and be at peace with itself again!
There’s a few less punters in than one might have hoped for, but with a measured approach and a particular attention to detail from all the participants, the new Accept is pretty hot. Tornillo may look like Dee Snider, and the now bald Hoffmann doesn't quite stride through the “Classical Medley” with the same flair as of his youth, but when you think how hard it has been to put this band back together and make it work, you should applaud them liberally.
'Breaker', 'Restless And Wild', 'London Leather Boys' and a smattering of new tracks assault the ears; 'Teutonic Terror' one that will bring a particular wispy smile to any aficionado of good old German power metal on its release in September. The years drop slowly away into the night for most of us, but let’s be honest, this is all about just three songs; 'Fast As A Shark', 'Princess Of The Dawn' and 'Balls To The Wall'…And when the scream of Tornillo rips through the night at the beginning of 'Fast As A Shark' the band truly seize the moment.
Schwarzmann behind the kit is running full steam ahead, the power of Frank is tearing a new hole in ceiling of the Academy, but for me, it’s the smile on the face of Hoffmann that epitomises this show. In fact, as the photographer he is, he was probably screaming at wife Gaby, out in the audience, to “Get That Shot”!! Zuper!!
No one has yet asked what will become of the photographic career or the musical career of people like Schwarzmann and Frank, who both have illustrious solo careers since the original Accept, but, for now, just let them enjoy the moment.
Think of the song 'Burning'. Released in 1981, yes that’s 1981!! It is possibly one of the simplest riffs known to man, but I defy anyone not to nod their heads when they hear it! Bands like this, Twisted Sister, Krokus, AC/DC and others will live on forever so long as the people never forget just how good that feeling can be!
No digital download can replace this!!
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