EUROPE
Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK - 20th February 2010
Line-up: Europe + Diamond Head
Review by Jon Wilde, pics by Ian Harvey and Edward Fielding
Photo credit © Ian Harvey (http://www.rocktasticpix.com/)
Another never-before-visited venue for a couple of have-seen-before bands. The Shepherds Bush Empire, these days sponsored by O2, is a former music hall and live-venue of BBC television (being just down the road from the main BBC studios). It's grand old place with multiple levels and a classic cozy-but-big feel you often get from these century-old theatres. Okay, the seats are a tight fit, the toilets are abysmal and, if there was a fire, I suspect only 10 people would get out, but the view of the stage is first class, the bar facilities are spot-on, and the acoustics are warm and inviting.
First on stage was Diamond Head, a band I haven't seen for nearly 17 years. In fact, they were the first band I ever saw live. That was at the Metallica gig in Milton Keynes Bowl, 1993. Memories are scant, but I remember sitting on the bowl's banking generally ignoring the band. They were allegedly in ill form that day, and my disregard for their performance would tend to back that up. However, their show at The Shepherds Bush Empire more than made up for any former faux pas.
Drummer Karl Wilcox's 'steam blowing' skills, not to mention his exceptional and enthusiastic skin smashing stood out immediately. The guy is loud I tell you! Eddie Moohan's stonking bass was mighty fine, as was Andy Abberley and Brian Tatler's skilled guitar playing. Big surprise was vocalist Nick Tart.
Original Diamond Head vocalist Sean Harris would always be a tough act to follow. He had a sensational voice - ably demonstrated not only on earlier Diamond Head work, but on albums like Gary Hughes' Once And Future King. Nick came out and made any worries about the past irrelevant. This guy has a voice that not only picks up the best of Harris' work, but adds his own spin and stylings. He is a true star. It's about time Diamond Head were putting out another album that does commercial and artistic justice to the talents of the members.
'Am I Evil?' sounded great, as did 'It's Electric'. Sadly, there was no sign of personal favourite 'Call Me', but you can't have everything. Still, all in all it was a great performance from a band clearly on top form.
Europe, a band I last saw at the Highbury Garage back in November, had a packed room to play to by the time they came out. This was a bigger venue than the Garage, and they were able to play a slightly longer set than last time - a good thing because our only complaint last time round was the omission of a few big songs. With a band like Europe - who have so many good songs behind them and a new album to plug - there are always going to be a few fan-favourites missing from the set. As it turned out, this time was a lot better.
Photo credit © Ian Harvey (http://www.rocktasticpix.com/)
First to be played, just like the last show, was the title track from latest album Last Look At Eden. For some reason it didn't have the kick it did first time. Fortunately, from then on, the bar was raised several notches and they slayed every song they played. Joey Tempest sounded even better than before. John Norum was ripping it up too, and was actually quite animated for once. John Levén was as solid as a very solid rock. He doesn't move a lot, but he didn't miss a beat. Mic Michaeli reassured me he's the best rock keyboard player there is on the live stage. Last, but not least, Ian Haugland was a machine with infinite energy. Someone really should check to make sure he's human on the inside.
Best moments? The semi-acoustic 'Carrie' was phenomenal. 'Superstitious' and 'Rock The Night' were both amazing. 'The Beast' from the new album was kick ass. Biggest surprise was the rocking cover of 'Fever', originally made popular by Peggy Lee in the 1950's. Didn't see that one coming! 'Cherokee' had to be my favourite moment overall though. I've been waiting a long time to hear that song live, and it was even better than I could have expected. 'The Final Countdown' closed the evening, and it was hard to hear Europe the crowd were singing so loud!
I must confess; the gig at the Highbury Garage was amazing...but this one was even better. Very rarely do I see a band for a second time and enjoy them more than the first. It happened with Chimaira...and that was the only time before this one. Europe have now managed that trick too.
They were exceptional at The Shepherds Bush Empire. This was one of the finest gigs I've ever been to. I can't give a lot more praise than that.
Photo credit Edward Fielding
Remaining UK Europe dates:
Oxford O2 Academy (Feb 22),
Bournemouth O2 Academy (Feb 23),
Bristol O2 Academy (Feb 24),
Manchester Academy 2 (Feb 26),
Newcastle O2 Academy (Feb 27)
Glasgow O2 ABC (Feb 28).
Ticket Hotline: Ticket Hotline: 0844 477 2000, http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/. The album ‘Last Look At Eden’ is out now. More info: http://www.europetheband.com/
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