UFO
Leamington Spa Assembly, Leamington Spa, UK - 25th April 2010
Line-up: UFO + Voodoo Six
Review by Mike Exley, photos by Joe Winn
Two rather daunting memories come to mind when I think of past line-up’s of UFO; one being a rather wonderful encounter with the band at the London Astoria in (I think) 1998 to see Michael Schenker in one of his better moments, and the other a real mismatch when a rather lacklustre Phil Mogg (with the wonderful Atomic Tommy H on guitar) and Co. had to follow one of the very first encounters a European audience had had with the mighty Slayer on a festival bill, most likely in 1988 when the band debuted H with the Misdemeanor album.
So, it is with a certain amount of trepidation - but also immense respect - that I approach a UFO tour that has few UK shows...a UFO that doesn’t even come to the capital this time. Not that the Assembly in Leamington Spa is shabby! With a considerable amount spent on it and a spunky sound and lighting team, this could rightly establish itself as one of the UK’s best, so as Voodoo Six move into gear here, all is stacked in their favour. Well, that is unless you happen to be a sound engineer for UFO, of course.
Photo Ccedit Joe Winn
The Londoners are bashing away with a nice mix of Gibson warmth and Dean aggression as Matt Pearce and Chris Jones twist tracks off their latest EP A Little Something For You into a whirl of classic ripping solo and powerful blues, and singer Luke Purdie holds sway on the stage with an air of Tony Mills about him, even on heavier tracks like 'Long Way' (which I thoroughly recommend). But, despite the best efforts, the band are left bereft of guitar clarity and finish up with much more bottom end than their music should have, at least to these ears.
Photo Ccedit Joe Winn
UFO however have been set up perfectly, and when the band break into second song 'Mother Mary' it's time to close the eyes and just listen. “Moggy, Moggy, Moggy” as he’s affectionately hailed is simply wonderful, the voice riding on a perfect bed of Barry Sparks' ‘finger-lickingly good’ bass runs and Andy Parker drum rolls. But, as a guitar aficionado, I’m here to see the duet between keyboard and guitarist: Paul Raymond, who some may argue is the old face of UFO, and Vinnie Moore who has been with Mogg and Co. since 2002…. And isn’t it gorgeous! Moore occasionally comes across like Schenker. Later on in the set in the wonderful 'Love To Love', which many argue was Schenker’s UFO song, he’s simply sumptuous. But when tracks from UFO’s latest opus The Visitor (2009) are aired, Moore takes control and delivers some wonderful work.
Photo Ccedit Joe Winn
Sparks of course replaces Pete Way – currently still in treatment for just being himself – and it’s nice to see Parker back behind the kit, but tonight is all about applying the gloss to some wonderful songs from a more sober perspective, and this band certainly knows where the precipice can be if its not careful. Yes Mogg may wish to have a bar as part of the stage-set, and his humour can sometimes be more Malcolm McLaren than even he might accept, but you cannot argue with his vocals on tracks like 'Too Hot To Handle', 'Hell Driver' or the combination of 'Lights Out' and 'Doctor, Doctor'. These guys simply couldn’t get out of the venue without playing that; a tearful moment I can say!!
Photo Ccedit Joe Winn
Given that Phil Mogg first formed this band in 1969 (which must mean he’s probably close to pensioner age by now!), tonight is a wonderful moment personally. For the band it is once again, like the Quireboys (who’s singer Spike is here in the audience), a reminder that if you stick to what you’re known for - which is good, solid entertainment - people will still flock to see you in their droves.
UFO play the second day of the High Voltage Festival in London later this Summer. Don’t miss it, or Phil Mogg, and possibly Pete Way if he’s recovered in time, will almost certainly put your lights out!
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