#old guy in the last img belongs to a friend of mine !

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not all are so lucky in the face of calamity.

contrary to popular belief, dark plants do indeed feed off of light, like their more active darkness brethren. these plants naturally emit what could be classified as an "artificial warmth", that feels like and acts like natural warmth from a light source. however, it is not that of course, and is actually spores. dark plants are known to produce spores that would attract creatures that also seek light (like vultures and bats), so they may latch onto the host and spread them further.

if you feel warm while standing next to a dark plant, then it is most likely the plants' spores clinging onto you. a nice and long bath is highly recommended. those who do not heed such a warning, may start to feel ill as time marches on. seek medical attention when possible, or else your light may be at risk.

[devils-gatemedia]

UFO / Tara Lynch O2 Academy Bristol 7th March 2019

Everyone can look back and put a finger on the band the got them into a certain genre of music. For me, it was UFO. As a tall, gangly teenager, trying to find a tribe, I flirted with several wildly contrasting styles of music (embarrassing tales that will never be told). Then, listening to the radio covertly late one night, I found a new show. Tommy Vance was playing a track recorded live called “Rock Bottom” by a band called UFO. At first it didn’t grab me. Then that riff kicked in, Mogg’s vocals rang out, and I was converted, never to look back. I soon had an LP collection and a stereo capable of prodigious volume, as well as my own electric guitar (my repertoire consisting of poor attempts at covers of many of the bands of the day), but it was UFO and their off-shoots such as MSG that, for the next few years, really shaped my taste. Bizarrely then, they were one of the few bucket list bands that I have somehow missed, other than one, VERY early morning set at Download a few years ago.

So, when Phil Mogg announced that at the age of seventy plus he was calling it a day, I was determined to get up close and personal and make some memories.

I was clearly not the only one, as the O2 was rammed with punters of a certain age by the time the single support, Tara Lynch took to the stage. Known as “Gui-Tara” this is a lady of many talents: Song writer, guitarist, vocalist, friend to a great many of rock’s illuminati (who assisted on her album “Evil Enough”) such as Vinny Appice, Phil Soussan and Glen Sobel, and student of Steve Vai. She ran through a blistering set of impressive guitar work. I don’t know her history, as research appears to show her appearing almost out of nowhere with this album. The same might have been said of the O2 crowd, as her set received a muted but appreciative response, as the entire set was probably new to most people there. Supported by an energetic band, there were dark, Sabbath tones, Malmsteen-esque runs, and extended instrumentals. It was clear that this is Tara’s project. The band were pretty much left as anonymous support musicians, allowing her to showcase her talent and songwriting vision, and as scorching solo after scorching solo rang around the O2, you could see why!

By the time UFO were scheduled to appear there was barely room to breathe. The venue lights dropped, the stage lights blazed, and the band erupted into “Mother Mary”. Mogg, looking dapper as always in a plaid shirt and braces, looked and sounded far younger than he has any right to. His persona is reminiscent of a mafia don, never exerting himself, but making things happen with a look or a click of his fingers.

Of the old guard, Paul Raymond switching easily between keys and rhythm and (founding line up) drummer Andy Parker kept the youngsters, Vinnie Moore on guitar and Rob De Luca on bass, in their place, but allowed them the opportunity to showcase their youthful exuberance. “We Belong To The Night” and newer track “Run Boy Run” kept up the initial assault before “Ain’t No Baby” slowed it down a little.

Mogg’s little chats with the crowd are legendary, and tonight was no exception, as at one point he turned, read his own banner, and told the crowd he had only just got the meaning (“Last Orders”). At another point, some way through the gig, he asked for the lights to be put up as he had only just realised there was a balcony full of fans!

“Only You Can Rock Me” sounds as fresh today as it did when written, and reminds you just how many riffs UFO wrote that you can hear echoing in the music of many young (and not so young) bands today, so wide a sphere of influence they have had. “Baby Blue”, “Messiah Of Love”, and “Cherry” again span decades of song writing variety before the setlist put a smile on my face that stayed there until the last note.

“Too Hot To Handle” had even the distinctly middle-aged, but incredibly passionate, crowd swaying and singing along. The solo by Moore a stunner, not missing a note whilst playing it behind his head. “Burn Your House Down” gave a brief respite, then Raymond picked out a recognisable key line that drew a huge cheer from the crowd. De Luca added a soft bass, Moore came in with a crashing power chord, and the music built, adding layer upon layer for “Love To Love”. For me, this is UFO’s “Stairway”. It is a song that steps outside of the boundaries of “metal” or “rock” with a myriad of influences, pace changes, key changes, and shifts in dynamics. As if that wasn’t enough, they followed it with “Rock Bottom”, and I was in heaven, back in my bedroom listening to the radio in the dark once more.

Of course there was still so much more to come. There was no way UFO were leaving the building without “Doctor Doctor” and finally “Shoot Shoot” to send the fans home having seen their heroes (and mine) for the last time.

It was a shame that several people that might have become involved in celebrating a band, giving us such wonderful music, stated that they didn’t want to be involved, as one last fling with Messrs Schenker and Way joining Mogg, Raymond and Parker on stage would have been something truly exceptional. Just having the chance to hear so many songs that influenced two generations of bands one last time was more than enough for me though, and the as the last noted died away I will admit to a touch of emotion and gratitude.

Review and Photos: Rob Wilkins

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Live Review: UFO – O2 Academy, Bristol UFO / Tara Lynch O2 Academy Bristol 7th March 2019 Everyone can look back and put a finger on the band the got them into a certain genre of music. 998 more words