New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Classic and Progressive Rock

Blue Oyster Cult Manchester Academy 25 June 2017.

Blue Oyster CultAll the way back in (I think) 1978 I first saw the Blue Oyster Cult at Sheffield City Hall. Now almost forty years later I had the pleasure of spending two hours in their company at Manchester Academy – and what a show it was. They most certainly still have “it” delivering a set full of surprises.

Me and me mate Rob ventured to the “wrong” side of the Pennines thinking it might be last time we have the opportunity to watch the Cult. A quick beer, burger and chips in the pub over the road before wandering in around 8pm just in time to watch Jared James Nichols in the support slot.

An energetic, solid if unspectacular set in my opinion. A bit of Ted Nugent lite I’d say. All somewhat “samey” with nothing really to distinguish each song. A lot of noise, he can play guitar though overall, not my bag.

During changeover we speculated as to what we might expect from the BOC. As it was approaching 9pm with an 11pm curfew we figured may be 90 mins of Cult classics.

Wrong…………….!

The distinctive riff of Transmaniacon MC got us off to an unexpected start followed by an energetic run through the entire first album in running order. Wow! The highlight by a long was being a elongated Last Days of May with Buck in fine voice. And first Ritchie showing his underrated chops with a blazing solo which Buck then responded to in his unique way. Jaws could be seen dropping amongst a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Hard to follow such an early highlight perhaps. Not to Uncle Eric, Uncle Buck and the rest it’s not. Hearing the entire debut album reminded one of how great it is all the way through to the power-pop/prog of Redeemed. Such a treat to see it all performed live.

Before we crack on with the rest of the concert – here’s Transmaniacon MC to enjoy if case you (like I) had forgotten what’s it’s like.

Now what would come next. It was the Red and the Black. Superb. Then the surprises kept a coming. In no particular order we had the Golden Age of Leather complete with obligatory crowd-participation intro (raise you can of beer on high indeed), Burning for You, Harvest Moon, Lips in the Hills, True Confessions (dedicated to Allan Lanier), Tattoo Vampire and probably one or two more I can’t remember. Where did most of that come from?

And if that wasn’t enough of surprises, the Vigil got a run-out too. Can’t recall seeing them play that since the Mirrors tour around 1979/1980 or so. Excellent.

Of course they simply had to play Godzilla and close out with that familiar song about the upside of death (what do you mean – what’s it called…….?).

A quick time check showed 10:50. A full on set of approaching two hours. Bl**dy marvellous.

But back they came for one more – the brutal Hot Rails to Hell. Sung energetically by Ritchie. What an ending.

Buck’s so fluid effortlessly peeling off riffs, monster chords and blazing solos from that headless cheeseburger. Ritchie so, so talented and pushing Buck close during that epic Last Days of May. Eric is, well, Eric. There can be only one. Danny and Jules pound out a mean rhythm section.

A true masterclass of how rock music should be done. If last night was the last chance I get to see BOC live, what a memorable night to have.

If you do not have any BOC in your collection – shame on you. Put that right and bag yourself thefirst, ground-breaking album from one of the most influential rock/metal bands of all time.

BLUE OYSTER CULT FIRST ALBUM AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON HERE

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