New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Classic and Progressive Rock

UFO: Holmfirth Picturedome 4 December 2010 Review.

Went to see the mighty UFO in concert at the Holmfirth Picturedome last night. And man – do they still have it. The band were on blistering top form with a strong set featuring the usual hardy perennials and a few surprises.

First – the venue. If you’ve never heard of it, Holmfirth is a small town in West Yorkshire at the edge of the Pennines. It’s claim to fame is being the setting for the (overly) long running BBC TV “comedy” Last Of The Summer Wine but the least said about that the better…….The Picturedome is marvellous however. An old cinema with a capacity of around 500 or so. A tight place with great views from anywhere and a nice pub almost next door for a pre-gig beer or two.

Anyhoo – the concert. Voodood Six (no offence boys, never heard of you) opened up for half an hour or so. They put plenty of effort in to it all right though didn’t sound like my bag though a little research this morning shows plenty of good reviews for their stuff.

Then it was time for UFO. Phil Mogg, Paul Raymond, Andy Parker and Vinnie Moore joined by Barry Sparks on the bass. There’ no shock and awe pyrotechnical dazzling stage show but that’s OK because UFO do not need one. Their sheer class, professionalism, musicianship and delivery means there’s plenty going on up on stage and the music does the talking.

Something of a surprising opener with Saving Me from The Visitor and the acoustic intro then it’s straight in to the classics with Let It Roll getting the Picturedome rocking and it never lets up after that until the always rousing Shoot Shoot closes things off almost two hours later.

In between the reliable (but never disappointing no matter how many times you’ve seen UFO play) stuff is delivered with power and effortless style particularly from Mogg’s still powerful vocals and Vinnie Moore’s sublime shredding guitar. Andy Parker really attacks his drums and is so solid in behind. Nothing fancy but so rock solid. Paul Raymond as ever is something of the quiet man (where did you get that shirt from Paul……) but so essential. Barry Sparks – fine bass player) puts in some Way-esque moves and fits in fine (not seen him play with UFO before).

Mogg’s dry humour shines through between songs and gives the crowd a giggle – “this is from one of our albums” for example and a little joke at Vinnie’s expense featuring underarm deodorant. You had to be there……

What a show. Five class acts up on the stage who gel together (well, they’ve known each other long enough…..), can really play and look like they have so much fun doing so. You know to a large extent what you’re going to hear (and see) but even so Only You Can Rock Me, Lights Out, Doctor Doctor, Lights Out, Rock Bottom et al always sound fresh.

The big surprise last night was Try Me – I’ve seen UFO many, many times over the years and cannot recall them ever playing Try Me before. And also Ain’t No Baby from the Obsession album.

The full set list was (I hope I’ve remembered it correctly):

  • Saving Me
  • Let It Roll
  • Mother Mary
  • When Daylight Goes To Town
  • I’m A Loser
  • This Kids
  • Cherry
  • Hell Driver
  • Try Me
  • Only You Can Rock Me
  • Love To Love
  • Ain’t No Baby
  • Too Hot To Handle
  • Lights Out
  • Encores:
  • Rock Bottom
  • Doctor Doctor
  • Shoot Shoot

An outstanding evening. You simply can’t go wrong with UFO. Catch ‘em when you can.