UFO’s “last orders” tour hit Leeds. If this really is it for the band and their final tour they went out here with the proverbial bang and a fine, finer performance indeed.
A sad night for many – your reviewer included. I first saw UFO way back in 1978 and have been with them through thick, thin, drama, highs and (occasional) lows ever since. How many times have I seen them in concert over those four decades – too many to remember.
My thanks to Mr Mogg and cohorts for so much listening and watching pleasure.
Anyhoo – to the show.
A pre-gig dinner in Nando’s just down the road from the O2 probably not the nest idea. Tasteless chicken brought to our table suspiciously quickly after ordering. Seemed like only seconds after sitting back down the food arrived. The cider was nice though…….
Entered a well-attended venue just before the support came on. An American guitarist by the name of Tara Lynch. She’s enthusiastic and certainly can play very fast. However, the consensus amongst us was that it all sounded rather “samey” and generic. Nothing memorable. Sorry Tara.
The place filled up some more during changeover and a buzz of anticipation gathered in the atmosphere. As the lights went down (not out – deliberate pun!) and the familiar intro of Faith Healer sounded out, the time had come…………….UFO!
Straight in to a pulsating Mother Mary. Out of the traps with a classic “blast from the past”. Then a storming We Belong to the Night (yeah – a Chapman era song nice and early) as the band hit their stride with Messiah of Love from Conspiracy of Stars. Four decades in three songs. Great!
Aint No Baby is a surprise inclusion (can’t recall last time I saw them play that) as is Baby Blue. Sandwiched in between is a phenomenal Lights Out with Vinnie really ripping it up. We’re really at the races now.
Burn Your House Down slows things temporarily with its rather laid back bluesy feel – though that lull doesn’t last as it’s a prelude to a slew of classics which continue to sound fresh and are oh so well delivered.
The unmistakeable throbbing bass riff of Cherry. Love to Love with Vinnie excelling again. Makin’ Moves (two Chapman songs – wunderbar). Too Hot to Handle then the usual set closer of Rock Bottom and another example of how good Vinnie Moore is.
Well, the whole set evidences what a fine band UFO is. Watching them as “on it” as they were tonight is one of the finest sights in music. And with such a rich back catalogue of classics it’s impossible to fit them all in – though we all know there are songs they “have” to play and in Leeds they served up some surprises with, for example, Makin’ Moves.
Talking of songs they have to play – the encore is what else but Doctor Doctor and Shoot Shoot.
A truly excellent performance and they will be much missed if this really is the end of UFO. It was like saying farewell to old friends.
Mogg’s pipes are in fine working order for a bloke around 70 years of age who has been belting it out for fifty years. Andy Parker must be one of the most solid drummers out there. Hits hard, doesn’t miss a beat. Paul Raymond so essential as ever beefing things up with muscular rhythm guitar and the keys. Rob de Luca fits in well on the bass. And Vinnie – what can one say. World class.
They don’t make bands like UFO any more. Rock music is a little poorer without them if this really was “last orders”.