Just back through the door from watching UFO at the Leeds O2. Rather shamefully, I realised it was my first concert since I saw them last March in Sheffield. I have suitably chastised myself. And will now attempt to review tonight’s show whilst it is still relatively fresh. It’s the who knows how many times I’ve seen them over the last almost forty years though it’s always a pleasure with tonight being no exception. A storming, varied set with old and new well represented including three from the recent A Conspiracy of Stars platter.
A pint of beer with me mate Rob then a bit of dinner in Nando’s. Chicken and chips. Filled the stomach well enough. I suppose you could call it good, honest food.
Wandered around the corner and up the road slightly to the Academy for about 8pm. Caught most of the support band – Redscool – who I did enjoy very much. Punchy, melodic ‘80’s influenced rock. Have made a mental note to pick up their album if I can find some cash down the back of the settee. I’ll have a look after posting this…….
UFO came on around 8:45 and treated us all to a set of around an hour and three quarters. Thanks boys. After almost forty years now it feels like going to see your best mates.
A surprise opener – We Belong to the Night – starts us off followed by (I think) Fight Night then in no particular order it’s Lights Out, Only You Can, the throbbing classic bass riff of Cherry, Burn Your House Down, a completely awesome Venus, an even more awesome Love to Love with Vinny in rip-roaring form, Makin’ Moves gives us a return to the Paul Chapman days and we get three from ACOS – Run Boy Run, The Killing Kind and in what is surely a new UFO live staple classic – Messiah of Love. The new stuff fits right in sounding powerful and fresh.
Rock Bottom which serves also as Vinnie’s showpiece shuts down the main set followed with the usual encore of Doctor Doctor and Shot Shoot. Everybody is right on it all night. A top band at the top of their game entertaining a good sized crowd as only UFO can. Still as relevant as ever, still look like they are all having fun and enthusiastic. Top, top stuff. No pyrotechnics or stage gimmickery – UFO have never needed that – simply four guys who can play and one who can sing. It’s a heady mix with the 100 minutes or so flying by.
Set highpoint: Love to Love and Venus. Best comedy moment: In between songs at one point a lone female voice expresses a desire to hear Try Me. “Try Me” she shouts. The instant retort from Phil is: “I’d love to”.
After missing Uriah Heep in Holmfirth last night (sorry Mick) this showing from UFO more than compensated.