Forum Theatre, Malvern – 28th January 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
4.5****
Classic Rock! Guitars, guitars and more guitars – nice. The house lights dimmed, some shadowy figures wafted across a stage that was romantically bathed in the soft glow of the rear video wall and the very familiar strains of a track we all knew augured the promise of a live jukebox of hits.
And it was immediately apparent where the focus was this evening. The Who have released a multitude of growling, angry anthems such as “I Can’t Explain” and “My Generation” but here we had “Baba O’Rilley”, one of their epic, sweeping (more “proggy”) numbers.
Heart’s “Barracuda”, The Eagles “One Of These Nights”, Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Love”, Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” all followed, pretty much note for note. Impressive playing, especially in the soaring lead vocals and tight as you like harmonies. The vocalists took turns rotating their front-person duties (two gentlemen and a lady) as well as excelling in combination and doing the backing vocalists strut (that side to side dance). Guitar and keyboard was also in their impressive repertoire.
There are moments that make you sit up and think “wow, I never realized how powerful that song is live” and “Burn” by Rainbow is just one of those songs. Oh, Geoffrey – what a riff! It also gave our two lead guitarists the chance to do the dual dueling guitar thing too – which is always thrilling when done right; and tonight it certainly was.
I loved the delicious irony that it was Quo’s “Down Down” that first got the crowd up on their feet. But once they had broken through the British reserve they were off, having a fantastic time bopping along and interacting with a band who knew how to whip up the crowd. There was the obligatory singer walkabout, passing the mic (showing there was no auto-tune being used tonight) and the guitarist got close and personal with the front row too. And two young fans who were hoisted up on the stage during Van Halen’s “Jump” proceeded to do just that, complete with air guitar and rock hand signs. A really lovely moment for them (and their parents) that I’m sure they will treasure the memory of forever.
The light show was fantastic, the sound was truly amazing (how did they get it so clear and loud?), there were guitars everywhere (did I mention the guitars?)… What’s not to love here?
There are those who will love the set that was given us by this extraordinarily talented band. Personally, I would have preferred a little more grit and a little less MOR. For me this was “70’s FM radio rock” with a few harder edged tunes sprinkled in. For the musicianship and crowd engagement I’d give the show a 5. For the choice of music it gets a 4 from me I’m afraid.
A very slick, glossy production that was unlikely to trouble the most delicate of sensibilities whilst bringing enormous pleasure to the vast majority. A great evening’s entertainment.