ALICE COOPER, MOTORHEAD AND JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS
Joan Jett (real name Joan Marie Larkin) really stands out as an iconic figure of the rock and roll circuit. Her mezzo-soprano vocal range has earned her the respect of many a rock and roll fan around the world.
Her performance tonight is nothing less than what we have learnt to expect from such a distinguished artist.
Classic tunes such as “Do you wanna touch me?”, “I hate myself for loving you” and “I love rock and roll” are belted out with diamond cut accuracy.
Self taught lead guitarist “Dougie Needles”, with his punk rock-esque looks and style and heavy riffs and licks, combined with the hard punching power of Thommy Price on drums and Kenny Laguna on bass add to this kicking Blackhearts set.
After a brief intermission, the Motorhead backdrop rolls out to a muffled cheer as there is a very diverse crowd in here tonight, not surprising though it is clear that the main bulk of fans are here for Alice.
This is the first time I have ever seen (or is it witnessed) Motorhead live, so I really don’t know what to expect. They didn’t disappoint.
It’s good to see that down in the pit is a small hardcore of travelling Motorhead diehard fans, keeping alive an otherwise up to now static front row of a rock crowd (unusual, but true!).
Motorhead have been classed with so many other bands, but if we all think back hard, they are the root of many bands in the forefront of today’s Hard Rock/Thrash/Metal community. Lemmy dislikes the fact that some classify Motorhead as speed or thrash metal, preferring to describe the band’s music simply as “Rock and Roll”. Ok, let look at this, Rock….as in solid, hard, heavy, Roll……as in what a 100 ton steam train at full pelt does……………..ok, so Lemmy is right, who am I to argue?
The set itself is exceptionally hard hitting, with Lemmy accompanied by guitarist Phil Campbell and the mighty skin bashing Mickey Gee (who Lemmy refers to as the “greatest drummer in the world”). They simply plough through just a portion of their heavy back catalogue of anthemic tunes.
Lemmy after two or three tracks, gets the house to raise the volume (like it needed doing!!!), now our ears were in for some splitting. Two words “OH YES”.
The masterful performance continues.
After a few more numbers, things are brought down a peg or two, and we are treated to a bluesy acoustic tune, with Mickey Gee on guitar (and bass drum plus hi hat), Phil on guitar, Lemmy giving vocals and harmonica. This is something I was not expecting, but really shows the bands roots and diversity, and the song has definitely from the heart.
We are swiftly returned to hard hitting Motorhead power, and the sets draws to a close with the Anthemic “Ace of Spades” and “Overkill” (a personal fave of mine).
I relax back and remember why they are where they are. A mighty performance from the mighty Motorhead.
Ok, so this is isn’t the first time I have being to an Alice Cooper gig, so the expectations were high, we all know what he can get up to. His performances are often very theatrical, so I sat back with an air of “let the madness begin” in mind!
A few facts about Alice Cooper:-
Alice actually ran for president of the USA against Richard Nixon.
He was once quoted as saying “The sicker our fans get, the sicker we get”
To a massive Roar of approval the house lights go down, and the backlit stage lights up the auditorium.
The stage theatrics begin, with an Alice Cooper impersonator quickly being despatched to his maker by the real Alice, well and truly caned! The flamboyant and inspirational set gets underway.
The act itself is worth its weight in Rock, with its theatrics, make up and in your face, kick ass attitude.
This is the 4th night of the 10 date UK leg of the Psycho Drama tour. Alice, joined by guitarists Keri Kelli (Vince Neil/Slash’s Snakepit) and Jason Hook (Lee Aaron/Steven Pearcy) – who melt my ears with riff after riff, Chuck Garric (Dio/Lynch Mob) on bass and Eric Singer (Kiss/ESP) on drums beat out a backbone to proud of.
Tracks such as the 1970’s monster hits “I’m eighteen” and “School’s out” are just electic.
Tune after tune a beaten out with some finesse, with the stage theatrics continuing – the crowd is mesmerised. This is sure brilliance and showmanship.
Cold Ethyl, with Alice’s actress daughter Calico playing the bride is sheer horror, with its beatings, its poundings, brutality and shock is just….well….gob-smacking! I am completely immersed in this show. It’s like west end meets Bloodstock and Broadway, with Stephen King directing.
The show plays its story out, and I am left lost for words…not a great position to be in for me!
I take time to reflect on this extra special spectacle, before I hammer out this review. I just feel I cannot do it enough justice, it was truly that special.
Ten out of ten to the Alice team, the Psycho Drama Tour steam train came to Birmingham, and blew us all away.
John Lambeth
BIRMINGHAM NEC - 10/11/07