MIKE ALEXANDER MEMORIAL/TRIBUTE SHOW - FEATURING GAMA BOMB + MUTANT + SEREGON
LONDON UNDERWORLD - 08/12/09
Even though I was penniless, I just had to attend this show as a mark of respect and paying £8 for a ticket was nothing compared to the loss that we have had to endure since Mike was taken from us so early. All proceeds from tonight’s, and the previous nights show in Leeds were to go towards Mike’s family in this dark time. Generous donations from bands and musicians around the world would go into a raffle for us lot to try and win; I did have my eye on Gary Holt’s guitar and the Overkill backdrop to be honest!
First band SEREGON played their hearts out and paid tribute to Mike with singer James saying “although in some respects we wish we did not have to play this memorial show to a dear friend, but we are happy to be here as a mark of respect and the UK thrash community must stick together and support each other”. Truer words have never been spoken. However, back to the music, ‘Cancer Race’ and ‘Fuck Shit Up’ are two of the most ferocious tunes I have heard in a long time, wonderfully executed and the crowd warm to their sound and start throwing themselves around. Many say this band is like Sepultura used to be, well when you play a perfect cover version of ‘Arise’ there is no wonder! Another stunning set, from a band that kicks the arse of everyone they play with!
London favourites MUTANT know how to work the crowd and the crowd know how to show their appreciation. Finding both Sam and Tom excelling in their much improved fretboard work, it’s hard to think (as is the case with SEREGON) why these chaps are not signed. Old favourites like ‘Psycho Surgery’ and ‘Turbo Hyper Ultra Mega Power’ sit perfectly with the outstanding riffing of ‘The Rauncher’. Here’s a band that are leaps and bounds above some of the signed acts and provide a frantic crowd with a well refreshing “workout”.
Evile’s label mates GAMA BOMB grace the stage next. Much to the swelling crowd’s joy, although I missed most of their set whilst drinking at the bar and drooling over some of the raffle prizes on offer, once again the London crowd went nuts and allowed the NI chaps to soak up the booze drenched atmosphere. ‘Hammer Slammer’ sounded pretty damn cool actually and I am sure we shall be seeing these guys around for a few years to come.
Then the remaining members of Evile took to the stage to read out a statement from Mike’s family. Tributes also followed from band members, and I must say this was a poignant point of the evening leaving me feeling a little sad. Then Earache Records PR representative in the UK, Talita, came to the stage to pay tribute to Mike, and heralded a minutes “noise” instead of the usual minutes silence. A big horns-up to Earache records for supporting Evile and their family members during this time.
Now it was time for the fun to really begin.
Ol Drake was joined by Tom (Mutant), Joe McGuigan and Domo Dixon of Gama Bomb and Nick Barker (doesn’t really need any introduction!) to play some songs. ‘Disciples of the Watch’ by Testament (with Sam from Mutant on guitar), other songs played by various members and guest musicians included ‘Master of Puppets’, ‘Seek & Destroy’ (with Jon on bass from Mutant and Ben from Evile taking over vocal duties – and a damn fine job too!) by Metallica. Other renditions heard tonight included a wicked ‘Angel of Death’ and various other thrash classics. The crowd were in frenzy, I was drunk, as was most of the venue (I think!), the music was loud and good times were had by all.
This was a cracking gig and a perfect line up; it is just a shame that it had to be in memory of a fallen brother. All that is left for me to say is that this was one hell of a send off, RIP Mike, you are missed.
Paul Maddison
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