Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. July 30th 2011.
Two years ago as part of the Summer Pops, Deacon Blue stormed the Liverpool Echo Arena. The audience from start to finish were beside themselves in joy having heard an expansive and top notch set from one of the great bands of mid 80’s. Two years on, they were back in Liverpool to perform for their legion of fans and yet again simply blew the cobwebs out of Liverpool’s lungs.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. August 2nd 2011.
It’s been a long time coming, but Iron Maiden finally made it Great Britain at the end of the Final Frontier tour and leaving some people with mixed reactions to their gigs in cities such as Manchester and Newcastle. Some have loved that the Irons, the kings of British heavy Metal seem back on form, giving the type of show that was a pleasure to attend in the late 80’s and full of theatre and grit. Others have complained that there was an over reliance on worn out clichés, a glimpse back to a time that needs to be locked away in the dim and distant past.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. August 2nd 2011.
The weather outside was somewhat frightful, with Blondie’s fans finding every possible hiding place from the torrential August rain that had decided to fall well before the doors opening at the Academy. Inside it was a sauna, the gig having being sold out long before the night arrived, such is the pulling power of one of New Yorks finest ambassadors to music, they could have head lined for a week at the Liverpool o2 Academy and still have people clambering for tickets.
Originally published by L.S. Media. July 30th 2011.
In 2010, the Liverpool Summer Pops was treated to a display by an all female group called Angels in White that was as stunning as it was gracious. By no means can it be considered easy to open for the then headliners Jools Holland, nor can it be straightforward to have comparisons drawn against you with other female bands that have dominated the charts for the last 20 years.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published by L.S. Media. September 5th 2010.
The world of Progressive Rock has moved on someway over the last few years with only the bravest and best from the previous century retaining and moving on with their fan base.
Newer groups such as The Reasoning have taken the genre to new pastures where it is flourishing and attracting an audience unheard of back in the time when Ark decided to finally call it a day in 1995, however; when you have something to say and an audience keen on reliving some of the finest Prog to come out of the Midlands then it’s advisable to give those thoughts an airing and see what happens.
Originally published by L.S. Media. September 2nd 2010.
When somebody of Ian Parker’s ability and stature comes to town, it would be foolish to miss whatever event he has planned. Whether it’s the full band experience or just him and a couple of friendly musicians in tow, you are guaranteed a night of sheer bliss, a definite moment of aural exquisiteness.
With a range of styles to his arsenal, including blues, Ian kicked off the hour and half set with Gates of Hell and the sensual Winding River to an audience that adored his effortless playing and general put upon Midlands humour and self deprecating appreciation.
Originally published by L.S. Media. August 29th 2010.
L.S. Media Rating ****
For some the Mathew Street Festival means a chance to relive their youth and catch some cover acts that play extremely well and catch the spirit brilliantly of those bands that no longer tour or that are so popular, therefore so expensive, that the average person in the street cannot afford to attend any of the gigs they may arrange.
Originally published by L.S. Media. October 8th 2011.
Puressence may come across as a typical Manchester band, full of self-assurance and a drive that would hark back to images of the “Madchester” scene of the 90’s but strip away the preconceptions, the Manchester look and what you are left with is band that on stage really know what they are doing, plenty of talent and a lead singer whose voice is that of real and exciting quality.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. October 10th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating ****
There can be no doubting Chris DeBurgh’s appeal and delight in performing to a crowd of fans, old and new alike, his amiable and very likeable character not only come across when he is talking to the audience about his life but also in the way he presents his music. Completely professional with just the right of Gaelic charm that has endeared him to audiences world-wide, even places where other artists’ would back away from playing, Chris DeBurgh makes sure that nobody is disappointed when they leave one of his sold out nights.
photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. October 16th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating *****
Two acts with the same intensity, drive and showmanship sharing the night as a double header is rare but with Damien Dempsey kicking off the Liverpool Irish Music Festival in fine form, there was only one way Amsterdam could go in a very atmospheric o2 Academy and that was to match the whirlwind that is the popular Irishman and give the local and travelling fans a night to really let go and be proud of.