UFO prove out of this world

Wolverhampton

UFO's 1979 Strangers In The Night album is still regarded as one of the all-time classic live rock records.

But despite still playing the majority of that set to this day, they proved at the Wulfrun Hall last night that they are far from living in the past, even if monitor problems did add a shambolic element to proceedings, with missed vocal and drum cues in places.

Phil Mogg's vocals are more nonchalant and relaxed than ever, but his is a rock voice with real soul and the band are on a creative high, riding on the back of the superb The Monkey Puzzle CD.

Credit for a good part of that rejuvenation must go to guitarist Vinnie Moore, who has brought stability where once there was the flamboyant but notoriously unreliable Michael Shenker.

Luckily Moore has all the licks to hand to fill those shoes with aplomb, tearing into riffs and solos from classic songs like Doctor, Doctor, Only You Can Rock Me and Shoot Shoot.

Of the new material, Hard Being Me and When Daylight Goes To Town packed a meaty punch, while Baby Blue and Drink Too Much poured added soul and feel.

Original drummer Andy Parker has returned to the UFO fold after the departure of Jason Bonham, and seemed to be having a ball being reunited with wildman bassist Pete Way and guitarist/keyboard player Paul Raymond.

Earlier, support came from Quireboys singer Spike, the Wolverhampton-based Geordie blues rocker.

Have A Drink On Me and Quireboys favourite Seven O'Clock had his local fanbase punching the air, but his jokes about his beloved Newcastle beating Wolves had some of them cursing too.

Spike has formed a new band with UFO's Pete Way called Damage Control, which also features Wolverhampton guitarist Robin George and former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade. Song downloads are available from their website www.damagecontrolmusic.com

By Ian Harvey