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THE GODS 2000
LOST
WEEKEND - As
I've said I didn't catch their set but I remember them from GODS a couple
of years ago and by all accounts they have built in stature. Speaking
to people who did see them they sounded good and were well received by
the audience. No mean achievement for the opening act.
STREET
LEGAL - Arriving
part way through their set, I was impressed by what I heard. Although
I was never the biggest Thin Lizzy fan they are the nearest comparison.
However, their sound has a little more edge to it and that "Scandinavian
Vibe". A band to look out for!
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| PRAYING
MANTIS - These
have been around with several different vocalists since the dawn of
the NWOBHM era. They seemed to take some time getting into their stride,
mainly due to the lukewarm reception to their older Maiden-esque material.
In contrast, tracks from their latest release lifted the performance
and the crowds spirits. Ultimately, credit has to go to a band who
have progressed their sound whilst sticking to their roots. |
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TEER
- One of last years
revelations, this time round we had the benefit of the bands debut
release to familiarise us for their set. Nothing like the pre-release
rumours of something akin to Journey, TEER served up highly polished
hard edged melodic rock. Their musicianship carries them through any
bland moments of which there are a few. That said, it's wonderful
to see a young band work so hard to make a name for themselves. They
have the potential to evolve into something very special and along
with the likes of STREET LEGAL could lead the way forward. |
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| KIP
WINGER - As
with his 1998 appearance, Mr. Winger performed an acoustic set. Covering
everything from his more recent solo material to some classic WINGER
tunes (Miles Away being a crowd pleaser in particular). There is no
denying the talent this man possesses both as a song writer and a
performer but how special would a full band set be? Maybe next time??
(Winger reunion on the cards ed). |
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JOHNNY
LIMA - Backed
by TEER, Johnny played an improved set on last year. There was less
attention on the rap between songs which meant more songs ! Although
this "party rock" isn't my scene I feel I did Johnny a disservice
last year and millions of BON JOVI fans can't all be wrong. I just
feel I've heard it all before and I can't see this igniting a melodic
rock revolution. Johnny has the guts to treat the Maximes crowd as
if he was playing Madison Square Gardens and sometimes it works and
sometimes it doesn't. One thing is for sure - the stage is where Johnny
comes alive. |
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| MILLENIUM
- Competing with
TEN for the title of GODS house band,. Their eagerly awaited second
release Angelfire was followed by original singer Todd Plant's departure.
Jorn Lande was recruited to the fold to replace him but with little
time to impose himself on last year's performance. The sound allowed
the melody of the songs to come through. In fairness they seemed much
tighter and Lande's voice suits this type of heavy riff laden metal.
Having seen all their previous GODS performances, this was the best
I've seen by some distance. |
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MELODICA
- Supergroup is
too stronger term for this project but guitarist Gerhard Pichler and
ex DANGER DANGER frontman TED POLEY should inspire great things. Backed
by NORWAY'S rhythm section and Charlie Calv of SHOTGUN SYMPHONY (keyboards),
the songs from their debut were given greater depth. However, it's
still the DANGER DANGER material that gets the best reaction and is
still the foundation of TED POLEY'S audience rapport . Also, included
in the set was BONE MACHINE'S Missing You, a couple of new tracks
and another TOTO cover; this time the superb White Sister. |
| Hopefully
the new tracks will be done justice on the new album. |
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| THE
SIGN - On
paper, this project is definitely a supergroup. Terry Brock (STRANGEWAYS),
Randy Jackson (ZEBRA / CHINA RAIN), Mark Mangold (TOUCH / DRIVE, SHE
SAID) and on the album but not here today Billy Greer (KANSAS / SPYS)
and Bobby Rondinelli (RAINBOW). So often in the past such collaborations
can flatter to deceive and the added factor that their debut is a
concept album could raise a few eyebrows. By the time they were in
to their second number the quality was starting to shine through.
THE SIGN is one of the best releases from the Now & Then / Frontiers
label and the performance today underlined the fact. |
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| With
the inclusion of the fabulous Love Lies Dying (STRANGEWAYS) and Tell
Me What You Want (ZEBRA) this was one of the best performances I have
seen at any GODS event, even with the early problems. More next year
please. |
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TWO
FIRES - Although
TWO FIRES is effectively Kevin Chalfant and Josh Ramos they had a
little help from some friends. On bass: Gary Moon, on drums: Kelly
Keagy, on keyboards / rhythm guitar: Jim Peterik and alternating with
him Brian Bart. Opening with THE STORM'S You Keep Me Waiting the set
list kept all egos intact with the inclusion of Don't Tell Me You
Love Me / Sister Christian (NIGHT RANGER), Eye Of The Tiger / I Can't
Hold Back (SURVIVOR), Show Me The Way /
I've Got A Lot To Learn About Love, (THE STORM), Anything Goes from
Kelly Keagy's debut
Time Passes, Keys To The City from THE V.U. and OH YES…. |
they did
some stuff from the TWO FIRES album. This is what this event
has been crying out for since it's incarnation in 1993.
That year saw the legendary appearance of MARK FREE performing
his SIGNAL, KING KOBRA and solo material along with JEFF PARIS
and PAUL LAINE. Since then HUGO, TERRA NOVA and today's THE
SIGN sets have all impressed me. This slice of A.O.R. heaven
was without doubt the best performance at a GODS event and one
of the best I've ever seen anywhere!! |
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TEN
- Well what can
I say that we don't already know. TEN the headline act at GODS again.
With a very good debut album, a commendable follow up, a couple of
patchy releases and the improved latest release they have plenty of
material to keep the faithful happy whilst trying to convert the rest
who crave something a little more polished. It's fair to say that
after the delights of THE SIGN and TWO FIRES and Co, TEN would have
to work hard to prove their stature on the bill. The truth is that's
exactly what they did and delivered the best performance I've seen
from them. |
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there was no feeling of anticlimax, even their sound was as good as
I've heard them. |
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