We’re at KK’s in Wolverhampton tonight to celebrate a milestone in the life of a radio station! Namely, Planet Rock
Through many ups and downs, the station has survived and grown and continues to provide rock fans with a dedicated station for all things rock, and along with a whole bunch of presenters and crew, they’ve brought along some friends to entertain us.
‘First up is rising star, Dan Byrne, who is the latest in a long line of young British artists that the station has championed over the years, His track Death Of Me is on heavy rotation at the station at the moment and it’s an obvious to choice to include in the set list for tonight, along tracks like Hate Me and Control which show what a great song writing talent this young musician is.
He is in no doubt that he owes the station a huge debt of gratitude, which the next band up, The Answer, also acknowledges. Frontman Cormac Neeson, in his soft Irish brogue, shares his appreciation for what the station has done to support his band over the years. This is a more seasoned act who have been around almost as long as Planet Rock and their live shows are a pure masterclass in soulful, bluesy rock and roll.
They open up with the catchy Blood Brother, Neeson is animated throughout, bouncing and jigging along. He’s like some evangelical pastor eagerly preaching to his congregation who are only too happy to get carried along, and he has them transfixed with the incredibly powerful performance of The Beatles classic With A Little Help From My Friends, an apt track for a night of celebration.
The climax of this birthday bash the rare appearance of Black Star Riders, who, because of the various band members other commitments, haven’t performed live in the UK for some time, this being their only UK gig this year.
Ricky Warwick has been incredibly busy with the return of The Almighty and his solo stuff, but he’s taken time out to call round a few friends and pulled together a version of Black Star Riders that consists of Marco Mendoza(Dead Daises et al)on bass, Sam Wood (Wayward Son) on guitar and journeyman drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (just about every rock band you can name at some point!)
The kick off with All Hell Breaks Loose and barely pause for breath as they jump into the first Thin Lizzy track of the night, Are You Ready. The songs come thick and fast, they want to cram as much in as possible, but they’re also having the best time of their lives, I don’t think Wood stopped grinning all night!
As always, Warwick is front and centre, smashing the chords out. We get Bloodshot The Killer Instinct, Another State Of Grace in quick succession before the raucous anthem Better Than Saturday Night
Warwick leads his troupe through an array of BSR favourites, but its the instantly recognisable intro to Crazy Horses half way through the set that send the crowd in to a frenzy (I’m not ashamed to say that the original Osmonds version kick started my love of rock!)
Second Thin Lizzy cover of the night was the iconic Jailbreak, dedicated to Scott Gorham, another emotional highlight of the night. But we’re not done yet, there’s more to come. Another couple of BSR tracks including Bound For Glory close out the set, but in time honoured fashion they come back on to rapturous cheers and bring Neeson on with them to do one more Lizzy track, and of course it had to be The Boys Are Back In Town No S’*t Sherlock! And in almost arrogant style they finally end their 19 song set with Finest Hour (well about an hour and a half actually!)
All in all a great night of classic and modern rock to celebrate a rock institution. Thank you Planet Rock for the last 25 years, here’s to many more! 10/10
Ricky Warwick has been incredibly busy with the return of The Almighty and his solo stuff, but he’s taken time out to call round a few friends and pulled together a version of Black Star Riders that consists of Marco Mendoza(Dead Daises et al)on bass, Sam Wood (Wayward Son) on guitar and journeyman drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (just about every rock band you can name at some point!)
The kick off with All Hell Breaks Loose and barely pause for breath as they jump into the first Thin Lizzy track of the night, Are You Ready. The songs come thick and fast, they want to cram as much in as possible, but they’re also having the best time of their lives, I don’t think Wood stopped grinning all night!
As always, Warwick is front and centre, smashing the chords out. We get Bloodshot The Killer Instinct, Another State Of Grace in quick succession before the raucous anthem Better Than Saturday Night
Warwick leads his troupe through an array of BSR favourites, but its the instantly recognisable intro to Crazy Horses half way through the set that send the crowd in to a frenzy (I’m not ashamed to say that the original Osmonds version kick started my love of rock!)
Second Thin Lizzy cover of the night was the iconic Jailbreak, dedicated to Scott Gorham, another emotional highlight of the night. But we’re not done yet, there’s more to come. Another couple of BSR tracks including Bound For Glory close out the set, but in time honoured fashion they come back on to rapturous cheers and bring Neeson on with them to do one more Lizzy track, and of course it had to be The Boys Are Back In Town No S’*t Sherlock! And in almost arrogant style they finally end their 19 song set with Finest Hour (well about an hour and a half actually!)
All in all a great night of classic and modern rock to celebrate a rock institution. Thank you Planet Rock for the last 25 years, here’s to many more! 10/10
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