A nice batch of items to review this week, including two major gigs and three impressive CDs. There were supposed to be three gigs in the mix but a dodgy piece of fish made sure I didn't make it to The Trews showcase gig last night. I am sure they delivered an excellent set to London's Metro.

Gig Reviews

Whitesnake

Last week, I had the pleasure of seeing Whitesnake live at Hammersmight Odeon Apollo. It was an unexpected pleasure since I didn't realize the gig on the 30th of May, which I was unable to attend, had been postponed due to David's ill-health. David was a real trooper doing the gig so close to his illness and you could tell his voice was going a bit by the end of the night.

But being as it's the ole' Cov, he gave his all during the entire show. He and his band performed a variety of his hits from all eras of the man including an opening scorching version of Deep Purple's "Burn." We got all the classics from a storming end in the form of "Still of the Night" (well, the real end was David doing an a capella version of "Soldier of Fortune" by himself on the stage), "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City," and "Here I Go Again."

The audience of older and newer fans plus children sang along to almost every song offered up. There was even the traditional drum/guitar solos to allow those with weaker bladders a trip to the loo. David Coverdale gave us yet another example of why he is the consummate showman of his generation. And yes, even after being ill, he could still hit high notes most singers could not hit before their balls dropped.

Monsters of Rock

Last Saturday, a sunny (not a cloud in the sky) Milton Keynes Bowl saw the triumphant return of the (in)famous Monsters of Rock festival, which has been on hiatus for quite a few years. An impressive line-up was enjoyed by probably 35,000+ punters in the wonderful summer sun.

First up was somewhat cursed Hurricane Party, a band whom I have seen live many times and rate highly. They performed a storming set to get the day going, doing quite a few tracks from their recently released debut album Grand Hotel.

They were followed by Ted Nugent, who kicked things up a level with his odd antics. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang," "Stranglehold," "Free For All," and "Cat Scratch Fever" reminded the audience of why this much-maligned rocker has remained popular for so long. He baited those who loathe him many times referring to huntin' and skinnin'. Ted delivers 100% petrol-fuelled rock and roll with such ease it's astonishing.