With all of the opening acts out of the way, the headliner was one I know nothing about and cannot claim to have had a lot of interest in seeing. Still, I was curious since I was there, so I stayed to check them out. As UFO came to the stage, I became acutely aware that I was on the very low end of the age scale among the audience, which is not something I can claim all that often anymore. The band came to the stage featuring two original members from their original 1970 line up, singer Phil Mogg and drummer Andy Parker. What followed was 80-minutes of rock and roll.
I didn't know any of the songs and it didn't matter.
UFO took the stage, the crowd cheered and they proceeded to tear it up. It was not like watching any of the young bands; in some ways it was better. This is not a band that is out there for the glory or the money, but rather because they love to perform. Tthey do it for themselves as well as for the fans, but they mainly do it for the music. All of the band members put on solid performances, but there is one that grabbed me more than the others. Guitarist Vinnie Moore (who was all of 6 years old when the first UFO album came out) was phenomenal. The guy can shred. Towards the end of the set, I swear he went on a 10-minute instrumental that was mind-blowing. I would see UFO again just to see him play again.
All things considered, this was a night of music that was not my usual cup of tea, but there was still a lot to like. I am interested in seeing where Freakswitch goes and UFO is now on my radar as well.
Article comments
1 - Johnny Morse
Thak you for the kind words.I am the guitar player in STARSTRUCK, We have only been together for about a year and have already done shows with Pat Travers, Blue Oyster Cult, Bret Micheals, Blackfoot, U.F.O AND Vince Neil Show Nov.20 at Northern Lights,Clifton Park NY. Check us out on MySpace Starstruck.
Thanks, Johnny [madman] Morse
2 - Chris Beaumont
You're welcome, Johnny! Best of luck to you, perhaps our paths will cross again.