Velvet Revolver - Are in Town so Buckle up!! (Gig Review)
>SUBvert went to check out Velvet Revolver at their gig at Manchester, Apollo and we also had the pleasure of interviewing the very charming Duff McKagan
First band up are UK’s very own female rockers ‘McQueen’, these girls mean business, Leah has a throaty scream that the most hardcore male rocker would be proud of. Within seconds they turn heads and grab everyone’s attention, its unbelievable that a girl could make such a haunting kick ass growl. Their songs are melodic and totally mesmerizing. They tear through “Break The Silence” and “Blinded” like a bread knife through cream. I was totally won over and have since checked them out on MySpace www.myspace.com/mcqueen a definite recommendation from me.
next to take to the stage is LA’s ‘Year Long Disaster’ another band whose appearance give no clues to how their music sound. Which is a blend of old skool rock with youthful energy, add to that a bone crunching beat, wailing guitars and raspy vocals reminiscent of Chris Cornell and you might be on the right track.
www.myspace.com/yearlongdisaster
So its the moment everyone’s been waiting for, (the devoted crew many hours!! we arrived at 5.30 to interview Duff and there were hoards of fans lining up outside) Velvet Revolver emerge from the shadows looking fired up and ready to rock. Scott pounces on stage in tight trousers, fitted leather jacket and shades, wriggling his hips and gesticulate wildly, every muscle quivering like a tree shook by a gust of wind. Their army of worshipers clap along enthusiastically lapping up every second.
The band are on top form tonight its difficult to know where to look as they are all so entertaining and legendary in their own right. They take the audience on a journey with tender moments like the spine tingling rendition of Guns and Roses “Patience” and then “Fall to Pieces” the stage lite magically in pink light, Slash’s beautiful guitar chords full of emotion. Then they contrast this with screaming guitars as they rip it up with songs like “Big Machines” and “Let it Roll” Scott marching up and down the stage like a lieutenant rounding up his troupe.
Being a huge Stone Temple Pilot fan the highlight for me was VR energetic version of “Vasoline”, loud, chaotic and totally awesome. Its so refreshing to see a band who even though they have been around the block a million times still give an intensely passionate performance. Constantly interacting with the audience to break down the divide, the atmosphere was almost tribal. Fans left with fixed grins on their faces, definitely a night they will remember for a long time.
Above photo’s by Tash Willcocks
Above photo by www.paulreadphotography.com
More photos www.flickr.com
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