The Who to play the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on 10 June 2013 as part of UK Tour

It's welcome news that The Who are coming to Belfast as part of their UK/Ireland tour in June 2013. Most of the concert will concentrate on performing the album Quadrophenia - The Who’s 1973 rock opera - in its entirety. The music and songs reveal the wealth of musical ideas Pete Townsend was capable of producing that contain extraordinary vision, considerable emotional range, passion and sound. As usual, the rhythm section of Keith Moon and John Entwistle is excellent and Roger Daltrey's vocals are buoyant and flow with great intensity and dynamism. I believe the album contains some of Pete Townsend's most inspired, remarkable and original guitar playing.

I was fortunate to see The Who perform at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 in what proved to be one of their most iconic performances. The sound was amazing and their marathon set - which included 'My Generation', 'Summertime Blues', 'Pinball Wizard', 'Young Man Blues', Substitute', and excerpts from Tommy - was incredible.

It's impossible to capture on vinyl, CD, or DVD, the atmosphere, power and emotion that a 'bona fide' rock band create during a 'classic' performance. The Who, however, came close with the release of Live at Leeds in 1970. It remains one of the greatest recordings of a 'live' concert by a rock band. The playing throughout the 'vinyl' version of the performance is inspiring and the group reach tremendous heights which allow the music to speak for itself. Truly exceptional.

Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey will be supported in Belfast by Scott Devours on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, Pete’s brother Simon Townshend on guitar, a trio of keyboard players, and a brass section.

Set List

I Am the Sea
The Real Me
Quadrophenia
Cut My Hair
The Punk and the Godfather
The One
The Dirty Job
Helpless Dancer
Is It In My Head?
I’ve Had Enough
5:15
Sea and Sand
Drowned
Bell Boy
Doctor Jimmy
The Rock
Love, Reign O’er Me
Encores 
Who Are You
Behind Blue Eyes
Pinball Wizard
Baba O’Riley 
Won’t Get Fooled Again
Tea & Theatre

The Who Official Site

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25th Anniversary Shows - 29/30 October 2009 - New York City: Jeff Beck & Billy Gibbons play "Foxy Lady" as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix

It was great to see Jeff Beck and Billy Gibbons performing "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix on the second night of this event with images of Jimi emblazoned on a large screen above the stage. Jeff and Billy both play solos, each sounding fantastic, highlighting their own guitar style, tone and licks. Jeff preformed a second song with Billy Gibbons: "Rough Boy" - (some of the finest soloing and guitar tone recorded - Eliminator, 1983) - beautiful song and solos (available on YouTube - embedded by request).

Jeff's set list included: "Drown in My Own Tears", "People Get Ready", "Freeway Boogie", "Cause We've Ended as Lovers", "Let Me Love You", "Big Block", "Rice Pudding", and "A Day in the Life".

On the first night Jeff Beck accompanied Stevie Wonder on "Superstition".

Michael Schenker to play the Ulster Hall, Belfast - 19 December 2009

Michael Schenker has confirmed the following tour dates for the UK. More dates are to be confirmed. The line up for the tour is:

Michael Schenker (Guitar)
Gary Barden (Vocals)
Wayne Findlay (Guitar/Keyboards)
Pete Holmes (Drums)
Chris Glen (Bass)

Tour Dates

DEC 16, 2009 -MANCHESTER ACADEMY 3, MANCHESTER
DEC 17, 2009 - SHEFFIELD ACADEMY, SHEFFIELD
DEC 18, 2009 - JB'S, DUDLEY
DEC 19, 2009 - ULSTER HALL , BELFAST
DEC 20, 2009 - BRISTOL ACADEMY, BRISTOL
DEC 21, 2009 - WOUGHTON CENTER, MILTON KEYNES
DEC 22, 2009 - NEWCASTLE ACADEMY, NEWCASTLE
DEC 23, 2009 - OXFORD ACADEMY, OXFORD

Michael's last performance in Belfast was at the "Spring and Airbrake" on 20/2/08. The whole band and sound was amazing. Michael's guitar playing style was original, outstanding, melodic, and his guitar tone indescribable. The venue was packed and the energy coming of the stage energised the packed crowd. Michael topped of a fantastic show by being available before, and after, the show to talk to fans. A truly great night, a great performance, a great band, fronted by one of the best exponents of guitar to grace the planet. Long may it continue.

View: Michael Schenker - The Interview

Concert Review: Robin Trower - The Academy 3, Manchester - 28 April 2006

I was fortunate to attend tonight’s concert at Manchester Academy with my wife, Sylvia, and daughter, Emma, to witness a triumphant performance by Robin Trower and his band; Dave Bronze on Bass, Pete Thompson on Drums, and Davey Pattison on Vocals.

The Academy’s acoustics, atmosphere, crowd and musicianship of Robin and his band provided the perfect ingredients for a truly memorable concert.

In his 61st year Robin has undoubtedly made his presence felt once again in his native homeland. He is not just a superlative master of the guitar; he is a first rate musician and songwriter. It should be evident by tonight’s reception that Robin enjoys a harmonious, loyal and appreciative fan base across the UK.

The seminal works, aka, "Day of the Eagle," "Bridge of Sighs," "Daydream," "Hannah," "Islands," and "Too Rolling Stoned" were absolutely breathtaking tonight. The band were perfectly in harmony, and appeared to play with renewed energy. Robin’s atmospheric and distinctive sound, combined with his unique soulfulness and emotion, and the musical intimacy of the band, combined to make this an awe-inspiring concert.

Robin’s music continues to somehow grab your heart and reside within; comparable to a close companion of honest warmth and integrity. Robin is a true contemporary of, Beck, Page, Clapton, Green, SRV - in effect, any guitarist you wish to a name. Those fortunate to attend tonight’s concert seen, heard, and witnessed an artist in full flight; liberated, and at the pinnacle of artistry.

Thanks to Robin, Davey, Dave, and Pete, for contributing to a great performance; also Steve Rusell and Laurie Brace - two genial guys who help to ensure the equipment and sound are at their best.

It was great to meet Steve Shail for the first time; Alan Howard who is always gracious and passionate about the music; David Knight and friend Tony Roberts, who I last met at Robin’s gig at the Life Café in the same city in March 2005.

Post gig we retired to the Kro Bar, Oxford Road, with fellow blues & rock fans, Heather Collier and Cassie McBirney. Enjoyable conversation, first-rate company, and a wide selection of beers contributed to an absolutely memorable evening/morning.

Set List: Twice removed from Yesterday; Hannah; Roads to Freedom; Too much joy; Islands; Day of the Eagle; Bridge of Sighs; 20th Century Blues; Victims of the Fury; Too rolling stoned; Go my way; Another time, another place; Little bit of sympathy. Encores: Lady Love; Daydream