Rock Band Europe - Ireland/UK Tour Dates "Live and Loud in March 2015" - Ulster Hall, Belfast, 3 March 2015

Thank God for rock bands like Europe. The band are bringing their atmospheric, melodic and energetic music to the Ulster Hall, Belfast on 3 March 2015. Their superlative performance at the Sweden Rock Festival on 7 June 2013, in front of 30,000 people, is proof that the band have entered a highly creative and inspired musical phase.  

Most musicians and bands reach an impasse, sooner rather than later. It takes self-determination, spirit, vision and genuine talent to invigorate a career that alternates between highs and lows and the breakup of a band. Presently, Joey Tempest is singing with supreme range, power and stamina. And guitarist John Norum is a truly talented musician who plays with great artistry, superb tone and inspired phrasing.                

The 'Live and Loud' Tour coincides with the release of a new album "War of Kings" in the UK on 2 March 2015. The album is being hailed as Europe's strongest record in years and contains some of the band's best creative work. A powerful reminder that Europe are capable of rock-music making of the highest order. 

Joining Europe on the tour are Black Star Riders featuring Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) and Ricky Warwick (vocals/guitar) who was born in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. The Belfast date should be a memorable gig for Ricky. Black Star Riders set will include songs from their new release "The Killer Instinct" and Thin Lizzy. Special guests on the bill are all-girl rock band The Amorettes.

Europe Official Site

Postscript: Unfortunately, some artists and bands fail to include Belfast or Dublin on their gig schedule when touring Great Britain. This deprives music fans of witnessing their favourite group in performance. Travelling to a concert in England, Scotland or Wales may not always be possible for music fans by reason of financial or health issues.

I have been lucky to attend concerts in many wonderful indoor music venues in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the United States. I can honestly say that the Odyssey Arena in Belfast qualifies as one of the worst venues I have had the misfortune to experience. The acoustics, seating, and security personnel [sic] verge on the abysmal. The management encourage irresponsible drinking during concerts which is both disheartening and inappropriate. A venue to be avoided unless you're already inebriated or have complimentary admittance.

Tribute to Gary Moore - A Great Guitarist, Musician and Songwriter (1952-2011)



The sudden death of Gary Moore on 6 February 2011 will shock and hurt his family, friends and fans worldwide for a long time. Gary was a musician, songwriter, and guitar player who truly deserves the accolade of "rock and blues great". He was one of the "few" guitar players in the world who combined a beautiful guitar tone with creative, melodic licks, beautiful vibratos, and lightening fast leads where each note of the melody could still be heard.

When I first saw Gary with Skid Row at the Ulster Hall, Belfast in the late 1960s I was surprised he was only seventeen. His virtuosity and gift were on clear display. It left many aspiring guitar players in the audience wondering if they should forget about trying to play the instrument. Of course, his guitar playing skills evolved through the years to a level few musicians attain.

The following video shows Gary at his finest: playing fluid guitar with genuine emotion, alternating between slow, melodic licks and lightening-fast runs. This 'live' version of "Parisienne Walkways" speaks for itself. A tenderness and brooding sorrow hangs over the song. The guitar sound and phrasing are beyond imitation. Many guitarists endeavour to copy Gary's unique style and sadly fail.

Gary played two nights at the Ulster Hall in 1984. The balcony area was closed to fans to house extra filming and lighting equipment for recording purposes. Segments of each show - including Gary's Dublin gig - were included on the Emerald Isles - Live in Ireland 1984 Video/DVD. I attended the first show in Belfast with my wife who was three months pregnant with twins.

During "Shapes Of Things" the floor of the Ulster Hall began to vibrate with such energy my wife felt nauseous. However, after some fresh air, a glass of water, we were kindly shown to seats in the balcony beside Gary's relatives who we were introduced to and talked with. It made the concert extra special. Gary was in top form, as were his band. When I heard Phil Lynott joined Gary on stage at the second gig in Belfast I felt disappointed to miss such an event.

Looking back I'm glad my wife and I attended the first night. The music went off like a flashbulb and Gary's variety of tone colours and playing made you gaze in wonder. While the music was loud, the overall sound made you feel warm, invigorated and confirmed you were in the presence of a guitar genius delivering limitless inspired guitar licks, riffs and melodies.

Gary will remain a guitar legend who belongs in the rock & blues hall of fame. May he rest in peace.

Gary Moore Official Website

Michael Schenker Group (MSG) - Ulster Hall, Belfast - 19/12/09: CANCELLED

'Due to unforeseen circumstances' the Michael Schenker Group concert at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on 19/12/09 has been cancelled. The Promoter: CDC Leisure Ltd, has confirmed (at short notice) that the gig has been called off.

Sounds like it may have been due to poor ticket sales even though the balcony seats were sold out. It's not the first time that the promoters' and the management of the Ulster Hall have been indecisive as to whether a show should be seated, or not, close to the date of a concert. I recall this happened with the Jeff Beck concert in June 2009.

Perhaps the "Spring & Airbrake" should have been used again? . . . Great venue & great atmosphere.

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: Michael Schenker & Friends - Spring and Airbrake, Belfast - 20 February 2008

I last witnessed Michael Schenker playing live at the Ulster Hall, Belfast in October 1983 when he was touring with the Michael Schenker Group (MSG). He was warmly welcomed by fans who were transfixed by his guitar virtuosity, warm tone, and melodic and fluid playing. I believe his group that night included Gary Bardon (vocals), Chris Glenn (bass), and Ted McKenna on drums. The keyboardist may have been Andy Nye. However, the band were in top form and the concert was outstanding. Michael's performance was a masterclass in melodic rock guitar playing. Untouchable.

The "Spring and Airbrake" proved to be a great venue to see 'Michael Schenker and Friends'. It is a small, intimate venue, and a rocking and appreciative crowd combined to create a great atmosphere. I spoke to Michael before the gig about his guitar playing, song writing, and how grateful I was he had returned to Belfast to perform. He looked in great shape all dressed in black.

From the opening number "Assault Attack" it was clear the band - with the superb Leif Sundin on vocals - would play an integral part in the show tonight. They combined to create music that was tight, emotional, rich in sound, yet full of tension, delicacy and subtle balances that made the music vibrant and intoxicating. There wasn't a weak song in the set list which comprised fourteen songs, and each one had the crowd singing, clapping and cheering throughout the performance. When a song ended it was clear to Michael and the band that the crowd was in the mood to rock to great music.

"Let it Roll" and "Lights Out" were superb with Michael soloing in his own distinctive memorable style. He plays such strong fluid melodic runs and subtle bends he is amazing to watch. A particular favourite of mine is "Into The Arena" which was outstanding tonight. Most of the crowd sang along with Lief Sundin on most of the songs, especially "To Hot To Handle" and "Only You Can Rock Me" creating an unbelievable atmosphere.

After rousing renditions of "Armed and Ready" and "Attack Of The Mad Axeman" it was evident the crowd was not going to let Michael and his friends of the stage without hearing more music. It was great to see Michael getting the attention he truly deserves, and to see him looking and sounding as good as ever. The whole band was incredible - especially Leif Sundin on vocals - and they provided excellent support for Michael to work his magic.

The band returned for an encore which included " Doctor Doctor" and "Rock Bottom". By this time nearly everyone was singing along with the lyrics and thumping the air. The riff to "Rock Bottom" is an all-time classic. If you don't feel like moving your body to it, and it doesn't transfer you somewhere intoxicating and special - well, frankly - there's no hope for you. The soloing during "Rock Bottom" was full of well-controlled vibratos, soft harmonic runs. and blistering lead runs. Need I say more. Michael's back and this time he means business.

Michael returns to Belfast on 19 December 2009 to perform at the Ulster Hall, Belfast. Should be a truly great night.

Michael's signed Set List - Belfast 2008

Michael Schenker and Ronnie Kerrigan

Sylvia Kerrigan And Michael Schenker

Michael's pedals

Concert Review: Jeff Beck - Ulster Hall, Belfast - 30 June 2009

Belfast is anything but dull. The city centre oscillates between menace and refurbished high culture. The recently renovated Ulster Hall is a fitting venue for Jeff Beck's first concert in Ireland. The Victorian Hall has played host to some of the finest artists and groups to grace this planet, including Rory Gallagher, Taste, Led Zeppelin, The Kinks, and Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green.

I'm sitting in the sixth row - centre stage - I give in to nostalgia, and think of some of the great concerts I have experienced at this venue. I visualise the artists, and hear fragments of their music with each beat of my pulse. After the support act, I believe the absence of a vocalist will not be missed when the main act takes to the stage. The auditorium is silent, in semi-darkness; the stage looks larger. I gaze at the red backdrop which creates a sunken world of calm and expectation. The lights dim.

Tonight a sold-out audience is treated to an absorbing performance by Jeff Beck and his powerhouse of a band incorporating drummer, Vinnie Colaiuta; keyboardist, Jason Rebello; and bass guitarist, Tal Wilkenfeld. Time to forget the 'Credit Bubble', the Internet, DVDs, CDs, vinyl: most fans want to see their musical heroes in the flesh. And there is no substitute for the atmosphere, tension, and emotion, an inspired and engaging band can generate live in concert.

The success of Jeff's recent release, 'Jeff Beck: Performing This Week - Live At Ronnie Scott's' on DVD, Blu-Ray and CD, the celebrated performance at the "Crossroads Guitar Festival' in Chicago, 2007," Jeff's induction into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" on 4 April 2009, and new management - Harvey Goldsmith - have helped to invigorate Jeff's career, and standing in the music industry.

Tonight, Jeff walks onto the stage dressed in black, with a white scarf draped around his neck, and cradling his cream and white stratocaster. The applause is deafening, heartfelt. I believe Jeff and the band are genuinely taken aback by the warm reception. The band starts the performance with 'Becks Bolero' and it is clear the sound balance is excellent, and each band member is crystal clear in the mix. Somehow, Jeff and his band make the music sound fresh, as if woven for the first time.

What makes a good performance? Perhaps, dialogue between the musicians on stage. While creating their own voice and space - each musician, tonight - seems to bend and shape the music to maximum effect, and the combined output goes straight to your emotions, your soul. Something, not all musicians achieve.

Vinnie and Tal begin the hypnotic rhythm to 'Pump', and Tal's bass sound is beautifully warm; you could listen to it all night. A lot of people comment on her playing - which speaks for itself - but the diverse tones she gets from her bass, amps, and effects pedals are astounding. During the sixteen-number set it is evident the deep intuitive skills displayed by Vinnie, Tal, and Jason, provide a strong canvas for Jeff to paint a colourful array of sounds from his guitar.

Jeff plays with warmth, finesse, and an impish quality which permeates the group, and creates an extraordinary bond with the audience. The band truly seem astounded by the warm reception after each song, and exchange smiles. A great version of 'You Never Know ' follows, which sets the high standard of musicianship, and sound, that Jeff and his band reach during the rest of the performance.

Who could not be moved by the sublime 'Cause We've Ended as Lovers' - beautiful sounds and melodies emanating from Jeff's guitar, and inspired soloing by Tal. It digs deep into the twilight room of the soul, creating a dizzy sense of magic.

Does music get better than this? I doubt it. During the set Jeff moves around the stage, sometimes changing direction when the music changes course. Periodically, he exchanges a cheerful smile with a fellow band member, and continues to play his guitar with a naturalness few guitarist's attain. Each song was a highlight.

Jeff and his band were visibly moved by the two 'five minute' standing ovations they received.

After the concert Jeff, Tal, Jason and Vinnie are generous with their time and in great spirits. The warm and passionate reception they received tonight will be just as engaging if they return to Belfast again. I hope they do.  

Jeff Beck's Set List, Belfast

Jeff Beck Signing the Set List

Tal Wilkenfeld and Ronnie Kerrigan - Stage Door , Belfast

Tal Wilkenfeld

Transformation CD (2007)