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Events and Reports - Enuff Z'nuff - UK Tour 2005 with Bang Tango, Pretty Boy Floyd and Drugdealer Cheerleader
Day 1 (Written by Michael)
First the readers got to understand that Enuff Z'Nuff is and will always be my band. Their music has had a great impact on my life since I bought their "Strength" CD in San Francisco January 1994. Steen and I have been following Enuff Z'Nuff on their last 2 UK Tours and followed them in Germany 2001 as well.
Of course the shows and the band will always have the highest priority, but now there is much more to the Enuff Z'Nuff experience, like meeting up with familiar faces, having a pint with friendly people and talking to other dedicated Enuff Z'Nuff and music fans in general.
This time my expectations were high since I really like the other bands on the bill as well, so without hesitating Steen and I convinced fellow Danish dudes plus Enuff Z'Nuff fans, Borg and Kristian, to join in on the Enuff Z'Nuff/Bang Tango/Pretty Boy Floyd/Drugdealer Cheerleader 2005 Tour. Enjoy!
London, Camden Underworld, Thursday March 31st
Camden Underworld and Enuff Z'Nuff are words that go well together. This was my 4th Enuff Z'Nuff show at the venue in only 4 years. We got there for the usual get-together at the World's End pub and met Tour manager Chris for a quick hello and made the final arrangements on our interviews and passes.
Drugdealer Cheerleader
The doors were about to open at 7 o'clock. There was no way that we would miss the local openers Drugdealer Cheerleader, who won us over the last time with their British kick ass show. However, at 7 o'clock there was just a long line outside, since the doors weren't open to the public. When the venue finally opened we rushed downstairs and were a bit disappointed that Drugdealer Cheerleader already had begun their set.
I think we got there in second or third song. I did my homework before this show playing their "Fastest Way Down" EP at home, learning the songs and also practicing the infamous Drugdealer Windmills. However, to my surprise Drugdealer Cheerleader played all new material. Drugdealer Cheerleader ditched their punk undertones and embraced a much more catchy and melodic style. I definitely support that style and was pleasantly surprised about the progression of this band over the 17 months since my last show.
I got a great spot in direct line to guitarist Neil's amplifier and he blasted out some great solos. Neil played his Slash's Snakepit Les Paul and he posed great during the solos - actually a bit like Slash. Every time Neil played a solo he had one foot on the monitor and his guitar in vertical position. When Neil soloed you really sensed that bass player Marty and skin basher Ringo are a tight rhythm section.
Compared to last time bassist Marty was more integrated in the band and he was very into the new songs. Lead singer Hilda is one hell of a frontman with lots of energy and strong live vocals. Drugdealer Cheerleader closed with Maximum Power, which was the only surviving song from the last tour. Maximum Power really rocks with lyrics celebrating Rock 'N' Roll. Check out the song in our Media section. Hilda ended the show with a thank you to the Vikings, which we hereby return. Thanks for a great show.
We only got around 4 songs because we missed the first few songs and the main conclusion is that the new material is a lot more accessible and you could actually almost sing along after hearing the chorus one time. It's happening Now (Bye Bye) immediately became a Live favorite because of the catchy sing along. I felt comforted that they were playing tomorrow as well, since they only got better on the last tour and this time they already won me over at the first gig.
Pretty Boy Floyd
Tonight's evening was promoted as "Glam Jam" and Pretty Boy Floyd was first of the legendary sunset strip bands to kick some ass like the year 1989. Steve "Sex" Summers entered the stage in true Rock star fashion wearing a huge fluffy coat and a fluffy hat. However, soon after Summers had to loose the huge coat and performed in a Ramones t-shirt.
Usually Steve Summers gets backed by the Peppermint Creeps, so since he played with a new band they made a few mistakes. The crowd was really into Pretty Boy Floyd and Steve Summers sure is a great frontman as well.
Pretty Boy Floyd stuck to their classic material with almost all songs taken from "Leather Boyz with electric Toyz". The title track sounded best on the night, but also Rock 'n' Roll Outlaws, Toast of the Town and Your Momma Won't Know were performed with energy and passion.
Guitarist Michael Thomas had a great kick ass presence on stage during the fast rockers. My favorite I Wanna BE With You was performed in a sloppy version without any nerve at all - almost as Steve had to excuse that they were gonna play a ballad.
The only detour from the "Leather Boyz" album was Good Girl Gone Bad and also the Motley Crue song Live Wire. Steve Summers voice doesn't deviate that much from Vince Neil, but Summers' voice still sounds in great shape and I was impressed by his powerful live vocals.
Pretty Boy Floyd got around 30 minutes and a huge part of the crowd was really into them. Right after the show Steve Summers went to the merchandise stall. He hung out there for the whole evening being accessible for his fans. Pretty Boy Floyd was definitely the band with the best merchandise. Steve had brought over vintage "Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz" t-shirts + 3-4 other various t-shirts designs plus a handful different CDs and 2 DVDs.
Bang Tango
After a very short break the same musicians that acted as Pretty Boy Floyd entered the stage ready to perform under the Bang Tango moniker.
The short break surprised me a lot as I was standing at the bar having a brief conversation with Quireboys guitarist Paul Guerin. I heard Bang Tango being introduced and quickly I moved my way through the crowd to the tones of the title track from Bang Tango's latest CD "Ready to Go".
In the later years Joe Leste has become one of my favorite singers, since his voice sounds hoarser and has more depth today. He sounded great on Ready to Go, which was overlapped by an old classic and personal favorite Dancing on Coals delivered in a sparkling version. These 2 kick ass rockers really got me and lot of the crowd in highest gear.
You immediately could tell that the "backing band" with conductor Michael Thomas was more into Bang Tango's material. Thomas did a good job covering both guitar parts in Bang Tango.
In my opinion Bang Tango did a mistake the way that they put together the setlist. After a hectic start they kicked into an old song from "Psycho Café" (I think it was Don't Stop Now) followed by the groovy Attack of Life. Both songs have mellow middle plays and seemed to slow down the mood of the crowd.
After those 2 songs Bang Tango should have played something to get the party back on track, which partly succeed. The next track was a brand new Bang Tango tune. The downside was that no one could sing along, but the song had an energy and vibe that got me moving again. The song My Time had a heavy riff and sounded in the same vein as Beautiful Creatures' material.
I really enjoyed that new song and was getting into my Bang Tango mood when they decided to give the audience some familiar tracks. According to Joe LeSte he actually wrote this song in the seventies but "some" band stole it from him. The song was Highway to Hell where Joe's raspy vocals were a perfect tribute to the late Bon Scott.
Back in the "MTV Headbangers Ball" days Bang Tango had a minor hit with T-Rex 20th Century Boy, so that was an obvious song to perform.
They band ended with the ultimate Bang Tango track, the amazing Someone like you. However, just as guitarist Michael Thomas played the classic intro problems started with the wireless system, which disturbed a lot as the guitar fell in and out on the PA system. Even though he is called "Lightning Chris", the hard working Tour manager wasn't able to fix the problem until the very end of the song.
I felt so bad for Bang Tango since there was a good crowd in London and many recognized Someone Like You from back in the day. The sound problems took focus away and since the song is guitar driven the version was stripped down with only bass, drums and a very professional Joe LeSte singing his ass off trying to distract from the lack of guitars.
All in all I enjoyed Bang Tango and especially Joe LeSte's great voice.
Enuff Z'Nuff
The promoter went on stage and gave Enuff Z'Nuff a long introduction, babbling on about their importance and how they were the best band to incorporate Beatles melodies in their songs. Chip went on stage and started to simulate masturbate moves on the promoter to make him shut up.
The band started out with the usual Baby Loves You followed by a rousing version of Vacant Love. The thing you immediately noticed compared to last Tour was a smiling Monaco in great form :) GREAT. Enuff Z'Nuff continued with their usual stuff on Heaven or Hell and We're all Alright. However, something definitely had changed - the band sounded very fresh and tight, Monaco was the frontman we always wanted him to be and the new guy Eric Donner is a great drummer, whose contribution to the show and sound is valuable.
The crowd response was loud and Monaco said that they would try something new. At first I didn't recognize the chords, but when Monaco sang first line "Feels Good, gotta say to myself" I was ecstatic. They digged out All right - Wow - a great pop rock song. It worked out great live even with the lack of harmonica. This was the first huge surprise of the show with more to come.
Johnny went into The Way Home from "Strength". On the last tour they also played this one followed by Coming Home of course and it kicked ass live. After The Way Home we all waited for the massive guitar chords to Coming Home, but instead the band surprised us and kicked directly into There Goes my Heart. WOW - surprised again. There Goes my Heart really worked live and it got "Camden Underworld" boiling.
Next up was Sanibel Island.. What the f**k!! Enuff Z'Nuff really changed their setlist around this time. Sanibel Island is the perfect live song and everyone in the first couple of rows screamed their lungs out for the amazing song.
Enuff Z'Nuff had the crowd in hand with Johnny Monaco being the star of tonight's show. Chip seemed a bit "out of place". At one time it looked liked he was about to collapse - he lost his balance and had to lean towards his amplifier. Chris was there immediately to check up upon the poor guy, who definitely wasn't all right. Johnny Monaco has been a bit humble on the last tours but now he seems comfortable with handling double duty as guitarist and vocalist.
Kiss the Clown followed the up-tempo beat from Sanibel Island, while they slowed it down with another surprise, which Chip introduced as a song from the Chip & Donnie record. Even though the lead signature riff missed Down Hill was so amazing live. On the last couple of European tours Enuff Z'Nuff have been playing the same basic set and it was so cool that they embraced so many new songs from the later albums. To judge from the crowd response most people knew all the lyrics to the newer songs, so Enuff Z'Nuff don't need to worry about people only remembering them for their first records on major labels.
Thereafter Enuff Z'Nuff played a cover version of Beatles' A Day in the Life. It was the first time that I realized how valuable Eric Donner is to this line-up. Eric's harmony vocals surely give the songs a lot more body. Chip has even skipped his 12 string bass and played his old beat up Fender bass. The 3 piece sounded great and when they did the ending of A Day in the Life they sounded pompous for a 3 piece.
The two ending songs were the 2 usual Fly High Michelle and the crowd pleaser New Thing. After New Thing they cleverly ended with a small piece of Goodbye. Very cool ending to a fantastic show.
The promoter went on stage and as the band went backstage he signaled that they could do an encore. However, reading Chip's body language it was obvious he wasn't well and instead of more live music the PA blasted out 80's Hard Rock.
Steen and I later went backstage to say hello to the guys. Johnny Monaco definitely was the star of the evening with his fantastic performance and he was in great spirits as he asked us "It was all right? Wasn't it?" Well - that's an understatement, it was great. Monaco told us we were singing almost as loud as him and while that might be true none of us captured the emotion and tone of his voice. He really did well this evening and deserves a lot of credit. Chip was sitting down and looked really bad. My predictions were right, since he had the flu and wanted to go to bed early.
Enuff Z'Nuff played the setlist I think most of us have been requesting for years. We love the older songs, but it was so nice and a relief to hear the guys change so many songs in favor of the later material. The band really sounded fresh and refueled.
The evening was far from over, since the great lads in Drugdealer Cheerleader had arranged a "guest only" aftershow party in downtown London. So after hanging out a bit at the Underworld we went to the afterparty.
The intimate setting for the afterparty was packed with band members, groupies, wannabees and Enuff Z'Nuff fans. The atmosphere was relaxed since it was a "private party". We had no complaints since there was an open bar plus a DJ blasting out 80's Hard Rock. I must admit that it was a bit weird when the DJ played Bang Tango's Someone like You and Joe LeSte was standing right next to you.
John Monaco and Eric Donner were both in great spirits after their great performance. Steve "Sex" Summers was busy trying to live up to his middle name and Joe LeSte delivered the highlight of the afterparty for me. I was wearing my Quireboys t-shirt and Joe approached me about what a great band Quireboys are. Joe told me that he and Quireboys singer Spike talk regularly and they also had jammed quite a bit. Since Joe LeSte is an entertainer, he wanted to give me a live example and started to sing a line and afterwards imitating Spike's voice so I got a good sense of how they were jamming. He went on for a couple of lines, which was hilarious and priceless.
At around 3 o'clock the manager of the bar called out it was time to leave. Photographer Borg and I were flushing down our last Newcastle Brown Ale (Yummy - the brown soup) and we thought that Bang Tango's Ready to Go was suitable as final call. So we yelled to Joe if he was ready to go? Since Joe is a coxcomb he immediately picked up on it and started to belt out his raw vocals "Are you Ready to Go, Are you Ready to Go.....better save your soul". He he - what a guy!
Day 2 (Written by Steen)
Bradford, Bradford Rio, Friday, April 1st
After two hours of sleep I woke up with a shock as a thunderstorm had decided to erupt within my head. I blame the brown soup! I stumbled into the bathroom for some water and daring a quick glance in the mirror I saw what looked like a ... Well I can't describe it properly, but my head seemed to have expanded greatly. I went right back into bed as bolts of lightning were hunting for my last brain cell. Another hour of sleep helped a little and then we had to get up to catch the bus to Bradford.
As usual we had a tight schedule and arrived at the bus station 10 minutes before departure time. The ticket line looked scary and we quickly saw that this would have to be timed as tight as the rythm of "There Goes My Heart" to work out well. We sent Kristian off to tell the bus driver we were coming, hoping to make him hold the bus for us for a few minutes. We got the tickets from an elderly and very friendly vendor who had decided that we really weren't in a big hurry since he started telling various stories. At 10.28 we had the tickets and ran for the departure gate. Borg and Michael took the lead as I got caught between a mother with a baby carriage and a couple of grannies. When I finally got to the gate it didn't look good. Things had gone down something like this: Michael and Borg arrive at the gate and see Kristian standing very calm holding up his hand, saying "Take it easy guys, we made it". Borg looks out the window and sees a bus driving past displaying "Bradford" on the back. He points and says to Kristian "Isn't that our bus driving off?". Kristian tries to focus and replies "Oh yeah, that is the one"...
I must say, best job of holding back the bus ever, man!
Kristian was a little quiet the next hour. We went all the way back to get the tickets changed and of course the next bus was full, so we had to wait 3 hours for the next one. We made Kristan pay by going to the nearest pub and buying lots of beers on his account. This also meant that we would have to rearrange the interview with Chip we had set up for late afternoon. When I called tour manager Chris Tudor he was of course convinced that we were still at the hotel recovering from our hangovers. Remembering my condition the night before I didn't blame him.
The doors at the venue were set to open at 7pm and as we rolled into the bus station it was 5 minutes past. Michael and I ran for the venue after we had given Borg and Christian the mission to find a hotel room. We arrived at the venue 40 minutes past 7, sure that we had missed half of Drugdealer Cheerleader's set a second time. As we crash through the door to the venue we are met by a completely silent concert hall and Chris is the only person there. We find out that everything has been pushed back an hour. Finally a bit of luck!
Drugdealer Cheerleader charged the stage a little past 8pm and with their great passion, cool attitude and a bunch of new and very catchy songs they captured at least the front part of the audience. The band was tight and it was obvious that they have improved their stage presence alot since the last time I saw them. After only two nights Michael and I were able to sing along to new songs like Maximum Power and that other one which I keep forgetting the name of... Doh! But it was really good!
Lead singer Hilda has a true rock star attitude and even takes time to entertain the little kid in the front row. He oozes of energy and charisma and just looks like he is at home on a big stage. The way he manhandles the mike-stand should be seen. Neil on guitar played some excellent solos right in the face of the audience and he had some good interaction with cool dude Marty on the bass. Ringo on drums looked like he was having a blast. The drumsticks were literally flying all over his kit...
With the omission of our favorite "Give give give, more more more", our much rehearsed synchronized jumping routine never really took off, but it was all the same. The band delivered a fine, though way too short, concert and set the evening off in a cool way. Give this band a chance and I'm sure they will take of big time.
The sound was LOUD! and I was definitely happy that I had bought some earplugs earlier today.
Pretty Boy Floyd and Bang Tango are two bands I hadn't checked out prior to seeing them live and while I thought their concerts tonight were better than the ones in London, they didn't convince me to leave my beer spot at the side og the stage. Instead I enjoyed watching Borg and Michael making their moves in the front rows of the audience.
After last night my expectations were skyhigh for Enuff Z'nuff. With my usual perfect timing I had just purchased a pint of beer at the bar along with a drink I owed Julie when the band went on. I found her at the front of the stage where I managed to spill half of it on her arm in my eagerness to get a free hand and enjoy the show. Monaco had put on the full body suit this night. I'm not exactly a fashion reviewer, but I must say that I like the "T-shirt look" better. Anyway, this is about the music and the way the band blasted that out to the audience just cannot be summed up in one sentence.
I moved right and got a good spot in the front rows in front of Monaco, where I proceeded to drown the pint during the first song, so I could focus on the music. Baby loves you opened the show in the right way and certainly got the place moving. Chip was interacting with the audience right from the start and Monaco was in top shape again. Though the middle section of Baby Loves You still hasn't been perfected and kindof drags the drive out of the song for a short while it was an improvement over the 2003 version. Great opener and the crowd loved it. Borg was standing next to me and we continued to sing along and play our air instruments as the band went into Vacant love. While I was shredding the air guitar Borg played a mean air bass. You really don't see that a lot of air bass these days. Anyway, Vacant Love is another quick rocker that works extremely well live.
Live classics like We're all allright, which is impossible not to jump around to and the nostalgic For Now came across really well too. All Right was a newer tune where Monaco excelled. The song has a cool relaxed vibe that comes across perfectly live.
From here on the show just kept becoming better and better with each song. A little spark started the heavenly middle part of the show where The Way Home was performed with feeling and lots of confidence from John Monaco. The transition into There goes my heart is completely unexpected but works fantastic. The audience went nuts during this song and all around me people were jumping up and down while singing along. As this is one of my favorite Enuff songs it was a huge pleasure to hear it live. Without Donnie I would have never thought it would work and it is a big testament to Monaco's talents that the band pulled it off this well. Next came what has turned out to be the perfect live song, Sanibel Island! This one again got the whole place jumping. Sanibel Island is meant to be played live as it has an incredibly forceful drive and the chorus just energizes you completely. Monaco again plays and sings this song with a lot of energy, even reminding of Donnie with his "Out of control" facial expressions. I hope Sanibel Island becomes as firm a part of the show as "New thing" and "Fly High Michelle" have been for the past 16 years. Maybe it is time for one of those to move over?
The highlights just kept hitting us. After hearing an old bootleg radio show where Chip & Donnie did an impromptu version of A Day In The Life by The Beatles, I have always dreamed about hearing it in a full blown live version. It was as if the band had read my mind when they planned the setlist. As the band confidently went into A Day In The Life it was a fantastic and slightly surreal feeling. The whole band looked like they enjoyed playing this and especially Monaco was impressive to experience during the middle section. The band pulled it off and managed to do justice to such a classic. No small feat.
After this I thought the band couldn't possibly come up with more surprises, but they did. Chip dedicated the next song to himself and his turbulent life this past year as the band started on Down Hill. Well, anything from Seven is heaven, but Down Hill is one of my absolute favorites from that album. It was beautifully performed and total ear candy all the way.
I pulled out the air guitar again as the band went into Heaven or Hell. This one rocks bigtime live! Fly High Michelle and New Thing, which beautifully transformed into the ending of Goodbye, ended a superb show.
The band was in good spirits with Monaco looking positively happy and so did new guy, Eric, on the drums, smiling out to the audience and standing up, edging us on on several occasions. He was using his whole body to get the job done. Chip was as usual the solid backbone of the band. Always laying down a confident bass line and giving the show some style. If there were any flaws during the show I didn't notice them. To me this was a nigh on perfect performance, only the length of the show could have been twice as good.
After New Thing & Goodbye people chanted and stomped on the floor to get the band out again but unfortunately the club schedule didn't leave any time for encores. Tour manager Chris got out and made a sign that said "They won't come out so you'd better head for the bar right now" and started taking the gear down. There goes a great man...
A few words on Monaco. He is simply amazing! He completely stole the spotlight with his performance.
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Donnie's voice and I had never imagined There goes my heart or Sanibel Island could sound this good without him, but Monaco completely nails these songs. After the shows in 2003 I missed Donnie very much, but after these shows the feeling has changed and this version of the band actually works! If you have a chance to catch them live as a three-piece then take it! My faith in the band has been invigorated.
Set list:
Baby Loves You
Vacant Love
We're All Allright
For Now
Alright
The Way Home
There Goes My Heart
Sanibel Island
A Day In The Life
Downhill
Heaven Or Hell
Fly High Michelle
New Thing
Goodbye (Only the ending)
Day 3 (Written by Michael)
Nottingham, Rock City, Saturday 2 April
After yesterday's "bus incident" we got up early and headed towards the bus station ready to catch an early bus to Nottingham. We had scheduled an interview with Chip Z'Nuff and Pretty Boy Floyd/Bang Tango guitarist Michael Thomas concerning his own band Fastback. We arrived early in Nottingham with plenty of time to taste a couple of pints before heading to Rock City.
We got to Rock City at the appointed time for the interviews, but soundcheck was delayed so we stayed there for quite some time while Enuff Z'Nuff did their soundcheck. Even though the waiting time was long we got treated to everybody's live favorite on the tour Sanibel Island once again, since Znuff played it at soundcheck.
Apparently there was some monitor problems and while waiting for Chip to get ready I chatted with Pretty Boy Floyd/Bang Tango bass player Jamie Keans. Jamie told me that he actually was a guitarist/drummer and only learned to play bass 6 months ago. He only had around a week to learn the songs and since Bang Tango switch their songs around it were quite a repertoire he had to manage in short time. So even though some were giving the "backing band" a hard time you gotta cut them some slack and I think they did a pretty great job under the circumstances. In Bradford Joe Leste was a bit hard on drummer Tim Russell and Jamie Keans because they made a mistake during Someone Like You, so while Steen and I waited for Chip to get dinner I heard the band rehearse Someone Like You instrumental. They also did bits of the Pretty Boy Floyd material and Dancing on Coals plus Ready to Go instrumental. Kind of funny to hear the music performed live without vocals.
After Chip served us some delicious chocolate cake we headed for Chip's hotel room to do the interview. We were already running almost 2 hours late so after a great interview and chat with Chip I tried to find guitarist Michael Thomas to squeeze in our interview before showtime. Once again back to the hotel, but I only met Steve Summers who was ready to rock.
Since I couldn't get a hold on Michael Thomas I decided to relocate down on the corner where my buddies where hanging out having a few beers. After only one beer UK EZN fan Colin got a call from his ex. that Pretty Boy Floyd already was on stage even though it was only 10 past 7. What the F**K is wrong with British venues. We ran out the door and spurted to Rock City just in time for the intro to Leather Boyz With Electric Toyz.
Pretty boy Floyd
So typical for this day with delays we missed the first couple of Pretty Boy Floyd songs. Damn. We got in front of the stage even though it was impossible to see anything unless you were one of the lucky 6-7 standing in the first row. Just as I managed to get to second row Pretty Boy Floyd asked the crowd if it was all right to play a ballad "Wild Angels or I Wanna Be With You"? I screamed out for Wild Angels, but it was probably only a gimmick from Mr. Summers since they went into I wanna Be With You. Again I Wanna Be With You in the sloppy version was the worst song in the set. The version was something in between the original version on "Leather Boyz..." and the reworked version on "Porn Stars" Steve Summers just sang the lyrics with no passion at all.
In general I got to credit Steve Summers for his vocals and showmanship. I was very surprised how great he sounded all three nights. He has a special tone and when they played Motley Crue's Live Wire I think even Vince Neil would envy Steve's vocals just a little bit.
Again Pretty Boy Floyd had a good crowd that seemed into the material.
Bang Tango
The show took place at "The Rig" which is part of Rock City. I was really looking forward to this legendary venue, but it was a shit place to see a live concert. Probably the worst venue I've ever been to - mainly because of the 2 huge speakers blocking the stage and narrowing the visual angle of the crowd to a width of only 3 meters or so. So if you weren't in the fist row it was impossible to see anything since the floor level and stage level was the same.
Yesterday in Bradford Bang Tango made quite a few mistakes, but still I thought they were fantastic. They had changed their setlist leaving no dead points in their 30 minute set. Last night in Bradford we even got to choose between AC/DC's Highway to Hell or The Cult Lil' Devil. Luckily they played Lil' Devil. Joe Leste's voice was just perfect for that song.
Because of the stupid time restrains (even on a Saturday night) our friends in Drugdealer Cheerleader could not perform. However, Joe LeSte was very cool and came on stage smiling wearing cool shades, cowboy hat and a t-shirt from Drugdealer Cheerleader.
Bang Tango once again opened with the double attack of Ready to Go and Dancing on Coals. Both songs have a kick ass drive. Joe Leste is very movable on stage, but the conditions gave him a hard time which led to him commenting "Feels like I am dancing in a shoe box".
The band kicked into the funky Love Injection followed by the excellent I Came to See You - the last mentioned is a song co-written with John Corabi and featured on the latest Bang Tango album.
They played Highway to Hell, which got the crowd going plus the new song My Time as well. My Time has so much energy that it instantly became a live favorite. It also indicates that Bang Tango will continue to write and release new stuff and not totally live on the reputation of their first few albums.
Joe was on fire for the show - Michael Thomas as well. Because of the lousy conditions I couldn't see Jamie Keans or Tim Russell. Joe was disappointed when the Tour manager signed him that they only had one song left. Joe yelled that they didn't come over here to play a few songs only. I could easily have listened to Bang Tango for another hour but the time regulations only allowed one more song and of course Someone like You was the chosen one.
If Joe felt like he was dancing in a shoebox I felt like going crazy to this amazing track in a matchbox. Since the ceiling was very low you couldn't jump high at all and not raise you hands at the same time. Not a place build for ecstatic fans. Someone Like You was the second best song performed on the Tour.. The best was yet to come.
Enuff Z'Nuff
I was irritated by the disastrous stage and decided to go to the open side of the stage. From there it was possible to get in first row and get a view of the band. Furthermore the sound wasn't too great in the room and it sounded a lot better from my new spot.
Enuff Z'Nuff started off with the usual openers pleasing the hungry crowd. Vacant Love really got the place rocking and it was followed by a personal live favorite We're all Alright, whose positive vibe always makes me in a great mood.
I watched Eric Donner very closely and the guy puts on a great show. Along with Chip's characteristic backing vocals, Eric's harmonies contribute to Enuff Z'Nuff once again managing to capture the magical feel that they always possessed with Donnie. All speculations about the guys being a bit burned out coming directly off a tour with Tramp's White Lion were killed. Enuff Z'Nuff sounded just as fresh as the first time I experienced them in concert.
Next up was One Step Closer from 1993's "Animals with Humans Intelligence" followed by the magical double attack of The Way Home and There Goes My heart. Chip was on top again and Chip being well definitely brought more to the show. Chip was all happy and doing his usual bouncing back and forth.
...and then it happened...the best song of the Tour and a serious candidate for the ultimate Enuff Z'Nuff live song - namely Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island keeps its happy drive performed live and works perfectly in a live situation since it makes everybody in a great mood. The chorus says it all..doesn't it?
Because of the time restrictions Enuff Z'Nuff got cut short. Saturday was on the setlist but got skipped because of this. A shame - it would have been a proper song to blast out since it was Saturday.
Once again Down Hill was among the best tunes. It was performed with emotion. Eric Donner went all crazy on the ending of A Day in the Life, which is kind of a brave song to incorporate in its complete version as a 3 piece - but Enuff Z'Nuff nailed it. Chip was all on fire for the last songs, where Steve "Sex" Summers joined them on stage for New Thing. Sure Steve Summers had been partying a bit since he was accompanied by his friend Jack (last name: Daniels) and Steve kept screaming out "give it up for Enuff Z'Nuff" every 10 seconds ha ha.
Once again Enuff Z'Nuff played fresh, energetic and with Chip on top again they were unbeatable. However, Enuff Z'Nuff and of course also Bang Tango, Pretty Boy Floyd and the fans, deserved a better venue with a proper stage. I must admit it was the worst place I ever seen a concert.
The only credit that Rock City deserves is showing the Enuff Z'Nuff DVD on the TV screens after the show. They also threw a great party playing all our favorite Hard and Glam Rock tunes from the eighties and early nines.
All bands hung out at the venue. It was great to see a well Chip interacting with his fans again. We snipped some silly group pictures with the cool UK Enuff Z'Nuff fans who are as loyal to the band as we are: They always troop up when Enuff Z'Nuff plays England.
Joe Leste once again provided me with some entertainment. He asked me what I thought of the new song My Time and just to make sure I remembered it he belted out the chorus. Joe said that it actually was the same pattern as Someone Like you with a twist of Billy Idol. The song definitely was a rocking song that leaves a bright future for Bang Tango
At 3.30 we were off with the night bus from Nottingham directly to London Luton airport. We all said our Goodbye and had our last bottle of the delicious brown soup Newcastle Brown Ale.
This time we only did 3 dates and that was too little since time went by too fast. I didn't even get the usual Enuff Z'Nuff Tour t-shirt or Johnny (star of the Tour) Monaco's new CD :(
I won't go into the Donnie Vie discussion since he made a choice and as an Enuff Z'Nuff fan I feel blessed and proud of this version of the band, which sounded so fresh and great. There is no doubt that I would do it again, since Johnny Monaco really has progressed with his role in the band.
Bang Tango really helped making this a great Tour as well. I definitely enjoy their music and I cannot wait for Joe LeSte's band Beautiful Creatures new album "Deuce" to be released. Pretty Boy Floyd were great as well and Drugdealer Cheerleader are stars in the making. What a great Tour!
| You can click all images for a bigger version
Drugdealer Cheerleader
Drugdealer Cheerleader
Pretty Boy Floyd
Pretty Boy Floyd
Pretty Boy Floyd
Bang Tango
Bang Tango
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Drugdealer Cheerleader
Drugdealer Cheerleader
Drugdealer Cheerleader
Drugdealer Cheerleader
Drugdealer Cheerleader
Bang Tango
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enjoying the local sights in Bradford on The Way Home
Pretty Boy Floyd
Bang Tango
Bang Tango
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Hanging out with Drugdealer Cheerleader
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
Enuff Z'nuff
The gang
From left to right:
Colin (MIFFO!), Borg, Unknown background guy, ex. Mrs. Miffo, Michael, Matt, Steen, Andy, Ian
Time to let you go...
All pictures taken by Borg & Steen
Except DDCL pictures from Bradford by Michael and group pics by Kristian | Written by Michael & Steen
Tuesday, April 19, 2005 |
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RevelationZ Comments
| Comment by ccuk (Anonymous) - Thursday, April 21, 2005 | You guys rock \||/ Long live RevalationZ. Until next time...MIFFO!
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| Comment by IAN TRIGG (Anonymous) - Thursday, April 21, 2005 | GREAT STUFF GUYS!SEE YOU NEXT TOUR!
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| Comment by teriezra (Anonymous) - Friday, May 6, 2005 | i was there for the gig in London, camden and yes, it ROCKED!!! The article described everything i felt that night and more! Great work, u guys! \m/
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| Comment by Andrew (Anonymous) - Friday, June 17, 2005 | Thanks for sharing the local sights you enjoyed in Bradford on The Way Home! Ha ah! You crazy monk! Grrrraaaaaaawwrrrr!!! (I can't do it!) ha ah!
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| Comment by Steen (Staff) - Saturday, June 18, 2005 | 
View Profile
Comments: 518 | | Oh, what sad times are these when passing Scotsmen can "rrrrraaarrrrrrr" at will to young ladies.
You're not doing it properly. It's rrrrraaarrrrrrr... Haha
Posted by Steen (Staff)
Saturday, June 18, 2005 |
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| Comment by Andrew (Anonymous) - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 | Ha ah! So you like Monty Python, do you? Very good! How's the GONZO-style review of Sweden Rock coming on anyway?
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| Comment by Steen (Staff) - Wednesday, June 22, 2005 |
View Profile
Comments: 518 | | Yes, I do like Monty Python quite a bit :) I have almost finished writing my Sweden Rock report, which is turning out quite surreal. I still need to sort through all the pictures and get them ready for the site. I hope to have it online at the beginning of next week, so keep an eye out.
Posted by Steen (Staff)
Wednesday, June 22, 2005 |
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| Comment by 50cent (Anonymous) - Wednesday, July 27, 2005 | you'r music is shit how can any one get on my beat ahahah. you'r gay you know that gay lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| Comment by pbf (Anonymous) - Friday, August 12, 2005 | 50 cents = fuckin shit your a motherfucker niger pretty boy floyd is the best of the best you fuckin idiot
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| Comment by Kyle (Anonymous) - Tuesday, March 7, 2006 | Gregory Markel Live March 14th 2006 NYC!!!!
Gregory Markel Live March 14th 2006 @
Caffe Vivaldi
32 Jones Street
New York, New York 10014
212-691-7538
gregorymarkel.com
myspace.com/love2all
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/gregorymarkel/
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| Comment by disheartened (Anonymous) - Friday, September 22, 2006 | Hi all - this was a fantastic gig. All were on top form. I was at Rock City and agree with the review. Why they put such great bands in the Rig is beyond me. The main room upstairs, where I first saw PBF & FP, would have been so much better, and Rock City may not have gotten such a harsh review. The Rig is great for a mosh, not so for gigs tho'. Top notch bands deserve top notch hospitality. Unfortunately I can't make the FP/Enuff z Nuff gig tomorrow, but let me know how it goes. Sure it will be great!!!
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| Comment by birdie (Anonymous) - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 | I'm really not able to find the name of the drummer of enuff z'nuff in that tour...could you please tell me???thank you
breakdown_birdie@hotmail.it
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| Comment by Steen (Staff) - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 |
View Profile
Comments: 518 | | That would be Eric Donner...
Posted by Steen (Staff)
Tuesday, February 6, 2007 |
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| Comment by MaTias (Anonymous) - Thursday, August 9, 2007 | CHIP! Gracias por venir con Adler a Rosario(Argentina) Todavia me queda el recuerdo de cuando saliste del hotel a saludar a toda la gente que estaba afuera! Bueno idolo! Que sigas bien! MY WORLD ROCK AND ROLL! FUCKER!
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