K K Steelmill, Wolverhampton - 24/08/18
It was a real pleasure to be at the opening gig at this great venue, Wolverhamptons old Starworks is now named after it's legendary owner- Mr KK DOWNING. This large venue has a real Rock n Roll feel.
As you enter the arena you are greeted by a huge Judas Priest backdrop from the turbo era, but standing in front to greet his ' guests' is the legend himself. An honour you seldom get.
2018 SKID ROW are better than they've ever been. Tonights show is a greatest hits show that is over in a flash. The band are on fire and in new(ish) recruit, ZP Theart, they have a true star of a frontman. But Skid Row are a band, a five piece band. Each and every member is an equal. Their intro searchlights set hearts jumping as guitars rev up to a frenzy then like an explosion they hit the stage with a manic Slave To The Grind. To be watching tonight's show is akin to being a boxers punch bag, as hit after hit just keep coming. Sweet Little Sister, Piece Of Me, Chain Gang and Big Guns and it's like bang bang bang (like a firing squad to quote the song).
18 And Life is a slight rest bite for the crowd as they sing along and try to out sing ZP, but to no avail. The guy is a human air raid siren! Two further tracks from their stunning debut follow before Rachel Bolan gives us his great tribute to punk kings, The Ramones, with Psycho Therapy.
ZP returns to the helm for the standout track of the night Quicksand Jesus, then it was set closer, Monkey Business with a guitar duel to the death between Dave 'Snake’ Sabo and Scotti Hill. Talking of Mr Hill, up there on stage he looks as evil as Satans executioner but he is genuinely one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.
The standing acoustic guitar lets the crowd know what the first encore is... I Remember You - greeted like the prodigal returning son. We Are The Damned follows then the final knockout blow in the heavy metal anthem, Youth Gone Wild. The roof just about survived. As the crowd start to leave every face is smiling from ear to ear. To sum up, The Steelmill is a great venue, the owner a real legend and tonight's band are soooo much better than people can remember.
Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to the New World Rebellion.
Welsh Gene
