Skid Row Backyard Babies H.E.A.T Vega 02 Ritz Manchester

Here we are in Manchester on a miserable and chilly evening in January, thankfully the weather has done little to deter the punters as the venue opens its doors early for us to filter in just in time to see Vega hit the stage.

The band currently enjoying the success of most recent release “Only Human” which saw them achieve their highest chart position.
With a four band bill set time was always going to be at a premium so Nick and his band waste no time as they set about the task, the first thing I notice is that the sound is on point, no lack of punch here for them as they open with “Let’s Have Fun Tonight” and quickly following with “Explode” from the previous album.
It’s certainly a case of quality not quantity here with little banter between songs, instead the band choose to absolutely nail every single track and in no time at all they close out the set with my two favourite Vega songs “White Flag” and “Saving Grace”
Pure AOR magic but don’t let that tag deceive you, it’s punchy, heavy and delivered with perfection, I’m already looking forward to HRH AOR in March and seeing an extended set.

After a swift change around we welcome H.E.A.T, one of Sweden’s elite bands who have a reputation for mixing it up and delivering live like no other.
The lights go down and again with the clock ticking they burst onto the stage led by the human dynamo that is Erik Gronwall, I’ve got to say the first time I saw the band they literally blew me out of the door and tonight I was wondering if lightening could strike twice, evidently it can and the little time they got they used wisely.
Opening with “Bastard of Society” this set the pace at frenetic with Erik headbanging and jumping all over the stage whilst never missing a vocal cue.
“Emergency” follows, and the crowd respond to the level of connection as the front man comes down to the barrier, takes a mobile from the hands of a guy on the front row and takes it back on stage filming before putting it down his pants, this was returned after a roadie toweled it down, interesting memento!
Again, the set flies by but not before we get Erik in the crowd as the security looks twitchy, he manages to get through a full song stood next to me and he eventually returns to his own domain as I lift him back over the barrier.
A few problems for Keyboardist Jona as his stand appears to have a mind of it’s own and after several attempts to keep it upright as the band play “Beg,Beg,Beg” the whole thing hits the floor in true Spinal Tap glory and he leaves the stage clearly unhappy.
The band throw in a little Deece with “Whole Lotta Rosie” before bringing the song to an end.
“Shot at Redemption” promotes a mass singalong and before we know it they say their goodbyes and the stage is lit for another changeover, I do love this band and really hope they return soon for a headline tour.

Onto ‪Backyard Babies‬ with their own brand of Scandinavian Rock/Punk/Trash rock, call it what you want, they are nothing if not entertaining.
Nicke does a great job as front man, with a slightly longer set you might have thought there would have been more interaction with the crowd but again the band elect to play more than talk which is no bad thing, 13 songs are rolled out and the band do it with ease.
I’m not as familiar with their material but the band provide the different element to the evening as it’s not quite as mainstream with a more punky edge, my highlights were “Song For The Outcast” “Minus Celsius” “Thirteen To Nothing” and closer “Brand New Hate” as the band hit full steam and bassist Johan flips me the bird then immediately apologizes whilst laughing, great job and entertainment at its best.

Tonight’s headliners should really take a bow for bringing such an outstanding package of bands across the UK for this short run of shows, Skid Row have seen a recent boost in their popularity with new vocalist Z.P Theart, having big boots to fill it was no mean task but he did it well and is now looking forward to going back to the states to record a new album.
They open at a frantic pace with “Slave to The Grind” what an anthem, you honestly forget how many great songs the band have.
The band sound fantastic, original members Dave, Scotti and Rachel joined by Rob Hammersmith on Drums delivering every song faithfully but with added live punch.
The crowd begins to get most active as they play “I Remember You” which is followed by the massive riff of “Monkey Business” ‪Scotti Hill‬ smashing the solo right in front of me.
One of my personal highlights is Midnight/Tornado, from the debut album and sounding just as good as it did back in the day when the boys where fresh out of New Jersey and hungry for stardom.
“Mudkicker” is properly heavy and the crowd respond with a worthy pit and a touch of crowd surfing.
Z.P asks the crowd if it’s time to go home then introduces “Get The Fuck Out” which is just splendid before they wrap proceedings up with “Youth Gone Wild”, I’m transported back in time when the boys played for the first time in the UK at Milton Keynes with ‪Bon Jovi‬, it matters not a jot that there is no Seb fronting this band any longer, they are the real deal and much more than a band trading on past glories.
Did the masses get value for money? I’d say so, great night of music to warm us up ready for the months ahead.

S F