BCC Wows O2 Academy With True Rock Performance
Michael Schenker is the perfect choice to open tonight, and this is clear from the first number. These guys are real rockers and clearly real friends as well; evident in the way they move around the stage and interact with each other. Armed and Ready really gets the crowd going and Another Piece of Meat has a strong rock vocal performance from Voss.
The anticipation is palpable for Black Country Communion and , as thunder crashes and lighting flashes across the stage, the tension is shattered with the call of the “Black Country”. There is barely a pause for breath between this and drummer Jason Bonham bringing in One Last Soul, which is even better live than it is on the recording. Joe Bonamassa and Glenn Hughes make a powerful pairing at the front of the stage and they are really enjoying themselves. Bonham is as well, as claps us into the Crossfire from the new album, which has a heavier feel to it and is driven so seamlessly by the drums I’m willing to say I don’t know if I’ve seen live drums this good before! A Song From Yesterday has all the ingredients of the classic rock ballad with extra seasoning. There is a wonderful synth part in this one from Derek Sherinian which rises and falls with melodic poise as Hughes comes in with an outstanding dual vocal that is matched only by the haunthingly magnificent Bonamassa guitar solo that follows. This is the highlight of the night for me as this song has everything, light, dark and downright moody blues leading to a rocking finish. Jason Bonham ramps it straight back up to full throttle for I Can See Your Spirit and the rhythmical power he brandishes over the drum kit is evenly matched by the rampant rock riffs of the guitars, the synth and the fierce vocals. Audience favourite Save Me is up there with the best rock anthems of all time for me, and Sherinian must have a mention for the exceptional synth playing throughout this one, especially in the eastern-sounding breakdown moments. Cold is brought in with a heart wrenching blues guitar and beautiful synth. Derek Sherinian’s spotlight serenade is an outstanding array of intertwining contrapuntal melodies and rhythms. The encore Man in the Middle has hints of Aerosmith-inspired moments, and the energy levels are still riding high as the heavy riff leads them into the final number. Black Country Communion don’t hold back for the finisher: an electrifying cover of Deep Purple’s Burn that they deliver with gusto. Everyone is on their feet to show their appreciation and the cheers and applause is deafening “Thank you so much everybody we love you.” And we love Black Country Communion right back- a real rock band who really deserve our love and will have people coming back for more.
Claire Cameron
