Judas Priest / Uriah Heep - Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL 5/25/19 (Images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

Two great legends come together for an evening of classic hard rock.  Judas Priest and Uriah Heep pair up in this one of a kind tour, and simply deliver the goods to an ecstatic audience.  It certainly was a special night for variety of reasons.

Uriah Heep opened the show, and got things going instantly.  The band looked and felt very fresh, and their approach was very energetic.  The group is very active on the touring circuit, and an excellent live band to begin with.  Guitarist, Mick Box, was in great shape and mood.  His signature riffing and moves energized the audience.  Singer, Bernie Shaw, worked the crowd, and sang beautifully delivering note after note.  Keyboard player, Phil Lanzon, was adding color to the music, and often set the mood to the tracks.  His role was extremely important as many Heep classics are based around the keyboards.  The rhythm section was incredible.  Drummer, Russell Gilbrook, and bassist, Davey Rimmer, were super tight taking each song to the limit, and beyond.  It was very joyous to watch this outfit on stage.

Uriah Heep had an enormous task ahead of them.  How do you narrow down so much great music into an hour-long set?  They played many of their classic tracks from the golden age, and those went down like a storm.  No one could argue with the greatness of those tracks and their immense impact on the rock music.  Uriah Heep still do these songs with great detail and fury.  Gypsy, Look At Yourself, Stealin’, and Easy Livin’ were just exactly the songs the audience came to hear, and the band gave it to them.  In addition to the classic Heep, the band played some new music from their newly released Living The Dream.  It’s a superb record, and the new songs simply rock.  Grazed By Heaven which opened their set went down like a storm, as did Knocking At My Door. 

Uriah Heep delivered a very solid set.  They seemed very happy with how the audience was responding.  The only problem with their performance is that it was too short.  Once the audience got the groove of Uriah Heep it quickly came to an end.  It certainly left many longing for more as many Uriah Heep t-shirts were spotted in the audience.  Uriah Heep did an outstanding job!

Prior to Judas Priest taking the stage, the band warmed up the audience to another band from Birmingham.  A few minutes of War Pigs filled the room, and the audience quickly joined in singing along.  It was certainly a classic moment to experience.  Few minutes later it was Judas Priest with Necromancer, and the then we were Heading Out to The Highway, a first big surprise of the evening.  Prior to this tour Judas Priest promised to really shake things up in their set list. 

Rob Halford added the drama to the spectacle with his various costumes and one ear piercing voice.  He sounded great, and seemed to be completely concentrated on his delivery.  Then another surprise, Sentinel, and the crowd was going berserk!  Judas Priest was mixing the new tracks from their Firepower album, with older classic tunes.  And as promised, they really looked deep into their catalog. (Take These) Chains was probably a highlight for this writer, and it was absolutely an awesome track to hear on stage.  There were few rarities which really elevated this show above anything the band’s done recently.  The tracks in question include:  Out in The Cold, Starbreaker, Steeler, Tyrant, and All Guns Blazing.  As a center piece, the band brought back Victim Of Changes, and that was a definite highlight.  New songs rocked hard too showing that Priest is far from finished when it comes to writing and releasing new music.  Spectre, Traitors Gate, and No Surrender were just perfect song to prove Priest’s vitality.

Guitarist, Richie Faulkner, was on fire!  Not only was he nailing every riff and every lead, but he’s developed into a great showman.  He clearly understands what Judas Priest is all about.  Great effort from Faulkner.  Andy Sneap was the other guitar player in the band.  Sneap is a temporary replacement for Glenn Tipton who is dealing with serious health issues.  Sneap did a very solid job.  His harmonizing with Faulkner was very effective.  Sneap’s stage manner was not as flashy, but his playing was great.  He was having fun, and you could clearly see that. 

Drummer, Scott Travis, is just so incredible to watch.  His playing is so powerful yet it does not appear like he’s putting much effort into it.  A fact that makes him one of the best drummers out there.  Bassist, Ian Hill, may not like to take the center stage, but his presence is really what drives this group.  His sense of rhythm and Travis’s powerful drumming make up one winning formula.  They are the secret weapon to Judas Priest’s success.

Judas Priest were incredible!  Rob Halford was in great form, and his voice was shattering!  This show was much more enjoyable than the last few, mostly due to an exciting set list.  The band really took some great chances and it paid off in a big way.  One can only hope they will continue re-visit their catalog and bring back some great tracks, and there is plenty available!  They dropped some of the obvious songs people were used to, but this exchange was great.  After the show there were many fans raving about the material they did play.  It worked, people loved it, keep it going!

Mark Kadzielawa

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URIAH HEEP

JUDAS PRIEST

Angel / Starz - Reggies, Chicago, IL 5/10/19 (Images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

This was a definitely a great night of fun.  It was also a trip back into the 1970's rock.  Two bands that toured together back in those days, got together again, and did what they do best.  They rocked hard!  

Starz were a 1970s great hard rock band.  They were not overly successful, but incredibly respected and liked by the fans and peers alike.  The band took the stage, and sizable crowd began to form in front.  There were all kinds of people in the audience, young and old.  Some able to remember the band's glory days from the 70s, and some seeing the group for the first time and counting their luck.  

Starz started with Live Wire, followed it with Tear It Down, and Fallen Angel.  The band felt very comfortable on stage, and delivered one great tune after another.  Singer, Michael Lee Smith appeared in a Scottish kilt.  He was in great shape vocally, and told some very cool stories and anecdotes between the songs.  Guitarist, Richie Ranno, played a very smooth set, even unleashing his double neck guitar.  And Joe X Dube provided a solid beat, and his one of a kind attitude.

It was clear that Starz had a great time on stage.  Their sleazy rock approach found quick approval from the audience who was enjoying this set tremendously.  Chip Z-Nuff added a local flavor and joined the band for one track.  It was fun.  They could've been the headliner.  Nobody would mind.  Judging from the crowd's response, Starz better make another visit to Chicago very soon.

Newly reformed Angel was the main attraction of the evening.  Angel were another legendary band from the 1970s who a great cult following.  This incarnation of Angel features vocalist Frank DiMino, and guitarist, Punky Meadows as the two key players.  The rest of the band was rounded up by newer players who were very good at carrying out the great music.  DiMino and Meadows were responsible for the majority of the writing the Angel material.

The band appeared in their signature white uniforms, which added a lot to the overall spectacle.  They gave the show they were known for, and the fans loved it.  It quickly became very clear that both DiMino and Meadows still had what it took to put on a great show.  DiMino was nailing some high notes he is known for, and meadows showed some great guitar work.  The man can definitely solo, and he is very unique in his approach.  

It was great to hear the classic Angel material from all of their albums.  Those were seasoned and well tested songs.  The band simply couldn't go wrong.  The delivery was superb, and the backing players really stepped up their game to make sure it was an absolutely perfect performance, and it was.  This really felt great and both sides of the stage felt the energy being channeled.  Songs like On The Rocks, Mirrors, Can You Feel It, or Wild and Hot were instant hits with the audience, and many sang along with DiMino.  

Angel is about to record a new album, and validate their reunion.  This performance certainly indicated that all is well in the Angel camp.  The band was tight and well rehearsed, but above all, they connected with the audience at ease.  Their set was dynamic and well planned.  We can only hope for more activity from this great but very underrated band.  

As mentioned above, this was a very fun night.  There were a lot of true fans for both Starz and Angel who left very satisfied.  There was some people who complained about this and that, but you simply can't have it all.  Let's be honest, both bands had players in their 60s, and that is a very demanding age.  But just the fact they were willing to get on stage, have fun, play a solid set, and give some joy to the fans needs to be admired.  As for this writer, I loved this evening and would gladly repeat the experience!

Mark Kadzielawa

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STARZ

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Michael Schenker Fest - Concord Music Hall, Chicago 5/4/19 (words and images by Mark Kadzielawa)

It’s great to see Michael Schenker smile again, and he’s been smiling for over a decade now.  Things weren’t always easy for the man, but he’s found his way again, and focused on what he does best.  

I remember interviewing Michael Schenker a couple of years ago when he first presented me with an idea of the Michael Schenker Fest.  As much as I loved the concept, it didn’t see like it was going to materialize.  I was proven wrong, Michael Schenker was able to pull it off.  At first, it seemed like a one-off in Japan, but he’s followed it with an album and a tour, and now the tour continues.  It is simply a dream come true for any Michael Schenker enthusiast.

The show began with Michael paying a tribute to recently deceased Ted McKenna (who was a drummer for his band,) and Paul Raymond (a former MSG/UFO member.)  And then there was the music, and plenty of it too.  The three-hour spectacle started with Holiday, a track Schenker had written for the Scorpions.  Michael even sang the song.  It was followed by Doctor Doctor from his UFO days, and this time it included three singers:  Graham Bonnet, Gary Barden, and Robin McAuley.  The three singers filled the majority of the show.  Having their own segments, but often guessing on each other’s sets.  It showed a lot of camaraderie among the band members.  There was harmony, great feel, and plenty of great music.

Gary Barden was first to take the stage for longer amount of time.  This took us to the very beginning of MSG.  Tracks like Armed And Ready, Rock My Nights Away, and Attack Of The Mad Axeman were instant favorites back in the day, and the public responded great this time around too.  Gary Barden did his best to recapture the right feel for these songs and added his signature vocals.  It was great to see Barden back on stage after nearly a decade away.

Graham Bonnet’s time in MSG was cut short due to circumstances beyond control, so it’s really great to see him making up for the lost time.  Bonnet is recently experiencing something of a renaissance.  He is back at work, and he’s very visible.  Graham’s six-song segment was just mind-blowing.  Bonnet was on top of his game delivering each line with vigor and perfection.  It certainly was an assault attack from Graham Bonnet vocally.  He is an outstanding singer who is finally getting his due.

Robin McAuley played with Michael Schenker from the late 80s to the early 90s.  This writer has to admit that less attention was paid to this incarnation of MSG on his behalf.  But these songs proved to be great on stage, and the audience was loving it.  McAuley’s delivery was flawless.  Songs like Save Yourself and Anytime really rocked hard.  He was a very commanding presence on stage, and excellent back up for the other singers.  His era of MSG certainly deserves to be re-visited and appreciated.

Doogie White was the fourth singer on this tour, and his appearance came towards the end of the show.  It certainly makes sense because the whole show was put together chronologically.  White is a current vocalist for Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock project.  The singer appeared in a Scottish kilt to add to the festivities.  White took a very solid charge of the stage, and sang the combination of Temple of Rock material and Michael Schenker Fest.  He was very energetic and dramatic on stage, and of course sang beautifully.  White is a perfect match for what Michael Schenker is doing nowadays, and I hope their alliance will continue for many years to come.

Michael Schenker himself was completely focused on his playing.  He was feeling happy and joyful throughout the show.  He was smiling and having a really good time.  His playing was absolutely ground breaking.  The crowd had a chance to enjoy of the greatest players on the planet who still very inventive and intuitive.  Michael’s tone is very unique and his sense of melody as beautiful as ever.  He’s been through a lot, and it’s great to see back in the proper spotlight!

The band also consisted of the original MSG bass player, Chris Glen.  It was great to see Chris back with Michael as his presence and sense of humor add to the overall easy feeling the band projected from the stage.  Guitarist/keyboardist, Steve Mann, provided a solid rhythm, and often doubled up on the harmony leads with Michael.  Drummer, Bodo Schopf, completed the line up.  Schopf was a recent addition to the line up replacing recently deceased Ted McKenna.  Schopf was a very solid drummer, and made the band sound great.

It is difficult to capture the three hours of fun in few paragraphs, but Michael Schenker Fest was simply amazing.  They ended their set with several UFO songs, and the crowd went bananas.  There is a long-standing bond between Chicago and all things UFO, so it was time to celebrate again!  As Michael Schenker Fest the project released an album called Resurrection.  Throughout the show the album was very well represented as each singer performed at least one track from the record.  What’s more, there will be another record released in few months, so Michael Schenker Fest continues to exist and gain momentum.

Mark Kadzielawa

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