UFO - The Arcada, St. Charles, IL 10/25/19 (words and images by Mark Kadzielawa)

The name of this tour is called Last Orders, and as the name indicates, it is supposed to be the final goodbye from UFO.  It is a big loss for many UFO fans who are used to seeing the band on yearly basis.  Also, band’s relationship with the Chicago audiences is legendary, and it will be a void hard to fill.  Despite the mood of the impending doom, the band soldiered, and delivered the goods.

From the first sounds of Mother Mary, the band pressed hard, and one could sense they are giving the fans their best.  Vocalist, Phil Moog, was very animated and in good shape.  Despite the advance age and the history of self -abuse, he was singing great, and not missing a note.  Also, his charisma made up for a lot of funny moments throughout the show.

Early in the tour, keyboardist/guitarist, Paul Raymond, passed away.  Raymond was replaced by Neil Carter to complete the tour.  Carter has a history with UFO.  He was with the band from 1980 to 1983, and was responsible for writing and co-writing many songs from that time.  We Belong to The Night is a perfect example of that, and it was a second song of the evening.  Carter added a lot of energy to UFO.  He has a very intense presence.  In fast trying to properly capture him in a photo was a bit of a challenge.  Also, Carter is much heavier player than Raymond, so there was a different dynamic to how the band sounded.  It was actually very cool to hear UFO with a rougher edge.  Not to take anything away from Raymond who generally had a much blues-oriented approach.  Both players are very special and unique in their way.

 I remember seeing the band three times last year, but this felt different.  UFO certainly wanted to give more.  They were not holding back.  It was as if on both sides of the stage everyone knew that this was it, and it felt like it too.  No chance this will turn into one of those 10 year-long farewell tours.  There was unusual vigor and determination to give the audiences the best show possible.  Phil Moog had an amazing night.  He sang beautifully, and did not have a single moment where things would go wrong.  It was perfect.  Vinnie Moore played very smoothly, often adding his flavor to already great guitar-oriented material.  He clearly enjoyed partnering with Carter, and really let it rip.  It certainly was the heaviest UFO in years.  Let’s not forget a very solid rhythm section consisting of Andy Parker and Rob De Luca.  Parker is a powerhouse on drums, and De Luca provides very solid and melodic bottom end.  Players like that are a joy to watch.

The set list mostly consisted of all UFO classics, which the majority of the Strangers in The Night live album.  There were two newer songs, Run Boy Run, and Burn Your House Down.  The biggest surprise was the inclusion of Fighting Man from album Sharks.  It was the last record with Michael Schenker, and there was no tour that followed.  It was a great spectacle of great songs, great memories, and a long and sincere goodbye.  Whatever may come next, one thing is sure, five decades of UFO was one great flight!

Mark Kadzielawa

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