Page 50 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 103

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SKID ROW / THE QUIREBOYS / CRASHDIET / MATT MITCHELL & THE COLDHEARTS – BIRMINGHAM THE
MILL, 08.12.19
2019 saw the release of the 30th anniversary edition of Skid Row’s too soon, it’s ‘7 O’ Clock’ – the band’s final song, which wraps the set up
self-titled album. It’s an album that stands the test of time – and a reason with a fine party sing-along.
that Skid Row are still selling out shows. One of our first thoughts when Skid Row head on stage and dive into
On this tour, Matt Mitchell & The Coldhearts open the Birmingham ‘Makin’ A Mess’ is that frontman ZP Theart’s vocals are too quiet. They’re
show. Ex-Furyon frontman Matt has a soulful rock voice with songs such quite hard to hear and don’t quite make the opening song as powerful as
as ‘Black Diamonds’ possessing a smooth, classic rock groove. It’s a great it should be. That said, core members Scotti Hill, Rachel Bolan and Dave
start to the night, with Matt and his band weaving their way into the grow- ‘Snake’ Sabo are strong and sturdy on their instruments. Scotti, in partic-
ing audience’s hearts with his honest, feel-good songwriting. ular, is home to some killer guitar playing and some weird and wonderful
Crashdiet from Sweden bring the sleaze – and are equally well re- facial expressions too. Through songs such as ‘Big Guns’ and ‘Piece Of
ceived. Their level of energy is high and they dispel the myth that Me’, Rob Hammersmith controls the rampant beat at the back of the
glam/sleaze is more about how a band looks than how they sound, as the stage. It’s the ballads such as ’18 And Life’ and ‘I Remember You’ in which
members are all proficient at their instruments. But then, Sweden is home Skid Row really soar – with ZP’s vocals by now more audible and impress-
to some of the best rock bands around, including Hardcore Superstar, ing. He hits every note, proving why he won the position as vocalist in the
Backyard Babies and more, so it’s no wonder they’re as good as they are. band. Rachel Bolan takes over lead vocals for The Ramones’ ‘Psycho
There’s something in the water there. ‘Rust’, ‘Tikket’ and more are full of Therapy’, while ‘Monkey Business’ and ‘Riot Act’ keep the adrenaline and
zeal and played with passion. While frontman Gabriel Keyes only joined pace high. Spike from The Quireboys comes out for a drinking competition
the band in 2017, Crashdiet have been a band since 2000. Despite their with Snake Sabo. With Snake downing the Guinness first, Spike says he
20-year history and experience, they still sound new and refreshing. let Snake win. The set ends 20 minutes after curfew with ‘Youth Gone
We’re more used to seeing The Quireboys headline, so their set Wild’. With the venue completely rammed from the balcony to the floor on
tonight, as a support, is quite short and sweet. They pack their stage time a Sunday night, there’s definitely still a big demand for these guys. Let’s
with hits, kicking off with their 1990 hit single ‘Hey You’, while ‘There She hope they return again soon.
Goes Again’ continues to celebrate the band’s long-time success. Not YYYYY
being ones to rest on their laurels, the harmonica and keyboard-fueled SBV
rock ‘n’ rollers include the single and opening number from their latest re-
lease, ‘Amazing Disgrace’, good-time tune ‘Original Black Eyed Son’. All Skid Row (ZP Theart & Rachel Bolan) Photo By Shari Black Velvet

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