Hollywood Vampires, The Darkness, The Damned. Live at The Genting Arena Birmngham Review (16/6/18)

Despite having never received the same universal critical acclaim as The Sex Pistols or The Clash,  40 years later The Damned have evolved into being one of the UK's best and most reliable rock' n roll bands. Over time the rough edges of their punk rock roots have been worn away as the years have made them sound tighter and slicker. Their musicianship and showmanship in 2018 is fantastic if a bit lost on a seated arena crowd. Dave Vanian seemed pretty aware of this, introducing 'Eloise' by saying "you might know this one... and it's a cover". For me though, the best part was hearing punk rock classics 'New Rose' and 'Smash it up', even if the latter had a strangely long, and subdued instrumental piece to open with that seemed at odds with the song itself. (7.6/10)
Love them or hate them, back in the early 00's the world needed The Darkness (we still do). This was a special occasion for me as despite being a fan since I was about 12 this was my first time seeing them. Time and cocaine may have aged The Darkness, but Frankie Paulain still rocks an afro, Dan Hawkins can still shred and Justin Hawkins still has an incredible singing range and the ability to fit into a catsuit, although on this occasion he couldn't pull off his signature backwards jump off the drum kit without a stumble. Opening with 'Solid Gold' and a double hit whammy of 'Growing on Me' and 'Love is Only a Feeling'. Yet it's the recent 'Japanese Prisoner of Love' that proved that when The Darkness put their heads down and gimmicks aside they're still a brilliant, kick ass rock 'n roll band. The only other stumble was Justin's mostly funny but at times embarrassing and slightly sexist stage banter, and the attempt to get the crowd to sing along to 'Get Your Hands of my Woman' which fell a bit flat. (8.8)
Seeing The Hollywood Vampires live was a no brainer. A super-group of two rock legends and an a list celebrity playing 90 minutes of covers, backed by two world class supports for only £50. yes please! The Hollywood Vampires may be a glorified covers band but they deserve the glory. Essentially a tribute to rock's golden years and the many members of the original Hollywood Vampires drinking club. Alice Cooper is still one of rock 'n rolls greatest showmen. Not being decapitated this time but still leading the band with all the class and attitude that you'd expect. Joe Perry showed off his incredible guitar skills throughout and his vocals on the thankfully only Aerosmith song 'Sweet Emotion'. Recent scandals aside Johnny Depp is still a star and despite mostly playing rhythm guitar, fits into The Hollywood Vampires like a glove. Johnny wrote The Hollywood Vampires original songs, which are all tributes to those who lived fast and recklessly. He also had the privilege of singing David Bowie's 'Heroes' to a backdrop of several much missed icons, a special moment only slightly dampened by Johnny's average singing ability. The Bowie tribute continued with a surprise special appearance from Mott the Hoople's Ian Hunter, for 'All the Young Dudes'. Yet the most missed icon of all is clearly Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister, going by the cheers for his image and cover of 'Ace of Spades'. Thankfully we still have left the legend that is Alice Cooper. Who performed 'I'm Eighteen' with more conviction than should be expected from a man in his 70's and an encore of 'schools out' which was ingeniously mashed up with Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall Pt 2". After 90 minutes, an encore where each band member was named an extended drum solo and too many other great bits to mention The Hollywood Vampires earned the first ever Beat Town Blog  10/10