In the last year I have been to see gigs by AC/DC (Hampden Park, Glasgow), Saxon, Delirious, UFO (all at the HMV Picture House, Edinburgh) and most recently the MIGHTY KISS (Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle). None of these bands would be referred to as anything other than Veterans, and yet only Angus Young and his merry men have had any sort of support from the press (and only after the massive sales of the new album).
Why? What is it about these bands that make the media ignore them? Rock music is currently one of the biggest grossing live scenes and yet most mainstream radio and print media simply pretends it doesnt exist – and when they do the mock at the fans, bands and the music in general. Even rock magazines like Kerrang, Q and Mojo are focused on the youth and new fashions.
It seems that what is real at work here is ageism – all of the bands I’ve seen are lead and made up of musicians well into middle age. And you could add Paul Rodgers & Bad Company, Motorhead, Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd…all vets, all playing at the highest level, all drawing packed crowds, and many producing some of their best NEW music in decades. And all roundly and regularly ignored – Paul Rodgers is the one exception to this, but then he had the fortune to join what’s left of Queen, and we all know that they are one of the few bands media seem to be unable to ignore (like U2, Muse or Radiohead). Check your local gig guide listing and its packed with rock tribute bands, new rock bands, spoof rock/metal/glam bands or the reformation of the latest ’80′s NWOBHM (go and look it up!) band….I mean Tysondog, anyone?
Only Classic Rock magazine has supported veteran bands to the hilt, and still finds time to sponsor new band tours, set up a record label for new bands and provide free online samples of music of all rock genres as well as free cd’s every month. It gives the musicians, music and fans respect – not mindless, empty headed, pack following sycophancy – whilst still providing honest assessment of the music old and new! What’s so hard about that?
Which brings me to Kiss.
Kiss are not one of my favourite bands. I dont own any albums (except the brand new one – which is most excellent) and had forgotten that I’d actually seen them back in the 80′s at the Newcastle City Hall, in their unmasked days. Yet I really looked forward to their show this time round as perhaps the last chance on seeing them live.
What a show! Despite both Simmons and Stanley being in their 5th Decade, they gave as good as most bands half their age. Despite a less than capacity crowd, the band entertained their lycra off, with blood splattering, fire breathing, flying vocalists, risers, bazookas, rocket firing guitars, explosions, and all to the groove of a four man rock machine, with fantastic harmonies….and great, I mean GREAT songs. With a closing trio of Love Gun, Black Diamond and Detroit Rock City and then a 5 song encore, including Lick It Up, I Was Made For Loving You, Rock N Roll All Nite and an awesome, awesome, awesome God Gave Rock n Roll To You…….2 hours of over the top entertainment, with a smile and ringing ears!
See them before they finally retire! AND subscribe to Classic Rock magazine!
