Diamond Head, The Fleece, Bristol 17/05/2007

boddish · Diamond Head, The Fleece, Bristol 17/05/2007

OK I have to admit it, I'm a big fan of Diamond Head, I have been since 1980, they were a band touted as being the next Led Zeppelin. They also inspired a young Lars Ulrich to start a band which became Metallica (who also covered several DH tracks).

So what went wrong? It is difficult to say, most of the problems can be directed at the record company who, failed to support the band. Also many copies of the band's 'Canterbury' album were miss pressed and this led to alienation amongst the fly by night fans.

After a gap of 6 years the band did some gigs as 'dead reckoning' and realized that there was a market for Diamond Head and did a tour of the UK where they played classic and new material. The new tracks became 'death and progress' which featured guest slots by Tony Iommi and Dave Mustane and was a good solid album. Sadly, the momentum of the re-formation fizzled out and the live support for Metallica at Milton Keynes and a follow up live album were not enough to keep the band together.

Jump forward to 2001 and another attempt to reform, initially with Sean Harris, the original vocalist, then with new vocalist Nick Tart. The band again seemed reinvigorated and a new album was released through the website.

The changes in personnel led to suspicion amongst the fans and with only limited touring, and availability of the new CD it was difficult to know if the new line up could cut it with them.

So it was that I turned up at the first gig the band had done in Bristol in 16 years not knowing quite what to expect. First off, the inclusion of a second guitarist was quite a surprise, sure, in the old days, Sean used to play a bit of guitar live on some songs, but to have the extra bite during all the tracks was a revelation. Brian still had his white 'flying V' guitar and played that of some of the tracks and showed he had not lost any of his skill. Karl Wilcox played drums like a man possesed and Eddie (chaos) Moohan bullied his bass into a frenzy of sound. Abs, the second guitarist seemed content to stay at the back of the stage but when he did solo, showed he was every bit worthy of his place in the band as any past member and the combination of him and Brian made the sound heavier and more crunchy and altogether more satisfying.

So to the Vocalist, Nick Tart. When someone joins a band known for one particular front man, particularly one such as Sean Harris, it can be hugely difficult to fill those boots. So when the first track started, a number called 'mine all mine' from the album 'all will be revealed' There was a lot of expectation, the new song sounded great and the vocals were strong and Nick had passed the first two tests. But how would he be with the older stuff that the fans had grown up with for more than 25 years? Well if there had been any doubts, they were blown away within a few bars of 'lightning to the nations.' The room exploded into life and any thoughts that this might be a let down were crushed, chewed up and spat out with a vengance.

The classic anthems kept coming, 'reckless' 'helpless' 'sucking my love' 'the prince' and 'am I evil' all sounded alive and even contemporary. The new tracks from the as yet unreleased albun left the fans hungry and if there had been pre-order forms, then many would have been sold tonight.

There were only two small down sides to tonight's gig, firstly it was too short, the fans could have listened to them play for hours, but that is the same with any great band. and secondly, at no point were each of the band introduced to the audience, I know this is a small thing, but it is nice to put names to faces who have just entertained you so well and it would have put a seal on the whole evening. After all, this is the mighty Diamond Head and it is as good (if not better) now than ever before.

If you get a chance to see the band live, jump at it, sell your granny if you have to, but get there and get the albums too!

sleeper

Sounds good. I'm going to see them at Rushden, so only 5 days to go!!! Very Happy

Lloydie Lloyd · Welcome to the forums!

Hey welcome to the forums buddy and great review there.

I saw another review on and Italian site for the DH show in Padova, when I get 5 mins I'll translate it up for you guys.

P.S. It's Sunday today so lets hope Rich will post tomorrow and let us know how he got on at the Saxon show...

P.P.S. Sleeper you got the new Deth album yet? Very Happy

sleeper · Re: Welcome to the forums!

Diamond Head, The Fleece, Bristol 17/05/2007

Welcome to the forums!

Re: Welcome to the forums!