Most of the audience would not have seen this feel-good film on a big screen since 1978, so it was good to cast our worries – and inhibitions – aside and take a step back in time to when we were growing up and the charts were full of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.
Inhibitions? Well, yes. For as soon as we walk through the door we're handed an innocuous brown paper bag packed with goodies to make the screening a little more, how shall we say... interactive.
White tissues to dab our eyes for Hopelessly Devoted To You, a blue balloon to wave for Blue Moon, pretzels for the Sandy and Danny's first date, a flag to wave the T-Birds and the Scorpions off on their road race and a party popper to salute the finale.
You also had to use the bag at one point – but I'll keep that particular activity secret between me, the rest of the audience and Frankie Avalon.
It was good to see people of all ages pack the Concert Hall for this sing-along version of the movie, with words to the songs (should you need any help!) bouncing along at the bottom of the screen.
On a night when the demographic might just coincide with an international singing competition on the telly, we were all very pleased we made the effort for the real thing and the caterwauling for Grease was probably marginally better than what was being dished up for Eurovision.
We were treated to a compere and a fancy dress competition before the start.
There were many, many pink ladies in Nottingham and everyone did themselves proud on a retro evening out.
Giggles galore and a night to remember. After all, Grease IS the word.
Monday, May 20
Monday, May 6
Reginald D Hunter, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
If ever there was an entertainment name in the news this week (aside from those being arrested), that name was Reginald D Hunter.
The black American comic's TV persona is a cuddly bear of a man, sometimes unlucky in love.
Last week the Professional Footballers' Association got to grips with his persona away from the sanitised world of pre-watershed television – and afterwards told the world they didn't like it. You can take your pick of who to believe about any ground rules on language and subject matter of that awards night set.
Reg spent the first section of his show in Nottingham setting the record straight. He's relaxed about the affair, saying that no-one from the PFA has actually been in touch since, and that the sensitive language under scrutiny is the language of his life, his work and his thoughts.
Perhaps an intelligent, astute and thoughtful comic was too much for the footballers and their WAGS. He certainly went down well in Nottingham, where Reg invited us to look at our own lives and attitudes in between the laughs.
Moving from the PFA “lies” to his view of the Pistoruis whodunnit and his “bionic spatulas”, he wondered whether women think with their emotions or their intellect. He spoke of the Philpotts and their 17 children and contrasted violence against women with what some believe is an “acceptable” violence within the pages of recent hit romantic novels (you know the ones).
Reg believes Jimmy Savile and Margaret Thatcher both “won”, and asks “If you were offered a pill that meant the worst thing you ever did wasn't found out until ten years after you died, would you take it?”
More thoughtful and less vulgar than the last time he visited Nottingham, this confessional set was perhaps very welcome therapy for comedian and audience alike.
The black American comic's TV persona is a cuddly bear of a man, sometimes unlucky in love.
Last week the Professional Footballers' Association got to grips with his persona away from the sanitised world of pre-watershed television – and afterwards told the world they didn't like it. You can take your pick of who to believe about any ground rules on language and subject matter of that awards night set.
Reg spent the first section of his show in Nottingham setting the record straight. He's relaxed about the affair, saying that no-one from the PFA has actually been in touch since, and that the sensitive language under scrutiny is the language of his life, his work and his thoughts.
Perhaps an intelligent, astute and thoughtful comic was too much for the footballers and their WAGS. He certainly went down well in Nottingham, where Reg invited us to look at our own lives and attitudes in between the laughs.
Moving from the PFA “lies” to his view of the Pistoruis whodunnit and his “bionic spatulas”, he wondered whether women think with their emotions or their intellect. He spoke of the Philpotts and their 17 children and contrasted violence against women with what some believe is an “acceptable” violence within the pages of recent hit romantic novels (you know the ones).
Reg believes Jimmy Savile and Margaret Thatcher both “won”, and asks “If you were offered a pill that meant the worst thing you ever did wasn't found out until ten years after you died, would you take it?”
More thoughtful and less vulgar than the last time he visited Nottingham, this confessional set was perhaps very welcome therapy for comedian and audience alike.
Tuesday, April 23
The Best of McFly, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
They're a little bit older than when we last saw them and despite
numerous commitments away from the band, McFly still know how to throw a
great party!
Fresh from running the London Marathon in an impressive 3h 31 the day before, drummer Harry Judd (who also lifted the Strictly Come Dancing trophy in 2011) and the boys hosted a show that actually lived up to its billing as The Best of McFly.
Leaping about the stage like loons they were as full of energy as they were in the early days, which, to be fair, is now a whopping ten years ago! But with hits like Five Colours in Her Hair sparking a crackle through the crowd there was no danger of anything less.
Right from the off, with a beautiful vocal rendition of That Girl, Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry held the young audience in the palm of their hand.
It's an energetic greatest hits tour to promote their latest album, Memory Lane, which features a taste of unreleased material the band particularly like, alongside their early hits Obviously, All About You, One For The Radio and Party Girl.
Whether you think they're pop-punk or a 21st Century Monkees, the audience adored them, feasting on their energy to rock the auditorium. Aside from the core teenage clientele, there was a smattering of middle aged fans too – and of course, the mums who needed little persuading to get out to enjoy the music, the banter and the bouncing in the stalls.
Away from the recording studio these savvy lads – two of whom had auditioned for Busted before settling on McFly – have been busy. Harry also took part in the Olympic Torch Relay Run, while Dougie Poynter was named King of the Jungle in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
But this is now – and the tour everyone has been waiting for, bringing the excitement of tracks from five albums and seven UK No.1 singles and racks up the anticipation of a new album for this summer.
The biggest cheers was reserved for the last three numbers of the evening.
Their biggest hit Love is Easy featured with Comic Relief single All About You in a strong encore, which slowed things down a little after over 100 minutes of music with The Heart Never Lies to close.
The Vamps, as support, did a grand job warming up the Concert Hall and we'll be hearing more from them as they've just signed to EMI.
Fresh from running the London Marathon in an impressive 3h 31 the day before, drummer Harry Judd (who also lifted the Strictly Come Dancing trophy in 2011) and the boys hosted a show that actually lived up to its billing as The Best of McFly.
Leaping about the stage like loons they were as full of energy as they were in the early days, which, to be fair, is now a whopping ten years ago! But with hits like Five Colours in Her Hair sparking a crackle through the crowd there was no danger of anything less.
Right from the off, with a beautiful vocal rendition of That Girl, Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry held the young audience in the palm of their hand.
It's an energetic greatest hits tour to promote their latest album, Memory Lane, which features a taste of unreleased material the band particularly like, alongside their early hits Obviously, All About You, One For The Radio and Party Girl.
Whether you think they're pop-punk or a 21st Century Monkees, the audience adored them, feasting on their energy to rock the auditorium. Aside from the core teenage clientele, there was a smattering of middle aged fans too – and of course, the mums who needed little persuading to get out to enjoy the music, the banter and the bouncing in the stalls.
Away from the recording studio these savvy lads – two of whom had auditioned for Busted before settling on McFly – have been busy. Harry also took part in the Olympic Torch Relay Run, while Dougie Poynter was named King of the Jungle in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
But this is now – and the tour everyone has been waiting for, bringing the excitement of tracks from five albums and seven UK No.1 singles and racks up the anticipation of a new album for this summer.
The biggest cheers was reserved for the last three numbers of the evening.
Their biggest hit Love is Easy featured with Comic Relief single All About You in a strong encore, which slowed things down a little after over 100 minutes of music with The Heart Never Lies to close.
The Vamps, as support, did a grand job warming up the Concert Hall and we'll be hearing more from them as they've just signed to EMI.
Wednesday, April 17
Blood Brothers at Nottingham Theatre Royal
It was my
first time, I admit it. And I was unprepared for the power of a story which left
us all in danger of leaving the theatre as emotional wrecks.
And not
just me. By the end of the final number, a thundering reprise of Tell Me It's
Not True, Maureen Nolan needed three curtain calls before the tears were finally
wiped from her eyes.
If you've
ever been touched by tales of Peter Pan, Two Little Boys or even Puff The Magic
Dragon, you'll know how important it is to enjoy your childhood and resist
growing up for as long as you can.
In this
musical, separated-at-birth twins Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Mark
Hutchinson) somehow keep bumping into each other without knowing their true
identities – and become firm friends from school through to adulthood and all of
the challenges that brings.
Embracing
the Prince and The Pauper theme, one of these lads ends up having it all, while
the other has nothing and manages to lose even that.
Maureen (as
their mother, Mrs Johnstone), and the narrator Warwick Evans, kept the tempo and
the story ticking along at pace, so that even though we didn't leave the theatre
until after 10.30pm, the show never felt like a long haul. Warwick's ability as
a performance poet, passing vital elements of the narrative as the spoken word
blended neatly with his musical skill, helping every life event for the cast
move seamlessly from one to the next.
The love
interest for Mickey – and then Eddie – came in the perfect shape of Olivia
Sloyan as Linda. She had each milestone off to a tee, and we particularly
enjoyed her part in the schoolday pastiches, the moments when she tries to woo
Mickey, and her powerful performances later on, dealing with ex-con Mickey, by
then her husband, who's struggling to live a family life while up to his
eyeballs in anti-depressants.
So there,
in a nutshell, is the plot. Of course no man could fail to notice Linda, and
when Eddie is drawn to her as he tries to help get her and Mickey's lives back
on track, tragedy strikes.
This is a
full-scale modern musical celebrating its 28th anniversary, which
still stands aside from many of the traditional theatre-fillers. Catchy reprises
of Marilyn Monroe, Shoes Upon the Table and Tell Me It's Not True ensure the
inevitable standing ovation.
Monday, March 18
Andy Parsons, Nottingham Playhouse
Andy Parsons spends a lot of his life frustrated – good news for those who enjoy hearing him vent his spleen.
You learn a lot about someone in a two-hour set, with the (surprisingly mature) audience enjoying every minute.
Aside from feeling frustrated, Andy's clearly very lazy. He told us so. I suspect, though, that he spends time in that shed carefully crafting gags and stories. They're constructed so that, whoever the target, we don't really get to feel he's having a go.
He'll slate the bankers, the Government and others with considerable venom but his incredulous tone means that he can make his point without being nasty.
The "laugh out loud" count is high as he tackles Andrew Mitchell's "Plebgate", the horse meat scandal and what Nick Clegg's police guard must have been thinking to allow an unpleasant package to be posted through the door.
You learn a lot about someone in a two-hour set, with the (surprisingly mature) audience enjoying every minute.
Aside from feeling frustrated, Andy's clearly very lazy. He told us so. I suspect, though, that he spends time in that shed carefully crafting gags and stories. They're constructed so that, whoever the target, we don't really get to feel he's having a go.
He'll slate the bankers, the Government and others with considerable venom but his incredulous tone means that he can make his point without being nasty.
The "laugh out loud" count is high as he tackles Andrew Mitchell's "Plebgate", the horse meat scandal and what Nick Clegg's police guard must have been thinking to allow an unpleasant package to be posted through the door.
Monday, February 25
Blofeld and Baxter, Nottingham Playhouse
Well, my dear old thing. If you're after one outrageous story after another, then this is an event to appeal.
It's always interesting listening to old raconteurs reliving their finest hour... and other people's too.
But what, more than anything else, made it a choice evening was the eloquence and mellow tones of Test Match Special commentator Henry Blofeld who, if a little muddled with his words now and again, has still seen more than enough to fill an evening chatting on stage with his old radio producer Peter Baxter.
An Ashes Test venue twice in the next few years, Trent Bridge came in for high praise, as did local hero Derek Randall.
Surprisingly, it was an audience filled not with chaps, but mainly chaps with their chap-esses, making it a lovely event from start to finish.
If you've never heard the tale about that quaint church on the hill looking out towards West Bridgford, then (yes, it's not a church, is it...) you'd have roared with laughter at Blowers' recollection of his commentary when he saw a plume of smoke from the "churchyard" and surmised that the vicar was having a barbecue for his parishioners.
Of course, the knowledgeable audience second- guessed the punchline, made on air "in all innocence", according to the broadcaster.
We remembered CMJ, Jonners and John Arlott – all now sadly departed – discovered what a Boycott curry is, travelled the world's top cricket grounds and learned the truth about "The bowler's Holding, the batsman's Willey". Howzat?
It's always interesting listening to old raconteurs reliving their finest hour... and other people's too.
But what, more than anything else, made it a choice evening was the eloquence and mellow tones of Test Match Special commentator Henry Blofeld who, if a little muddled with his words now and again, has still seen more than enough to fill an evening chatting on stage with his old radio producer Peter Baxter.
An Ashes Test venue twice in the next few years, Trent Bridge came in for high praise, as did local hero Derek Randall.
Surprisingly, it was an audience filled not with chaps, but mainly chaps with their chap-esses, making it a lovely event from start to finish.
If you've never heard the tale about that quaint church on the hill looking out towards West Bridgford, then (yes, it's not a church, is it...) you'd have roared with laughter at Blowers' recollection of his commentary when he saw a plume of smoke from the "churchyard" and surmised that the vicar was having a barbecue for his parishioners.
Of course, the knowledgeable audience second- guessed the punchline, made on air "in all innocence", according to the broadcaster.
We remembered CMJ, Jonners and John Arlott – all now sadly departed – discovered what a Boycott curry is, travelled the world's top cricket grounds and learned the truth about "The bowler's Holding, the batsman's Willey". Howzat?
Friday, February 8
Strictly Come Dancing Live, Capital FM Arena
It really was a truly A-MAZ-ING show.
And it was refreshing to, at last, see all of the dancers, celebrities and pros from Strictly Come Dancing in the flesh after a winter of building anticipation.
The judges, who are also the stars of this glitter-ball of a show, were Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and the show director Craig Revel Horwood.
All lived up to their billing – even if we were denied the famous "Seven" cry from good old Uncle Len.
This was the first of three shows at the Capital FM Arena and they weren't afraid of dishing out a good hiding with their scores, despite it being a glitzy gala night for the celebrities and their partners.
For the record, we were treated to Artem Chigvintsev dancing with Fern Britton, James Jordan with Denise Van Outen, Karen Hauer dancing with Phil Tufnell (who first competed in 2009), Natalie Lowe and Michael Vaughan, Ola Jordan with Louis Smith, Robin Windsor dancing with Lisa Riley and Pasha Kovalev with Dani Harmer – so a couple of changes from the TV partnerships to digest. It'll be an open secret who won – and there was really only one contender.
Gymnast Louis, although joint second on the judges' scorecards, came out on top in the final shake-up.
Although the judges were inevitably scripted for large chunks of the night (something that presumably can't be avoided on a show that's running almost every day in one part of the country or another) there were plenty of histrionics and a pantomime atmosphere with cheering, booing balanced with applause and admiration for the talent on show.
The biggest cheer was reserved for Olympic hero Louis, who won this season's TV show, and for Denise, whose signature Charleston was simply amazing.
Fern hoped to raise her score – and a few pulses – by stripping Artem's top half, while cricketer Phil played it for laughs trailing what looked like toilet paper out of his trouser leg!
The format was for each couple to dance a ballroom and a Latin number, punctuated by some stupendous routines from the professionals.
Kate Thornton, who was an able MC for the night, celebrated her special birthday with the crowd wishing her well in traditional style with a rousing chorus to kick-start the fun.
The evening closed with the ensemble – including judges – hitting the dance floor and those within touching distance had to hold themselves back as Bruno got carried away enough to swing his shirt around his head!
But everyone was close to the action here in Nottingham for a truly FAB-U-LOUS show (... that's one word, three syllables, begins with 'F').
And it was refreshing to, at last, see all of the dancers, celebrities and pros from Strictly Come Dancing in the flesh after a winter of building anticipation.
The judges, who are also the stars of this glitter-ball of a show, were Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and the show director Craig Revel Horwood.
All lived up to their billing – even if we were denied the famous "Seven" cry from good old Uncle Len.
This was the first of three shows at the Capital FM Arena and they weren't afraid of dishing out a good hiding with their scores, despite it being a glitzy gala night for the celebrities and their partners.
For the record, we were treated to Artem Chigvintsev dancing with Fern Britton, James Jordan with Denise Van Outen, Karen Hauer dancing with Phil Tufnell (who first competed in 2009), Natalie Lowe and Michael Vaughan, Ola Jordan with Louis Smith, Robin Windsor dancing with Lisa Riley and Pasha Kovalev with Dani Harmer – so a couple of changes from the TV partnerships to digest. It'll be an open secret who won – and there was really only one contender.
Gymnast Louis, although joint second on the judges' scorecards, came out on top in the final shake-up.
Although the judges were inevitably scripted for large chunks of the night (something that presumably can't be avoided on a show that's running almost every day in one part of the country or another) there were plenty of histrionics and a pantomime atmosphere with cheering, booing balanced with applause and admiration for the talent on show.
The biggest cheer was reserved for Olympic hero Louis, who won this season's TV show, and for Denise, whose signature Charleston was simply amazing.
Fern hoped to raise her score – and a few pulses – by stripping Artem's top half, while cricketer Phil played it for laughs trailing what looked like toilet paper out of his trouser leg!
The format was for each couple to dance a ballroom and a Latin number, punctuated by some stupendous routines from the professionals.
Kate Thornton, who was an able MC for the night, celebrated her special birthday with the crowd wishing her well in traditional style with a rousing chorus to kick-start the fun.
The evening closed with the ensemble – including judges – hitting the dance floor and those within touching distance had to hold themselves back as Bruno got carried away enough to swing his shirt around his head!
But everyone was close to the action here in Nottingham for a truly FAB-U-LOUS show (... that's one word, three syllables, begins with 'F').
Monday, February 4
Madagascar Live, Capital FM Arena
If there was ever a show that was all-singing and all-dancing, then Madagascar Live fits the bill perfectly!
An energised audience also managed to let off their steam by dancing in the aisles at the end of a perfectly balanced show at the Arena.
Encouraged by the lively cast, we needed little encouragement to get on up and "move it, move it" to one of the animated film's catchiest tunes.
Dazzling costumes and amazing sets took the production way above the usual fare for children's stage-show entertainment.
And having a familiar story worked to the show's advantage as it retold the tale of the group of New York zoo animals who seek a little adventure on the other side of the bars.
The action-packed musical follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo on their unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar.
The crack-a-lackin' adventure slows a little at times but then so does the blockbuster DreamWorks Animation movie.
Fortunately, there are some nicely-worked set-pieces to keep us hooked, especially the cheeky, plotting penguins and a pink-haired love-starved newscaster.
Both leave the stage for a little interplay with individual members of the audience, bringing their characters to life up-close and personal.
The dance numbers are well choreographed and it's a relief to hear real singing.
With no voice track or miming, it's a pleasure to appreciate the talent of the "animals" performing in front of us. They're clearly enjoying themselves, which is infectious in the amphitheatre created by using just half of the Arena.
We're treated to 25 characters in all – which is no mean feat in a touring production where everyone has to squeeze themselves into costumes that really do reflect the characterisation of the animals they play. Neat stage tricks help transport us from zoo to the subways of New York, then on board ship and into the jungles of Madagascar.
The show-stopping numbers come right at the end and it's something of an abrupt stop when the story finally draws to a close.
But wait... maybe the show doesn't stop there for the youngsters: You know it's worked out well when you spot kids of all ages singing the best-known songs on the way out!
An energised audience also managed to let off their steam by dancing in the aisles at the end of a perfectly balanced show at the Arena.
Encouraged by the lively cast, we needed little encouragement to get on up and "move it, move it" to one of the animated film's catchiest tunes.
Dazzling costumes and amazing sets took the production way above the usual fare for children's stage-show entertainment.
And having a familiar story worked to the show's advantage as it retold the tale of the group of New York zoo animals who seek a little adventure on the other side of the bars.
The action-packed musical follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo on their unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar.
The crack-a-lackin' adventure slows a little at times but then so does the blockbuster DreamWorks Animation movie.
Fortunately, there are some nicely-worked set-pieces to keep us hooked, especially the cheeky, plotting penguins and a pink-haired love-starved newscaster.
Both leave the stage for a little interplay with individual members of the audience, bringing their characters to life up-close and personal.
The dance numbers are well choreographed and it's a relief to hear real singing.
With no voice track or miming, it's a pleasure to appreciate the talent of the "animals" performing in front of us. They're clearly enjoying themselves, which is infectious in the amphitheatre created by using just half of the Arena.
We're treated to 25 characters in all – which is no mean feat in a touring production where everyone has to squeeze themselves into costumes that really do reflect the characterisation of the animals they play. Neat stage tricks help transport us from zoo to the subways of New York, then on board ship and into the jungles of Madagascar.
The show-stopping numbers come right at the end and it's something of an abrupt stop when the story finally draws to a close.
But wait... maybe the show doesn't stop there for the youngsters: You know it's worked out well when you spot kids of all ages singing the best-known songs on the way out!
Monday, December 17
QuoFestive, Royal Concert Hall
Try as you might, there's no escaping the infectious sound of this festive offering by some very energetic old-timers.
It was clear from the start this was going to be a night for foot-tapping, boogie in the aisles and plenty of audience participation.
Quo had us all hooked from the start; their lively third number, Hold You Back, had everyone bouncing about in an involuntary response to the crystal clear sound blasting from their banks of speakers.
With more than 60 hit singles to their name it was always going to be a tall order to please everyone all of the time.
But a tried and tested formula saw fit to bring the best of the best out for this pre-Christmas bonanza.
Rock staples such as Caroline, Whatever You Want and Rockin' All Over the World were mixed with some more bluesy offerings including Creepin Up On You.
We enjoyed the 80s sounds of Marguerita Time and In the Army Now. And to top off the performance there was a welcome Christmas medley including Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and It's Christmas Time.
Quo may not be the long-haired rockers they used to be. But with their shorn locks they're closer to resembling their audience than perhaps they ever were.
It's always a pleasure to see their posturing and classic stance on stage – even if it is reminiscent of that famous Two Ronnies sketch.
What DO Rossi and Parfitt find to chat about in the middle of each number?
Whether it's choreographed, or extravagant jamming, seeing them clearly enjoying themselves on the Nottingham stage again still sends a shiver down the spine.
Quofestive is part of their frantic seasonal schedule and in Nottingham they were supported by rock and blues performers Bad Influence.
It was clear from the start this was going to be a night for foot-tapping, boogie in the aisles and plenty of audience participation.
Quo had us all hooked from the start; their lively third number, Hold You Back, had everyone bouncing about in an involuntary response to the crystal clear sound blasting from their banks of speakers.
With more than 60 hit singles to their name it was always going to be a tall order to please everyone all of the time.
But a tried and tested formula saw fit to bring the best of the best out for this pre-Christmas bonanza.
Rock staples such as Caroline, Whatever You Want and Rockin' All Over the World were mixed with some more bluesy offerings including Creepin Up On You.
We enjoyed the 80s sounds of Marguerita Time and In the Army Now. And to top off the performance there was a welcome Christmas medley including Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and It's Christmas Time.
Quo may not be the long-haired rockers they used to be. But with their shorn locks they're closer to resembling their audience than perhaps they ever were.
It's always a pleasure to see their posturing and classic stance on stage – even if it is reminiscent of that famous Two Ronnies sketch.
What DO Rossi and Parfitt find to chat about in the middle of each number?
Whether it's choreographed, or extravagant jamming, seeing them clearly enjoying themselves on the Nottingham stage again still sends a shiver down the spine.
Quofestive is part of their frantic seasonal schedule and in Nottingham they were supported by rock and blues performers Bad Influence.
Monday, October 1
W.A.S.P. - Rock City
With some 30 years of talent in the bank this was always going to be a monster of a gig.
A lively set and an enthusiastic crowd at Rock City were the perfect ingredients for a blast in Nottingham as part of the 30 Years of Thunder tour.
Bringing the very best from their past, music from the current album (even if it's now almost three years old) and a taste of things to come, these four accomplished musicians ruled the stage for two full hours.
Classics including I Wanna Be Somebody, Chainsaw Charlie and Blind in Texas reminded us all to dig out he back catalogue and crank the system up to No 11.
Blackie Lawless may finally be looking his age but he's still got the voice and musicianship to lead his troops through classics sounds and more.
A Crimson Idol medley was well-placed in the middle of the set, while the appearance of Blackie's moving mic stand is always a pleasure!
A superb stage show with video backdrops made the event a real occasion, despite the 10pm curfew which led to a rather sudden end after the more than welcome encores.
There was still time for a crashing drum solo from Mike Dupke while Doug Blair on lead guitar showed us of why live music is best. Mike Duda on bass completed the line-up.
A lively set and an enthusiastic crowd at Rock City were the perfect ingredients for a blast in Nottingham as part of the 30 Years of Thunder tour.
Bringing the very best from their past, music from the current album (even if it's now almost three years old) and a taste of things to come, these four accomplished musicians ruled the stage for two full hours.
Classics including I Wanna Be Somebody, Chainsaw Charlie and Blind in Texas reminded us all to dig out he back catalogue and crank the system up to No 11.
Blackie Lawless may finally be looking his age but he's still got the voice and musicianship to lead his troops through classics sounds and more.
A Crimson Idol medley was well-placed in the middle of the set, while the appearance of Blackie's moving mic stand is always a pleasure!
A superb stage show with video backdrops made the event a real occasion, despite the 10pm curfew which led to a rather sudden end after the more than welcome encores.
There was still time for a crashing drum solo from Mike Dupke while Doug Blair on lead guitar showed us of why live music is best. Mike Duda on bass completed the line-up.
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