Rival Sons - UK dates (Page 4 of 4)

Normally but he has a 2 hour trip. Did you go David?

They were on BBC Radio 2 at 5.30 pm today and did an amazing version of Amy Winehouse track Back to Black. Scroll down to find it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rz1xq

Was really looking forward to the gig in Preston. Got there early and was at the front of the queue. Good to see Dave and Karen Pickles there too, with both their daughters - I think he said it was his seventh show of their tour - now that's dedication!! First on were the Graveltones, a Duo from Brisbane Australia. They got off to a storming set, very like Black Keys, but different. Really enjoyed their set, despite not being able to make out the vocals. This was their last night on the tour and the guys from Rival Sons spoofed about on stage whilst they were in the middle of one of their numbers, which was quite amusing. Then came a second support, who's name I can't remember I'm afraid, they were OK, but again the vocals were just drowned in the mix. Then after what seemed like an interminable wait, with the drum kit left covered by a blanket, until the last possible second, out comes Rival Sons. Now I have "Pressure and Time" so I knew what to expect, in fact we listened to it on the way to Preston from the Wirral, great band with lead singer who can actually sing. Regrettably the sound was not good, Jay's vocals were simply inaudible (with and without ear plugs) OK, I knew he was having trouble with his voice but the mix was VERY poor. Frankly I was not impressed by a drummer who kept spinning his sticks and missed catching them, resulting in his drum tech having to go fetch them on at least four occasions and replace them on the drums for him. Jay's "stage presence" kinda got annoying after a while, which left me thinking that if he was chocolate, he's eat himself. But hey, he's a rock star, so I'll allow him that. The slower numbers were tastefully delivered, although Jay's screams didn't really add much for me I'm afraid. I was disappointed, I have to say. It was the last show of the tour, the sound was poor (in my opinion) I enjoyed the Graveltones but I would see Rival Sons again at a better venue. 7 out of 10

I was right at the front, Geoff...and I thought the sound was pretty good (especially for being very close to the PA).
The Graveltones were excellent with a huge blast of guitar just from the amp right into my teeth...nice, powerful drummer and they had the crowd on their side by the end.
Ulysses (2nd band) were dull...stick to pubs...absolutely nothing to remember from them.
I thought RS were pretty super. Drummer was a bit silly with stick throwing...gotta learn sometime (cough...off-stage?)...but a lot of fun and smiles
Jay is a Marmite front-man...you dig him...or you don't really get it...a very Glenn Hughes like figure in a performance on stage.
He blew his voice 3/4 way through...but a cup of tea and he did himself proud singing through it.

Enjoyed the Winehouse cover on R2 yesterday as well.