REVIEWSLive

BETH HART O2 CITY HALL, NEWCASTLE

It goes without saying that the international touring circuit has been a challenging environment in recent years. With both covid and logistical challenges impacting the ability for musicians to take to the road. So much so, that the patrons at Beth Hart’s recent Newcastle concert had a hold of their tickets for almost three years due to rescheduling.

However, the day finally arrived for Beth Hart to make her eagerly anticipated Tyneside return. A show that promised to be a special evening. But turned out to be even more special for Beth. Arriving on stage, the artist declared that earlier in the day herself and her husband Scott had renewed their wedding vows. Subsequently, Beth was beaming. With love in the air, she performed a wonderful solo rendition of More Than You’ll Ever Know, which concluded with a hug and a kiss from Scott himself.

By the second song of the evening, Beth ventured out into the packed auditorium as she meandered her way around the hall whilst singing the classic Delicious Mistake. A rare treat indeed so early in the evening.

Beth Hart’s last studio album was a Tribute to Led Zeppelin, and as such, it didn’t take long before the artist rocked out with a triumphant medley of When the Levee Breaks, which was segued into Dancing Days. Hart recognised that when performing such tracks in the UK, she is on hallowed ground, so to speak. Zeppelin themselves played on the very same stage back in 1972.

One factor that separates Beth Hart from the rest of her peers is the artist’s ability to transition between genres effortlessly. Whether Beth is performing hard rock, blues, jazz, or soul Hart can make the leap between musical styles with ease. That becomes apparent when shortly after the Led Zeppelin numbers, Beth switched things up with a spellbinding airing of Melody Gardot’s Your Heart Is as Black as Night.

Hart sings with so much passion and intensity throughout the show. She is perfectly happy sitting behind her piano for several numbers of the set, including Rub Me for Luck, Try A Little Harder and the astounding Bad Woman Blues.

Beth never holds back; she speaks openly and honestly throughout the show. Nothing is sacred or off bounds. But family plays a huge part, not only in the artist’s repertoire but also as a topic of conversation during the evening.

There are many highlights throughout the evening, but a showstopping rendition of My California is certainly one of those.

Beth’s versatility knows no bounds. A stripped-back acoustic segment is a testament to this. Beth and the band really take tracks like Sugar Shack, and Baby Shot Me Down back to basics and even jam them out a little.

Heading into the final stages of the main set, Hart performed a beautiful airing of Lullaby of the Leaves. Proving that there are a few artists who could cover Led Zeppelin, Melody Gardot and Ella Fitzgerald during a single set; and not only do them justice but make it work.

Beth concluded the set with her take on John Prine’s Angel from Montgomery. Perhaps one of the most beautiful songs of all time, and a track which was also performed by the legendary Bonnie Raitt. The result is a standing ovation.

A two-song encore featuring a further dose of Led Zeppelin via No Quarter and Babe I’m Gonna Leave you brought the show full circle. Whilst a rare performance of I’d Rather Go Blind was the cherry on top of a wonderful evening of music.

Those in attendance would all agree that this show may have been three years in the making, but it was certainly worth the wait.

Nocturnal Bloodlust Japan

HRH Mag’s Arta Gailuma brings us a glimpse of the formidable metal scene in Japan.

On a rainy spring evening a long queue was building up in front of Spotify O-West, located in Shibuya- western part of Tokyo known as a centre for youth fashion and culture. They were all there to see Nocturnal Bloodlust (aka Nokubura), a household name in Japan’s heavy metal scene, on the last date of “The Impulse” tour.

Born in 2009 in Tokyo the metalcore/ deathcore band is known for being super energetic, loud and playing aggressive riffs mixed with amazing melodies. Tonight, was not an exception to that. Large part of the setlist was, of course, coming from the latest album “Argos” (out on 04.05.2022) which was band’s first full length release in almost eight years and also the first with the new line-up.

Over the years Nokubura have transformed from being very visual into musically complex and are shifting with ease between genres. Not a new concept to Nocturnal Bloodlust’s compositions - the use of intro tracks is a great way to build up anticipation. The evening started with the intro track “The Devastated World” transforming into the first full composition of the album - “Red Soil”.

Lead singer Hiro in full frontman style was enthralling the crowd with his impressive set of lungs while guitarist Valtz performing some impressive acrobatics; bassist Masa and guitarist Yu-taro spinning and jumping while thrashing the guitar and Natsu hiding behind the drum kit was a real powerhouse. Hiro and Masa were chatting to fans in between the songs and the encouragement for crowd participation did not fall on deaf ears.

It has been a while since I have seen the entirety of the venue fist pumping and the whole front row of fans gripping tightly the metal railing of the barrier and headbanging in full power. Emotions run high and great atmosphere was in the air!

The main part of the set finished with Venom - a brutal piece perfect for a moshpit, coming from 2013’s “Omega”EP, but everyone already knew there will be more to come. And after awhole 10 minutes of fans screaming “Encor-e, Encor-e” the night continued with four tracks after which to everyone’s delight band came back on stage one more time and the show finished with V.I.P and A Day To Remember. A great night from start to the end!

Words and Photos by Arta Gailuma

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE O2 CITY HALL, NEWCASTLE

It’s hard to believe that Bullet For My Valentine are presently celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band. The group have been celebrating this musical milestone out on the road across Europe.

What’s more to add to the occasion the group bring with them in tow heavyweight touring counterparts by way of Atreyu and Ukranian power metalers Jinjer.

With so much to pack into the evening, an early start saw Atreyu take to the stage shortly after the doors opened. The room packed to the hilt as the US outfit got the proceedings underway. The group proved that they weren’t just there to make up the numbers with frontman Brandon Saller in the crowd by the second song of the set firing up the audience.

Songs like Drowning and a mosh pit inducing rendition of Battle Drums really hit the spot. Whilst the band teased the audience with a few bars of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. They promised if the fans would allow the band to return on their own tour, they would come back to play the full song, but only time will tell. A fierce rendition of Blow which came complete with a middle finger salute brought Atreyu’s phenomenal opening set to a close.

Sitting in the middle of the bill, Jinjer requires little introduction. The group performed a headline date at Newcastle University just adjacent to tonight’s venue shortly before the pandemic. The band’s return to Tyneside was certainly welcome.

Bedecked in a startling illuminous outfit and matching eye makeup lead vocalist Tatiana Shmailyuk had a commanding presence over the audience. The singer effortlessly switched between guttural growls and angelic clean vocals throughout the band’s performance. Jinjer’s ear shattering rhythms and melodic groove certainly struck a chord with the Newcastle audience. There was little room for on stage conversation, Jinjer preferred to let their music do the talking.

It’s been a long time since Bullet For My Valentine performed in the North East of England. You would have to look back to 2016 for the band’s latest appearance in the region. To say that the show has been eagerly anticipated is an understatement. Fans queued around the block from early in the evening to secure their spot in front of the stage.

Bullet’s latest date on Tyneside is somewhat of an intimate affair. But that didn’t stop the band from bringing with them a full arena production.

As the quartet took to the stage, they started the set ferociously with new track Knives, along with a pair of favourites from their last album Gravity by way of Over It and Piece of Me.

By the time the group reached 4 Words (to Choke Upon) a circle pit began to form in the centre of the room, as Matt Tuck and company whipped the Newcastle crowd into a frenzy.

It’s Friday night in Newcastle and the Geordies have certainly brought their singing voices. The crowd wholeheartedly sing in unison to songs like You Want a Battle? (Here’s A War) and Shatter. Whilst the band performed a track chosen by their fans on social media via Hearts Burst Into Fire. The latter slowed down proceedings momentarily, showcasing a slightly more melodic side to the band’s repertoire.

The Last Fight still sounds as fresh as it did when it was released back in 2010. A fist pumping rendition of the track was one of the many highlights of the show.

There was so much passion and intensity in the room, not only from the band but also from their fans and followers. Chants of Bullet frequently resonated loudly around the room. The quartet sunk their heart and soul into their performance throughout.

The Welsh four-piece concluded the show with Walking The Demon. On the strength of this performance, the Tyneside fans would agree that it may have been a long time since Bullet For My Valentine performed in the North East of England but it was certainly worth the wait.

TED POLEY / ROB WYLDE / KIM JENNETT ELEVEN, STOKE-ON-TRENT

American Rock legend and vocalist of glam metal group Danger Danger Ted Poley appeared at the iconic rock venue Eleven as the second from last show of his tour. With support from powerhouse Kim Jennett and Midnite City lead singer Rob Wylde this was a perfect night out for all rock lovers.

Kim Jennett opened the evening with an acoustic set packed of covers and was joined onstage with her partner and guitarist Tyler. Kim Jennett has just announced a new band that will be backing her for upcoming performances.

Throughout the set she displayed a mind-blowing vocal range covering some very bold numbers such as Alannah Myles’ Black Velvet, Heart’s Alone and even Stevie Wonder’s Superstitious – all of which were epically portrayed! Kim’s vocal climbs were sensational and even though this was an acoustic set and the opening slot, Kim made this performance totally electric, with it feeling like an arena experience from start to finish. Having seen her a few times there’s one thing I can’t deny, Kim’s talent and passion intertwine for an epically strong performance every time.

Next up was Midnite City star Rob Wylde who performed a variety of unplugged versions of Midnite City’s back catalogue. Although Rob had a dilemma backstage with his straighteners blowing up, he said that he has had “an absolute blast” supporting Poley. Wylde demonstrated a very relaxed set including a unique version of If It’s Over which Rob himself said he “doesn’t normally play acoustically”.

As well as HRH Sleaze later this year, Rob will be reuniting with Midnite City for a UK Tour in June 2023 to celebrate their upcoming album ‘Deep End’.

The time of the night we were all waiting for, Poley took to the stage with the coolest psychedelic trousers and sparkling shoes I’d ever seen, in true rockstar style. Ted’s cheeky whit certainly kept the audience in the palm of his hand to accompany his excellent renditions of some Danger Danger anthems. His team had announced on social media earlier in the day that unlike his other performances of the tour, he wouldn’t be able to do meet and greet’s after his show due to illness. However, he truly couldn’t help himself when it came to getting emerged into the audience! It went from him asking people to throw him stuff at the front of the stage to sign and throw back to them, to him saying “f*ck it – if you’re okay with me being out there, I will be out there.” – and true to his word, Ted was at the merch stand after his show taking pictures with fans, signing merchandise and talking to everyone that crossed his path – you could see the appreciation was equal on both sides! He had even said earlier in his set that this tour “wasn’t for you to come see me, it was for me to come see and thank each and every single one of you.” Ted’s fan appreciation is definitely next level and a key reason they show up. Ted also said “as long as you keep coming to the show, I’ll keep playing them!”. The shots of southern comfort in-between songs also helped raise his spirt and power through the set.

A special mention must be given to Ted’s guitarist Declan who killed it on the lead guitar runs! Interestingly enough, Ted also mentioned that he has only recently picked up a six-string himself, saying that during lockdown he thought “I’d best learn the guitar and taught the old dog a new trick!”.

Poley gave a short speech before concluding the night, saying “Thank you for making my dream come true, I’m 60 years old and I’m doing my dream job. Sing as loud as you can cause my voice is leaving the building.” With fans coming as far as New Jersey to see the show, Ted made sure it was a gig we would all remember. His final number was a cover of Def Leppard’s Hysteria whilst walking through the audience and fist-bumping each and every one of us.

A natural born frontman with buckets of character – an absolute must see!

As mentioned during his goodbyes, Ted Poley will be hitting the stage for HRH Sleaze 7 in August 2023 with his full electric band, alongside Midnite City, BlackRain and many more! Tickets available via www.hrhsleaze.com