Review by James P. Shelley
The beach air was rolling in when we arrived at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano for the UFO show that evening. Given most of the shows I attend are from 100 to 120 miles from my home, I always attend with a guest. This evening it was Michael Tallman, Mr. Bat Fitness and serious tennis pro. We met up in Irvine, arrived at the venue early, scoping out the crowd.
Now, parking on a Thursday evening, at this venue, usually is fairly available. Not tonight. My buddy and I lucked out, snagged one of the remaining two or three spaces, and walked down to the venue. Once we cleared the front door it was evident why parking was at a premium: the place was packed. It was evident we would not be sitting. Absent were extraterrestrial fans, Chris and Shawna, last witnessing UFO in 2004. Now, this writer and his guest did enjoy a pre-show interview with Vinnie Moore, and I’ll get to that once I transcribe the tape. This is the concert review, and I’m delivering a blow-by-blow.
“Mother Mary” opened the set, and it was a wise choice for the band. Performing no sound check that evening, the band launched right in and it sounded great. Phil Mogg looked his usual best, seemingly fit and comfortable in jeans and suspenders. Paul Raymond sported his boyish English haircut; original drummer Andy Parker rested comfortably behind his trap; Vinnie Moore played the role of guitar virtuoso; and bass player Rob DeLuca seemed to employ a few (Pete) Wayisms. The tune cranked out fine, and with one’s eyes closed, it truly sounded as good as the version on UFO’s legendary live album, Strangers in the Night.
I was hoping to hear some distant material this evening. “Saving Me,” from 2009’s The Visitor LP seemed an odd entry given the plethora of material from the band’s catalog, but this writer was just settling in — if you call standing settling in. The tune was played with veracity — no beat missed — you could tell the band was going to be spot-on this evening.
Or were they?
Andy Parker wasn’t missing a beat (no pun intended); Paul Raymond could do no wrong moving from guitar to keyboards — and back. DeLuca was minding his own business, as a relative newcomer to the band should. Vinnie Moore was on his game. And Phil Mogg was making a valiant effort to keep up with the others. However, was there something going on here?
The answer quickly was surfacing. As the band plowed through “Let It Roll” and “I’m A Loser,” it became evident Mogg just wasn’t on his game. Portland? He mentioned catching a cold. It was becoming clear why Mogg seemed to be struggling physically because he was sick. A cold may not mean a lot to us youngins (50 and under), but when you are in your 60s and you have to work (Read: Be a Rock Star), it can be quite the challenge. Mogg stood up to the challenge and forged ahead with “Hell Driver,” followed by “Venus.” which, by the way, was simply awesome. In spite of the obvious illness, he pressed on like a trooper. Kudos to you Phil.
Missing from the show (and my buddy and I looked everywhere for it) was Vinnie Moore’s sound. The man was there. We saw him playing. But something was missing and we determined it was a signature sound. We looked from left to right, up and down, but his sound seemed to elude him. Now, the man has a signature guitar (Dean), but closing your eyes, you wouldn’t identify his efforts with anyone in particular. Don’t get me wrong — the guy is talented, a virtuoso. But to a seasoned concert veteran, and longtime UFO fan (my favorite band), I expected a different sound. That changed as the set continued to unfold, but never rose to the level of something to talk about. Just my two cents and I am a Vinnie Moore fan.
At this point in the show I’m thinking to myself that things need to get rolling…we need to pick up the pace. Imagine my delight when the opening chords to “Only You Can Rock Me” fired up. Not the quickest song, but some great riffs. And Mogg delivered.
“Love To Love” was a welcomed tune and highlighted Raymond’s abilities on the keyboard and left handed guitar. “Too Hot To Handle” was followed by “Lights Out,” during which Moore just shredded. He even incorporated some blues elements. Was his signature sound emerging? Granted, Michael Schenker long gone, but Moore captured what the song was all about — a nimble yet rapid lead effort. It was 1978 all over again for this fan. Things were looking up. Moore was getting into the groove.
The opening lick to “Rock Bottom” caused this writer to prepare for nearly 15 minutes of veracity. Just when you thought the tune was going to follow the SITN recipe, everything took a turn. You recognized the song but received it differently than the 100 times you previously heard it. The band nailed it! This interpretation made it worth standing all night. If this wasn’t a fan’s Holy Grail, then the show closers, “Doctor Doctor” and “Shoot Shoot” were. It was Strangers In The Night all over again!
Would it have been nice for the band to put the brakes on the extended versions of songs and introduce another three or four tunes from their catalog? Absolutely. But after 42 years of UFO material and touring, you’re simply happy they showed up in your town, and wonder when they’ll be rolling through again.
Let it Roll!
