“It’s good to be
home” Glenn Hughes proclaimed as he took the
stage in Bilston for the first of just three
UK dates in support of the excellent
First Underground Nuclear Kitchen album.
Hughes, of course, was born just a few miles
away in Cannock and there were a number of
his friends, family and former band mates in
the crowd including Tom Galley, driving
force behind the Phenomena project on
which Hughes played a part. Tom is brother
of former Trapeze and Whitesnake guitarist
Mel Galley who, just a few months ago,
confirmed he had terminal cancer. Mid way
through the set a clearly emotional Hughes
spoke at length about the influence Mel had
played in his career and led the packed
audience in a moving show of appreciation.
This was just one of many moments during the
two hour set when you could tell just how
much it really meant to Hughes to be back
playing on a stage in the Midlands and,
afforded a rapturous reception, he fed off
the crowds reaction to deliver an
inspirational performance.
As regards the songs that
were played this was most certainly not a
night of pure nostalgia as a heavy chunk of
the new album was included, the opening four
song salvo of ‘Crave’, ‘F.U.N.K’, ‘Never Say
Never’ and ‘Oil and Water’ set the standard
with long time guitarist JJ Marsh and new
boy Luis Carlos Maldonado impressive
throughout, demonstrating Hughes desire to
work with musicians of the highest quality.
After this powerful opening there was barely
time to draw breath before Marsh led the
band into a fifteen minute version of
‘Mistreated’ and Hughes vocal on this song
just oozes class. This was a simply stunning
display of one of the greatest rock songs
ever performed by one of the greatest ever
rock vocalists.
Hughes described the show
as being “Hot, groovy and most definitely
FUNKY” and he got it spot on. The pulsating
‘Don’t Let Me Bleed’ from Soul Mover
was stretched out to close on ten minutes
with all of the band getting a chance to
shine and after what must have been an
energy-sapping set there was still enough
left for them to encore with ‘Soul Mover’
and a tumultuous ‘Burn’ that almost blew the
roof off.
Glenn Hughes doesn’t play
many shows in the UK anymore but if he comes
within striking distance of your hometown
make certain you don’t miss him.
Hughes returns to the
Robin in September for an intimate show that
will include a Q&A and a signing to mark the
10th Anniversary of the venue.
Tickets and further details are available
from
