Bizarre, that is all there really is to say about Zodiac Mindwarp’s set.  Starting with ‘High Priest Of Love’ all was obviously not well in the Zodiac camp , vocalist Mark Manning apparently unhappy about an empty case being left in his way walked off stage leaving the vocals to be picked up by guitarist Cobalt Stargazer. Whatever the reason behind the initial tantrum Manning did eventually returnand the band ran through a few more numbers,  Back Seat Education’, ‘Fucked By Rock’ and most notably closing effort ‘Prime Mover but there was little in the way of communication explaining what was going on. Sure they apologised for being late but that was it, so when they ended the set without any explanation after a mere 20 minutes the crowd was left stunned and curious as to what had just happened.  As I said, bizarre and more than a little unprofessional.

Annoyingly, especially after the happenings with Zodiac Mindwarp, there was well over 45 minute wait before Ratt finally surfaced, with not a great deal happening during the intervening time - no big change over, no fancy stage set up, nothing. When they finally did make it onto the Dudley stage it was to loud applause and cheering from the crowd as they kicked off  with ‘Tell The World’,   Stephen Pearcy all over the front of the stage, eyeballing those in the front few rows and standing in front of the monitors to check out what was going on further back.  Obviously the major part of his show was about the crowd interactions more than the actual singing and hence it wasn't really a surprise when he forgot the words to ‘Givin’ Yourself Away’ and his vocals were shown up, not only by the quieter moments in the songs but also by those of John Corabi, who somehow managed to steal the show without much apparent effort and whilst Ratt may be back with three original members, along with Corabi, it was the other relative newbie, bassist Robbie Crane, that really caught the eye thanks to an enthusiastic performance throughout.

With the band, at least with Pearcy on board, have been inactive for a while the set list, as you would expect, read like a best of: ‘Back For More’, ‘Wanted Man’, ‘Lack Of Communication’, ‘You’re In Love’, ‘Slip Of The Lip’, set closer ‘Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job’ and the encore of ‘Body Talk’ and ‘Round And Round’ all made appearances. It may just have been the choice of material but somehow what was cool and trendy back in the day now sounds more than a bit dated and whilst the majority of audience are likely to have been kept happy with memories of a bygone decade,  possibly because of the length of time since the band last played the UK, it does beg the question as to what the band can offer if they tour again.