The British AOR scene is alive and well thanks to the likes of great bands like FM and Romeo’s Daughter.
Both FM and Romeo’s Daughter are similar in that they have both reformed in recent years following a split in the mid-90’s. With a bit of an AOR resurgence under way in the UK, both bands joined forces to undergo an extensive UK tour. It’s Friday night in Newcastle, and the local rock crowd are out in force for a show which was upgraded to the main room in the O2 Academy following demand.
British five piece Romeo’s Daughter getting the night off to a great start. The band looking like they were genuinely enjoying themselves as they romped through a set of catchy, melodic rock. Massive cheers from the crowd as they took the audience back to the start with “I Cry Myself To Sleep At Night” alongside tracks from the band’s new album Spin such as “Touch”. Lead singer Leigh Matty, dancing and grooving her way around the stage. Romeo’s Daughter closed their set with the classic “Wild Child”, getting the crowd warmed up good and proper for the mighty FM.
Having toured with AOR heavyweights Foreigner last year, including a date at the prestigious Newcastle City Hall the band made a welcome return to the region. This time the band bring with them in tow their latest offering Heroes and Villains from which the likes of the “Shape I’m In” and the excellent “Life Is A Highway” with it’s superb Baba O’Riley-esque intro are included in their set tonight.
The crowd clapped, cheered and sang along from start to finish. FM sound tight tonight, the vocal prowse of Steve Overland coupled with some phenomenal guitar work by Jim Kirkpatrick, the pounding rhythm section of Merv Goldsworthy and Pete Jupp and the superb keyboard playing of Jem Davis giving the band their unmistakable sound. Overland and Kirkpatrick often sharing the spotlight with some superb twin part guitar harmonies. Steve commands the stage.
The crowd were treated to tracks from throughout the band’s extensive career including the likes of fan favorites “Let Love Be The Leader” and “Crosstown Train”. A rare airing of “Blood and Gasoline” had the fans singing along. The band brought their set to a close with classics “That Girl”, “Burning My Heart Down” with a glorious Harmonica intro from Davis and “Bad Luck” leaving the crowd left wanting more.
Only too happy to oblige the band returned to the stage and closed out the evening with the heartfelt ballad “Story of My Life” and “Other Side of Midnight” with Davis now joining the rest of the band up front strutting about the stage with his keytar.
FM gave Newcastle a great night of good time rock and roll and long may they continue.
Default Gallery Type Template
This is the default gallery type template, located in:
/home/nrrmedia/public_html/sites/nrr-wp/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/nextgen_gallery_display/templates/index.php.
If you're seeing this, it's because the gallery type you selected has not provided a template of it's own.