Not one to usually go for a Sunday night gig, I let the moo mobile stretch its legs down to Sleepers pub
in East Boldon to see Witchkraft.
This was the first time I have ever been to this pub and - after the way the band were spoken to by management -
it may be the LAST.
Arriving a little late due to only deciding to go out on the spur of the moment, the band were in full swing when
I arrived half way through an excellent rendition of 'Starstruck' from Rainbow Rising ( one of my favourite albums ),
something I have heard performed very rarely and as such always raises a smile. Made a mental note to self to arrive
early next time so as not to miss this number.
It's quite some time since I saw Witchkraft and they had a different singer then, although IMHO current vocalist Mick
is far superior to his predecessor.
It's kind of strange that a guy fronting a band playing classic Purple to my eyes looks and moves a little like Sammy Hagar,
but that in itself is no bad thing! Mick's voice is strong and hard edged and he has an excellent scream,
which was used to brilliant effect where appropriate.
With a great sense of timing and - despite the small venue - a huge stage presence, Mick was on the money the whole night.
Witchkraft are best known for their Purple/Blackmore material but don't restrict themselves purely to that alone,
throwing in a brilliant version of the Free classic 'Mr.Big' which gave bass man Gaz a chance to shine.
What really surprised me about this song was hearing the way that - despite the obvious overtones of Blackmore
to the way he played - lead guitarist Mal still made this track his own. As anyone who has seen
Witchkraft knows, Mal is as good a Ritchie Blackmore as it is possable to get without taking 'the man in black' himself
and shaking his head out of his arse. Without question one of the greatest guitarists in this country,
given the opportunity Mal is easily good enough to play with the real Deep Purple in Blackmore's absence.
'Highway Star' jumped off the band like an electric charge and for me was the clear highlight of the night,
along with an extended version of 'Mistreated' which was performed with a nod to the upcoming Whitesnake show
at Newcastle Arena. The gig had just enough atmosphere despite the mostly older and more laid back audience - perhaps
in no undue part to the small room and very appreciative applause from most of Alcatraz House Band and their friends
that were occupying the far corner. (Check out their album - it's very good !)
Backed up solidly by excellent drummer Cliff, Witchkraft have an authentic classic rock sound that fits their material perfectly. On another
uncomfortably humid night, the guys performed well and maintained their professionality throughout - DESPITE some
simply inexcusable treatment from management.
Speaking to Mick at half time, it quickly became clear all was not well.
Apparently one of the customers had complained that the band were too loud and the manager had told them to turn it down.
From what I was told (and judging by the total anger in Mick's voice), VERY ABRUPTLY to turn it down.
As the conversation went on, it was clear that both he and Mal, Gaz and Cliff were all absolutely insulted by the way
they had been spoken to.
I have 3 comments on this :
1) When a bar books a ROCK band, what the hell do they expect - a bunch of shrinking violets with acoustic guitars
and a tambourine for a drum kit ?
2) The words "too loud" and "rock band" have no place in the same sentence.
3) If you don't like it, there's the door. Come back on Monday for the bingo.
Now I know that the whole idea of booking a band is to attract more customers but come on ! Remember I was at this gig
and, without any predujice, can tell you that it was anything BUT too loud. The band had even made a consciencoius
effort to be quieter than normal given the size of the room they were playing in.
You all remember how it pissed you off when you're busy playing air guitar, trying to rock out to your new
ACDC album - and your parents told you to "Turn that bloody noise down!" When it comes to volume at a rock show,
I'm with Spinal Tap - 11 ain't loud enough.
The members of Witchkraft have my ultimate respect for showing dedication to the music and continuing their show -
especially when it would have been more than justified telling the manager to go screw himself, refusing to play the
second half, packing up and going home. Check out their web site for a date at a venue near you where they can be be
appreciated in full flow.
MOO!pmsbull