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MICHAEL MONROE/WEDNESDAY 13
The Garage, Glasgow 27 November 2011

Gigs are like buses at times, not many for a while then a weekend full. This was the case when this package hit Glasgow. Deep Purple had played in town the previous night and Alter Bridge were playing at the SECC a mile away whilst this gig was taking place, so it was little surprise that the crowd was a little sparse.

What the crowd lacked in numbers, it more than made up for in enthusiasm. Both Michael Monroe and Wednesday 13 appear to have a loyal band of supporters and they were certainly ready for a good night.

First up on this 3 band bill were Swedish glamsters, Crash Diet, who put in a good set. Their influences are based back in the 80's heyday of glam rock listing Kiss, Motley Crue and Mr Monroe's old cohorts, Hanoi Rocks, amongst others. They unashamedly borrow the songs and moves of that period, but it is highly entertaining stuff and a good start to festivities.

Next to tread the boards was Michael Monroe and his trusty band of rock ragamuffins now bolstered with the addition of Dregen from the Backyard Babies. Michael is the high kicking, high cheekboned frontman with all the moves. Whether singing, playing sax or blowing on the mouth organ he is the consummate performer who still loves an adoring crowd and the masses down the front responded accordingly.

His assembled band were an absolute gem playing both newer and older tracks with gusto. From opener 'Twist Of The Wrist' to set closer 'Death, Jail or Rock n Roll' they rocked like demons. There were even a few Hanoi Rocks songs thrown in for good measure including 'Back To Mystery City' and ‘Malibu Beach Nightmare'.

All in all then, a classy set which went down a storm from one of the most enduring frontmen in rock.

They had a rabid looking crowd of zombie and vampire lookalikes who lapped up every note and line, it would appear that the band have a large support, only after dark though for obvious reasons.
 

So lastly we have the shock rockers Wednesday 13 with their brand of comic book horror metal. Dressed in black with ghoulish face paint to match the band took to the stage and launched into 'Calling All Corpses'.

They had a rabid looking crowd of zombie and vampire lookalikes who lapped up every note and line, it would appear that the band have a large support, only after dark though for obvious reasons.

The music is good melodic hard rock with titles that raise a smile, 'Home Sweet Homicide', ‘Happily Ever Cadaver', '197666', you get the idea.

Frontman Wednesday 13's vocal delivery is rough and ready which does suit the horror persona well, but does get a bit wearing after a while.

Stripped of the corpse paint the band are essentially a competent rock band with a few good tunes. I enjoyed the set but they didn't excite me enough for me to join the ranks of the undead.

Overall though, this is a good tour package with plenty of high spots throughout the night. It would be a grave mistake to miss it, oh suit yourselves...


Review by David Wilson

Photos by Andrea Holmesvid Wilsonm

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