{"id":9157,"date":"2019-10-31T05:00:12","date_gmt":"2019-10-31T05:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rpmonline.co.uk\/?p=9157"},"modified":"2019-10-25T20:07:49","modified_gmt":"2019-10-25T20:07:49","slug":"black-star-riders-cardiff-university-24-10-91","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rpmonline.co.uk\/?p=9157","title":{"rendered":"Black Star Riders – Cardiff university 24\/10\/91"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>What needs to be said about Ricky Warwick, over the years whatever he has turned his songwriting craft to it\u2019s always been of the highest quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

So with a new Black Star Riders album recently released a tour announced this reviewer could not wait to get his live rock\u2019n\u2019roll fix.<\/span><\/p>\n

Much to my surprise and delight the band were doing some HMV acoustic in-store shows so when this Cardiff date rolled around I made my way to Cardiff HMV and was treated to a fantastic three-song set\u00a0 of the highest quality with all band members on great form and it was plain to see that they were clearly enjoying each others company and the interaction with the fans.<\/span><\/p>\n

So as this crisp October night rolled in I made my journey to Cardiff university for the main event.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 9:20pm the band arrived on stage and bang we were into the leading track off the new album \u2018Another state of grace\u2019 with it\u2019s anthemic chorus and Celtic musical vibes it was a joy to the ears and both band and crowd were right up for it and with the duelling guitars of new boy Christian Martucci and that of six-string legend Scott Gorham going together in harmony like they had been playing together for years it was a joy to behold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018The killer instinct\u2019 was up next and with Robbie Crane on bass and another new addition to the band drummer Chad Szeliga locked in pure thunderous rhythm driving force what a joyous occasion this Cardiff night was turning into.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018All hell breaks loose\u2019 was next up and I can honestly say after seeing Ricky Warwick numerous times over the years his gruff yet melodic vocals just get better and better with each passing year and his range is truly astonishing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Testify or say goodbye\u2019 is another gem and the energy of the band is truly amazing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Tonight the moonlight let me down\u2019 is my personal favourite off the new album and on record it has a lead saxophone break courtesy of a certain Michael Monroe but of course, he is not here tonight so Scott Gorham improvises with a truly stunning guitar solo in its place.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fairness, Black Star Riders could play any song off their four albums and they would not sound out of place due to the quality of their back catalogue and they duly played some classics in the shape off \u2018Ticket to rise\u2019 and \u2018Hey Judas\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018In the shadow of the war machine\u2019 is another blinder off their most recent album and the energy of the band is stunning as they launch into \u2018Soldierstown\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Why do you love your guns\u2019 is a great song about some serious issues in America and as Ricky explains to the crowd the nature behind the songs lyrics the tracks uplifting melody is still a pure joy to the ears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Blindsided\u2019 and \u2018bloodshot\u2019 keep this Cardiff crowd entertained which leads us into another new track off the bands latest masterpiece \u2018Ain\u2019t the end of the world\u2019 which goes down a storm.<\/span><\/p>\n

The songs just keep on coming with \u2018When the night comes in\u2019 \u2018Underneath the afterglow\u2019 \u2018dancing with the wrong girl\u2019 and \u2018finest hour\u2019 going by with each song being an absolute belter with great musicianship of a band at their best.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Kingdom of the lost\u2019 and \u2018bound for glory\u2019 bring the night to a close and with that the band say their farewells and take a bow and the last hour and forty minutes have gone by in a blink of an eye and this Cardiff crowd have been entertained to a truly class performance that I can safely say we would all like the night to go on and on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Black Star riders are one of the best live bands around and are truly at the top of their game so if you like loud rock\u2019n\u2019roll buy yourself a ticket and get along to a show you will not be disappointed and in these trying times we all need the power of music to shine a light.<\/span><\/p>\n

Author: Gareth ‘Hotshot’ Hooper<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n