VEGA & MAGNUM

MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2

21/05/2016

REVIEW & PHOTOS BY LINZI ANNE

I had been awaiting this gig for an eternity, so when the night was finally here i was more than a little excited to see both bands, Vega who are like a traditional 80’s classic rock band and Magnum to which both my parents had me listening to since i was little i was eager to see them both live.

I feel a little ashamed that i had not gotten round to seeing them sooner, especially Magnum who have been around for a long time, but finally had them both pencilled in, and boy oh boy did i feel like a kid on Christmas morning going to see these bands.

VEGA

This 5 piece British rock band formed in the summer of 2009, and has had some amazing reviews from across the media board from the likes of Classic Rock, Fireworks and Powerplay.

Vega are now on their 4th album ‘Who We Are’ which has been released through ‘Frontiers Records’, which was released on the 13th May 2016.

They are here tonight at the academy showcasing this album.

Tonight being there 9th date on tour, front man Nick Workman states ‘this has been the best night on tour so far’, a front man with an astounding voice, absolutely flawless, his energetic flare did not disappoint. I loved the energy and the atmosphere that was created through the chemistry of the songs, it was just a fabulous experience.

The crowds interaction was amazing throughout their set, the room completely adrenaline filled.

The crowds chanted along with ‘every little monster’ which was completely infectious, the melodies were fresh and bouncy, guitars rhythms along with a hurricane of passionate drumming blended perfectly.

Tonight has been notable for the amount of fans wearing ‘what happens in vega stays in vega t-shirts’.

If we were back in the 80’s these guys would be right up there with the likes of Bon Jovi, these guys are keeping the 80’s rock alive, a total inspiration.

The band performing ‘White Flag’ is a reflection on how the band has grown, matured but still shows they have that zing.

https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIALVEGA/?fref=ts

MAGNUM

Magnum are an English rock band from Birmingham dating back to 1972, Magnum’s most notable success was in 1982 with ‘Chasing the Dragon’, which reached number #17 in the UK album chart.

In 1981 they toured with Tigers of Pan Tang, in 1982 with Ozzy, and so on and so forth.

Now on their 19th studio album tour The ‘Divine’ Lies tour 2016, these guys are here tonight in Manchester to show us what they have got in store.

Being a more mature band that have been around the block a few times, these guys are mellow, with a very laid back stage performance.

Front man Bob Catley laps up the crowds attention with his very theatrical expressions whilst singing, whilst Stanway on keyboards seems very much toned down where as the guitar is the main focus still keeping a steady and rhythmic pace throughout.

Al on bass bounds about, giving the others a run for their money, putting a lot of energy into his performance.

The crowds sing along to songs such as ‘Crazy old Mothers’ and ‘Sacred Blood ‘Divine’ Lies’, the mood in the venue tonight is bubbling away.

Alot of their songs are very ballad’esque and mid tempo, yet they still have that kick that keeps you wanting for more, everything falling into place the production of their songs have been masterfully executed on stage tonight.

Even though Magnum have turned that corner and lost that metal edge and have a softer feel, the band are still doing what they do best, these guys are true British Rock veterans, and what they have brought to the table tonight was nothing more than a perfect performance.

https://www.facebook.com/magnumbandpage/info/?tab=page_info

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