UFO: Showtime

Cover	Release	Style
	2005-11-14	Classic hard rock
	Label
	SPV / Steamhammer
	Website
	UFO
	Contact
	-
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	50:03 / 48:44	SPV 99562 2CD
	Review by	Rating
	Edwin	8,5/10
nederlands	Review
UFO’s latest studio album, ‘You Are Here’, may not have been the best they’ve ever done, it was a jewel compared to the lacklustre efforts of ‘Covenant’ (2000) and ‘Sharks’ (2002). The new line-up of Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Paul Raymond, Vinnie Moore and Jason Bonham showed a revitalized UFO. Also live the band was a joy to behold: no sign anymore of the tensions caused by the constant arguing and fighting with the unpredictable Michael Schenker, but a relaxed ensemble which seemed to enjoy performing once again. ‘Showtime’ is a double live CD which captures the band in concert in Germany earlier this year. The setlist is a feast of recognition: apart from ‘Natural Thing’ and ‘Out In The Street’, each and every song from the classic live record ‘Strangers In The Night’ is performed, with ‘Love To Love’, ‘Rock Bottom’, ‘Lights Out’, ‘Too Hot To Handle’ and ‘Doctor Doctor’ as my personal favourites. There’s also an excellent selection of tracks from ‘You Are Here’: ‘When Daylight Comes To Town’, ‘The Wild One’, ‘Baby Blue’ and the fantastic ‘Mr. Freeze’ fit in perfectly between the classics. The band are firing, with classic members Phil Mogg, Pete Way and Paul Raymond all in fine form. I do miss that typical Schenker sound, especially on epic solos like those in ‘Love To Love’ or ‘Rock Bottom’ – they were always totally his, and no-one can really emulate that sound - but there’s no denying that Vinnie Moore is an outstanding guitarist in his own right and fits the bill perfectly. Jason Bonham will never be the legend his father is, but he does credit to the family name with his powerful drumming. As for the choice of songs, it’s quite predictable, and I wouldn’t have minded a few surprises. With Schenker gone, there’s no need to stick to the ‘classic’ period. The Paul Chapman-era in particular had some outstanding songs, which I hope they will include in future setlists. With such a huge and fantastic back catalogue, the band have so much more to offer than a constant recreation of ‘Stangers...’ This is no “Strangers In The Night”, but it’s a damn fine live album in its own right, and it gives an excellent representation of what the band stands for today. Since the recording of ‘Showtime’, Jason Bonham has left in order to concentrate on his duties with Foreigner. But the good news is that original drummer Andy Parker has re-joined the band. With 4/5 of the classic line-up back together, who knows what they still have in store for us…
Musicians
Phil Mogg: Lead vocals Pete Way: Bass Paul Raymond: Keyboards, rhythm guitar, vocals Vinnie Moore: Guitar Jason Bonham: Drums, vocals
Tracklist
CD 1: Mother Mary When Daylight Goes To Town Let It Roll Out on The Streets The Wilde One Fighting Man Only You Can Rock Me Baby Blue Mr. Freeze CD 2: Love To Love Too Hot Too Handle Lights Out Rock Bottom Doctor Doctor Shoot Shoot
Discography
UFO1 (1970) UFO2: Flying (1971) Live (1972 - live) Phenomenon (1974) Force It (1975) No Heavy Petting (1976) Lights Out (1977) Obsession (1978) Strangers In The Night (1978 – live) No Place To Run (1980) The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent (1981) Mechanix (1982) Making Contact (1983) Misdemeanor (1985) Aint Misbehavin' (1988) High Stakes And Dangerous Men (1992) Lights Out In Tokyo (1992 – live) Heaven’s Gate (1995 – live 1988) Walk On Water (1995) On With The Action (1997 – live 1976) Werewolves Of London (1999 – live) BBC In Session And Live In Concert (1999 – live 1974/75/77) Covenant (2000) Regenerator (2001 – live 1982) Sharks (2002) Legends Of Rock (2002 - live with U.J. Roth and Jack Bruce) Big Apple Encounters (2003 – live 1975) Live On Earth (2003 – live 77/95/98) You Are Here (2004) Showtime (2005 – live)


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