RockScotland

Back to Glory!
La Paz, Rockers, 07/02/09

When I stepped into Rockers last night I wasn’t sure what to expect. The last time I’d seen these guys play was 25 years ago in Hamilton when ankle warmers, string vests and skin tight jeans were considered acceptable stage gear. Last night they mustered on stage looking relaxed and thankfully wearing more befitting jeans and t-shirts.

They hit the ground running with a more than polished performance of Perfect Strangers and went straight into Highway Star. Doogie White’s vocals carried an excited crowd into Black Masquerade before thrilling us all with Temple of the King.

This was the 2nd night of a three date tour and La Paz were obviously enjoying every minute of it.

Chic McSherry’s finger work didn’t disappoint. He delivered screaming solos while making it look ridiculously easy. He was having fun and his performance throughout drew the enthusiastic crowd.

Paul McManus was a master on the drums. He provided a tight beat with characteristic flourishes throughout the 12 song set list before a thrashing rendition of Long Live Rock’n’Roll - their enthusiastically received encore.

Unfortunately we didn’t see much of Andy Mason as he was hidden, for most of the performance behind his two tier keyboard rig. We could, however, hear his excellently executed keyboards throughout. For a tall guy he really was a bit dwarfed by his gear.

Alec Carmichael epitomised cool. His stage presence was the perfect foil for Doogie White’s larger than life showmanship. He and Paul McManus effortlessly demonstrated a natural understanding of each other’s role in providing the rhythmic backbone essential for a high quality, live performance. The questionable eyewear was undeniably cool and didn’t detract from his masterful performance.

After 25 years these guys still know how to rock and the years have added a maturity that made them relaxed and in control. They worked with the crowd who were entertained by Doogie White’s self deprecating commentary of the gig.

Don’t miss the chance to see them tonight at Behind the Wall in Falkirk - you will not be disappointed.

LoveBitch wrote:Back to Glory!

Somehow, playing a set of cover versions just doesn't bring any band "Back To Glory"!

What we got was a competent cover band playing some very well known songs.

I was at the Wishaw gig as well and while the band were very tight, it was Dougie White that again was very obviously under-rehearsed. Just like the Wishaw gig, although the vocals were adequate the timing was still a bit dodgy.

LoveBitch wrote:Chic McSherry’s finger work didn’t disappoint. He delivered screaming solos while making it look ridiculously easy.

Chic was undoubtably the "Man Of The Match" and unlike the abysmal sound at the Zico's gig, this time the guitar was able to be heard. What a difference in his playing from 20 odd years ago! Obviously he's used the time to practice. Only joking Chic.

LoveBitch wrote:After 25 years these guys still know how to rock and the years have added a maturity that made them relaxed and in control. They worked with the crowd who were entertained by Doogie White’s self deprecating commentary of the gig.

A lot of people were still a bit embarassed by the Rainbow stories - let it go Dougie, it was over 10 years ago. I wish you all the best but it won't happen again!

A good tribute band gig however and only some "proper" gigs with the original material will demonstrate whether La Paz can still offer something in the modern rock world.

Angus

can't get enough of Dougie's mic-lead guitar playing. what fingerwork.

We've removed a few posts from this thread as it was getting a bit silly with unfounded allegations flying around!

Can we remind people that this is a forum and although people are welcome to express their opinions regarding gigs etc but we can't have people making allegations about other people without any evidence to back it up!

Play nice!

Admin,
RockScotland