Live Review: The Dead Daisies - The Tramshed, Cardiff
11th November 2021
Support: GUN
Words & photos: Paul Hutchings
The last time I’d seen the musical collective known as The Dead Daisies was at Steelhouse Festival in 2016. Fronted by John Korabi, they were bloated, uninspiring and I walked after they launched into their sixth cover version. Things have changed in The Dead Daisies camp. The arrival just prior to the pandemic of Glenn Hughes and powerhouse drummer Tommy Clufetos this year coincided with the release of their best album to date, the impressive ‘Holy Ground’ and with it a new lease of life. It’s true that without David Lowy’s financial muscle, this tour would probably have been postponed but thankfully for a packed-out Cardiff venue, the huge Dreamliners rolled into the Welsh capital for the final date of a hugely successful and well attended tour. If you haven’t been following the band on their socials then you’ve missed them taking the opportunity to explore various destinations on their rest days between shows. A luxury I am sure that few other bands of academy size can afford. What we saw was a masterclass delivered by a well oiled and polished machine who would be a must to see when they return … promised to be 2022.
Whilst the rest of the UK had to endure The Quireboys, the Cardiff crowd were treated to a bonus as Scottish rockers GUN returned from a two-year layoff to open the night. Gun were playing Planet Rockstock the following day at Porthcawl, a mere 30 miles away so this made sense. Having been around in various guises since 1989 when they released debut album ‘Taking on the World’, they are no slouches.
With grins wider than the proverbial Cheshire cat, the five-piece moved slickly through an eight-song set that saw excellent audience participation. It was a Thursday night after all and with the beer flowing freely, the Welsh crowd was in good voice. Dante Gizzi remains a relatively unassuming frontman, but he knows how to work a crowd and with his relentless movement and Glaswegian lilt adding to the Celtic flavour, the busy floor was soon singing along. Gun have made Cameo’s ‘Word Up’ their own and its inevitable arrival early in the set unsurprisingly increased the party atmosphere. This is a band who were on astronaut Tim Peake’s playlist when he blasted into space a few years ago and their infectious brand of hard rock would have been an ideal soundtrack to that astonishing view of planet Earth.
Gun carry firepower within their ranks, with dual guitarists Guillano ‘Jools’ Gizzi and Tommy Gentry both afforded ample opportunities to show their wares with some fluid solo work. As the band eased into their final song, ‘Shame’, they promised a return to Wales next year which was met with cheers. Closing with a blast of the Beasties’ ‘Fight for Your Right (To Party)’, it was as if they had never been away. It’s always better with a bit of Gun on your side.
The Dead Daisies performances on this tour have generated rave reviews and there was an air of excited anticipation within the venue as the clocked moved towards 9pm. Covid passports, ID checks and rigorous security are tolerated by the masses if the quality of the entertainment makes it worth it. Over three years ago Glenn Hughes filled the same venue with his ‘Classic Deep Purple Live’ set and it’s evident that his name still pulls the crowds. It’s hard to believe that some of the previous postholders would have the same draw.
It’s also one of the wonders of the world how Hughes has preserved his vocal cords so well. Consider his peers, Coverdale, Plant, Gillan etc. All have adapted their style to accommodate the advancing years and the inevitable changes that time brings. Not Hughes, whose voice is as powerful today as it was on ‘Stormbringer’ in 1974. His superb performance on a stellar version of ‘Mistreated’ was worth the admission price alone.
Hughes is also a ferocious bass player, and his deep rumbling tones resonated deep within the building. As I left the venue to see two fire engines idling nearby, one could have been forgiven for wondering if they were searching for structural damage, such was the impact. Linking with the battering ram of Clufetos and this was rhythm section made in heaven … or maybe hell! Clufetos was given opportunity to show his wares later in the show with a blistering solo; how he hits so hard without breaking bones is incredible.
With a spectacular light show, this was a performance that lacked nothing. Lowy maintains a lower profile, preferring to allow the showy licks, flicks, and tricks to fellow guitarist Dough Aldrich, who is one exceptional six stringer. Torso bared and blond locks flowing, he looks far younger than his 57 years. Trading solos with Lowy, Aldrich cuts every shape in the rock pose book but without any arrogance you might expect.
The set list comprised a large chunk from ‘Holy Ground’, which was unsurprising. The songs are superior to previous works and translated well in the live arena. Kicking off with ‘Unspoken’ the band tipped the nod to every one of their albums, including three from ‘Burn it Down’. It was pleasing that the band have tapered down the covers, with CCR’s ‘Fortunate Son’, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s ‘Midnight Moses’ and a blasting finale of Deep Purple’s ‘Burn’ alongside ‘Mistreated’.
All of this crammed into a 90-minute set equalled quite brilliant entertainment. I’ll go on record that Hughes has brought this band screaming through the pandemic and into one of the most enjoyable live bands on the circuit today. The energy of the entire band was electric, and most of all, they looked like they were having fun. And after the past two years, I think that’s the main thing.
All Photo Credits: Paul Hutchings
