High Voltage Day Two: The Rest Of The Bill Reviewed
Time for everything to reach a suitable crescendo. We review Magnum, Uriah Heep, Argent and Marillion on the Prog stage. Clutch, Opeth and Down on the Metal Hammer stage. And Joe Bonamassa, Down ‘N’ Outz and ELP on the main stage.
Words: Malcolm Dome
For heritage bands, festivals are all about being given the chance to reinforce your appeal to older audiences, and to pick up young fans. How do you that? By playing the classic songs. As almost every band of that ilk over these two days appreciates. And then there’s Magnum.
Quite why this superb British band choose to open their set with three comparatively new songs defies belief. Maybe, they want to prove they’re not a nostalgia act? OK, but do that on your own tour. Not here. The Prog stage is packed, and if the band had delivered the right set, the benefits would have been enormous. Get the old-school Magnum devotees going, and the young ones will pick up on the atmosphere. As it is, Magnum blow it – big time. Introducing some classics later on doesn’t help. The damage has been done.
Out on the Metal Hammer stage, things are so much more positive as Clutch deliver a compulsive psychedelic blues set. This is one of the best bands in the world – and they hold the audience spellbound.
Meantime – it’s a whirl at the moment – Joe Bonamassa proves on the main stage that he’s not just a gifted guitarist, but has the voice and the performance potential to be more than just another fretboard fretter.
But wait, what is this on the Prog stage? Ah, it’s Uriah Heep, playing the whole of their 1972 album Demons And Wizards, and doing it with such panache and style, it’s almost as if it’s only just been written. The introduction of Micky Moody on slide guitar is an inspiration, and the crowd is so vast, it’s overspilling into the Helter Skelter area.
Not to be outdone, Opeth have the crowd backed up on the Metal Hammer stage, as they prove they’re among the prog metal giants. This is a powerful, progressively-inclined set from a band at the top of their game.
But you can’t actually stand still for even a moment, because next on the Prog stage are Argent. The original line-up together for the first time in 37 years. It’s slightly amusing to hear that Rod Argent is just a little louder than everyone else. But the band do bear his name, and while due respect is paid to Russ Ballard, you know Rod is at the epicentre. But the set is spectacular – starting with It’s Only Money Parts I And 2, taking in Hold Your Head Up and God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You… even The Zombies’ She’s Not There and Rainbow’s hit Since You’ve Been Gone, written by Ballard. Watch out for a full tour – it’s worth the effort.
Joe Elliott is leading his troops – well, the Quireboys – through a Down ‘N’ Outz set of Mott The Hoople related covers on the main stage. It’s entertaining, but the real star is a three-year-old girl in the crowd who shows the sort of moves that could make her a star in 15 years. Everyone, it seems, is trying to video and photograph her. It sums up this festival that 40-somethings on stage are playing songs almost older than themselves and getting a three-year-old into the music. Priceless. The generation barrier is hereby abolished. But it’s when Ian Hunter walks on that everything takes off. The man’s a rock star. And the way he leads with an acoustic guitar on Once Bitten, Twice Shy is a lesson.
Headlining the Metal Hammer stage, Down are energetic and dynamic, to the point of being close to stealing the whole festival. It’s just stunning. Almost matched, albeit in a rather more low key fashion, by Marillion on the Prog stage. With Fish oddly watching in the crowd, they are mesmerising by accentuating the music not the personalities.
And so to ELP. The headliners on the main stage. Back together for the first time in nearly a decade-and-a-half. This is the band, more than any other, who made most of the world hate prog – and made all of us who love the music so dedicated to them. Bombastic? Yes. Self-indulgent? Absolutely. Losing the musical plot? Totally. But would we have them any other way? No. Tonight, they show once again why prog is despised by the ignorant majority and loved by the cognoscenti. Whether we seem them again is irrelevant. We’ve got to see them one last time.
For no other reason – and there are plenty of others – High Voltage is a triumph. But you know what? Overall, it’s been the best festival this year, because it was bold and brave enough to bring back ELP, to back prog and to give us a bill that was all killer, no filler. Roll on 2011.
Joe Elliotts down and outs where excellent pity about the set was to short even as ELP where late, Joe could have done one more song, Oh and wouldn’t I like to be in the UFO dressing room after that show some poor techies going to get it, still the whole weekend was all good except one little point which I just don’t understand.
Heven and Hell where playing there last ever show in respect to Ronnie James Dio so come on guys why did you not record it and sell it to make money for Ronnies cancer charity?
had the conversation about Magnum! The set was heavy on new songs, but they were cracking new songs! When I saw Magnum at MOR all those years ago they played a lot of an album called,,,what was it…On a Story something? If they hadn’t, would those songs be the ones we want to hear now? But I did wonder whether they should have gone for more familiar material. Heep were magnificent though. And ELP were much better than I dared to hope – let’s hope it’s not their final show. A LOT of people were ther to see them, that much was obvious. You didn’t mention the plug being pulled on the Down n Outz and Ian Hunter remonstrating with the officials! (or Jimmy Page watching from the wings). Great weekend.
I know it is your festival, but seriously, at least pretend to be honest with the reviews. Joe Bonamassa – lovely guy, but how dull and self indulgent can one man be? Clutch – yes they were good, but “one of the best bands in the world” seriously, even they would be embarrassed by that. Opeth – were they even aware they were playing to an audience? That was the dullest set I can remember seeing in 25 years of festival going (OK, half a set as I couldn’t stand sticking out the whole thing). Down ‘n’ Outz – of course they were great, but who the hell allowed ELP roadies to storm the stage to cut off Ian Hunter as he was about to sing due to being 2 minutes over time? That was sacrilege.
I have to say how hugely disappointed I was by ELP’s set. I’m a huge and I go way back, and their show at the Albert Hall in ‘92 was one of the highlights of the 90’s. However last night’s show I thought was unforgivable. Emerson made more mistakes than Lindsay Lohan and sounded dreadful. The solo in From The Beginning is the moment that I left. Anyone who paid £20 for the live CD will be sorely disappointed. There’s a lot of guys in their 60’s who are actually BETTER than there were in their 20’s (Jeff Beck anyone?) but Carl Palmer (who was superb) should dump these guys and get himself a new band.
what a great weekend shame Foreigner and Saxon over lapped a smidge… i ran 500 yards so i wouldnt miss them both( not done that in a long time) they were both awesome ! Foreigner to headline next year
It’s not sloppiness – Emerson’s problems are due to nerve damage in his right hand and it’s sad but he can’t play like he used to. It’s had the same impact on more recent shows I’ve seen with the Nice and his solo band. His left hand technique is still phenomenal (as shown in Tarkus for example) and there were some flashes of brilliance to make it worthwhile.
I thought Lake was wonderful – better than in 1992 and a genuine surprise. Palmer was great of expected of course. And I loved the revolving drum riser. He should have had that at the Borderline that time….
HV was a great success and a cut above all other festivals I have attended. Many thanks. Peter Mair, London.
I must say what a great Festival although why were the Down n Outs so high on the bill????? Joe Bonamassa was far better and had more people watching. For a glorified Tribute band…they should have been on earlier in the afternoon.
As for ELP… we watched the first 3 songs then swiftly left before we became comotose.
Great Festival and look forward to next year…shame the main stage finished on a low (for me)
Joe Bonamassa – never seen him before -Brilliant will definitely see again. Ufo ( one of my long time favourites an i go back to the 70’s – (yeah i’m an in me fifties old git ) a bit iffy/mixed bag regardless of tech probs. Elp – thought Emerson improved as he went on, loosened up, 1st song he struggled i thought, but ( as per previous comment ) he has got nerve damage, probably due to giving such fantastic performances in the past, if you think all of these guys their age can turn it on as per years ago you’re in cloud cuckoo land. I still thought bloody marvellous, just got home as stayed overnight, no choice, cost me over £300 for the day and worth every penny.
Forgot to say lake good enough, Palmer amazing for his age…..i did say all of these guys, and i am not just talking about Elp.
By the way, is this the forum for general comments rather than about the groups? Moans – Box office could be sited closer to entrance, and/or signposted clearly. Also, if booking by ‘phone as i did why not send out seating wristband with admittance wristband so do not have to go to box office! Why no re-admittance facility – come on this is the age of technology. Had vip ticket and toilets – some closed down, others ran out of paper and hand wash paper well before end of night – ya pay extra in expectation of this not occurring. Having said the above which you can improve for next year, would not have missed it – and a big thanks to stewards who all did a good job.
Here’s another idea for you – why not provide decent sized lockers, could be sited by entrance for security, so that people like me who are staying over can offload their gear and not have to hump around all day? know it is a minority but could do it so have to book at same time as booking ticket,obviously an extra charge, a tenner or whatever to cover cost and security checking of contents? Last moan – onstage times sorted earlier and available on website sooner – overall, great job, would recommend it to anyone, keep it up and see you next year assuming you keep it going ( i hope )
Phil (from South Essex): “we watched the first 3 songs then swiftly left ”
You left too soon. I too was feeling disappointed at the beginning of their set (Greg took a while to start hitting the high notes, technical problems, Keith a bit below par) but as they warmed up they got better and better. And the Carl Palmer drums-led finale was just fantastic. I had wondered if he could still cut it and he proved he could! Genius!
Can’t see why UFO were on so early, they should have been much higher up the bill.
Perhaps they sort that out next year, and put them on before Rush.
Superb festival, many highlights:
Bigelf impressed, loved The Answer, The Quireboys (glad I made the effort). Focus were supreme.
Bonamassa was just warming up, he is awesome. Best live guitarist out there imho.
Heaven & Hell and a tear.
Foreigner had me singing along… spit.
ZZ Top doing what they do, and doing it in style.
Bachman Turner were fantastic, loved every second.
Down N Outz didn’t do it for me, and I’m a Mott N Hunter fan. When Ian Hunter came on for the last two songs, they improved 100%
ELP? I’d go and see them again tomorrow. Seriously fitting end to a great festival.
Blistered feet, and hearing loss, due to being to close to the speakers at the prog stage.
Lots of great memories. A superb Festival, with just too much going on. I can’t believe I just said that!
Major downer was the price of the beer. Four pounds for a can of Lager? Shocking!!!!
I thought sunday was brillant. I didn’t see Magnum as I was watching High on Fire. So, can’t say. I have to say with some complaining about ELP, well it surprises me. I really think ELP were outstanding. I’m 24 years old, the chance for me to see ELP was worth it. I thought they were exceptional. Joe Bonamassa is really talented and i’ll be picking up his records soon. Whilst Opeth are one of the reasons i went along with ELP. Simply beautiful as always. Down were very entertaining too!
Love the idea of UFO supporting Rush. Made me think of Geddy’s description of UFO stapling fluffy slippers to the stage in the kimono era – one of the funniest parts of the film!
Bonamassa was amazing, bit slow at times but i loved the covers and medley of live Led Zep stuff at the end off Mothership live versions was absolutely brilliant. ELP were a visual spectacle, having listened to some of their stuff it was amazing to see these guys slowly become so energetic, destructive and generally insane for their age. Palmer is a behemoth, and Lucky Man sounded great. Disappointed they didn’t play Nutrocker but that may have been asking too much…but not really. Opeth are definitely talented but they did seem a bit distant in that elitist prog-metal that Dream Theatre lovers adore kind of way. Argent were so tongue in cheek and great musicians, I’m definitely going to have to check them out. Down were amazing, seeing them last year they seemed either sluggish or intoxicated, Anselmo commanded the crowd so well and emitted the feeling of performing with absolutely no bs and just getting on with it, despite losing his voice from over-exuberance in the first few songs. Lots of old tracks as well dragged from the early years for the hardcore but performed with such feeling that his rhetoric to “get people moving” worked seamlessly. Great festival, agree with the locker idea, and one niggle that the Prog and Metal stages were often competing for sound dominance, often with the latter winning. Maybe spread them out a bit more next year.
WHAT ABOUT A NIGHT DEDICATED TO THE NWOBHM NEXT YEAR. i´ll be the first in line IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON(IT´S A MUST ALWAYS), DIAMOND HEAD, PRAYING MANTIS.
Sunday and what a terrific event all-round – congratulations! My young daughter came with me and was enthralled with all the different types of music and people on display – great food available too! Toilets were crap as usual at such events – can we not think about having seperate booths for those who want to throw-up? Highlight was ELP – my God, how powerful was that band – and only a trio?? Unbelievable… It was a real throwback to their heyday in the 70’s – forget the 90’s – they were over produced then – this performance was perfect – Loud, thundering bass, energetic and constantly surprising (for those who have the attention span to listen for more than three songs). Genius.
A terrific start for High Voltage!
Great festival. Musical highlights for me were Focus, Asia and Magnum on the Prog Stage, Opeth on the Hammer stage and ELP on Sunday night – awesome.
Musical lows were Down and Outz – pretty shambolic, Foreigner… zzzz and UFO’s technical problems – it could only happen to them.
The downside – beer overpriced. VIP area (deluxe toilets eh?) and the goody bags not much cop. Prog and Hammer stages far too close together. The last minute changes to the timings on Sunday, which meant that those who forked out £5.00 for the laminated cards found them to be completely useless.
Sort these out and I’ll see you next year!
the line up was wrong and down n outz should have opened and the quireboys and ian hunter given more time,the fiasco out the end of down n outz set was caused by joe elliots indulgence and his misunderstood thinking that we were all intrested and spike must have been laughing all the way to the pub.!
That was a brilliant weekend. Couldn’t see all of the bands I wanted to but that’s a testament to how many great bands there were on all three stages. Highlights for me were Heaven & Hell (Jorn you did a fantastic job), Saxon and Joe Bonamassa. My disappointment was Magnum. I don’t know if it was the setlist or not but they just didn’t seem to get going. I’ve certainly see them play much better gigs. Roll on next year. We were all talking on the way out last night about who should be on and I noticed one name we all mentioned has already cropped up more than once on the forum. Rush!!! With a new album next year they would be perfect for the Main Stage Headliners. I will also add (like someone else) that £4 for a beer was expensive. I know people will say i’m moaning but it’s just my opinion.
Sorry – was I at the same festival?
Don’t get me wrong I loved it but – did you not see UFO or Bachmann Turner?
They were both amazing and yet no mention?????
I mean BT have been away for 34 years!!!!!!!!!!!
Kind of knocks ELP out a bit dosnt it.
Plus UFO have been going for 41 years and almost every band at HV has had a connection or a band member in it.
Highlights for me were The Answer, Heaven & Hell, Gary Moore, Saxon, UFO and BT, along with Quireboys, Joe Bonamassa and Dwizel Zappa – no really.
Great toilets, no queue at the bar, great food and a very interesting variety of music on the 3 stages over 2 days. Whats not to like?
So glad I didnt buy a VIP or one of those stupid seats!!!!!
Yours one of the ignorant majority (not an ELP fan).
By far the highlight of Sunday was Joe Bonamassa. I heard a lot about this guy and what a great guitarist he is. But after experiencing his flawless hour long set, I along with the rest of the massive crowd were blown away by his sheer guitar talent. This guy should be recording a duet with Jeff Beck – he’s that amazing. I will definitely be picking up some of his albums. Dweezil Zappa was also amazing on the Prog Stage.
Which idiot in control of the big screens decided during ELP’s set that it would be a good idea to display multiple images of the album covers that tracks came from for so long? The whole point of the big screens is so that those members of the audience too far from the stage to see can at least see something of the onstage activity, so why just as Carl Palmer is about to smash his gong does the idiot cut to a cover shot of the first album? The muppet ruined the whole flow on numerous occasions!
Other than that a thoroughly enjoyable festival, though I was disappointed to have to miss Joe Bonamassa to see the outstanding Uriah Heep perform all of Demons & Wizards. A real highlight. Let’s get them on the main stage next year.
Did any else spot Jimmy Page in the wings of the main stage while Down N Outz were performing…. shame he was without guitar (can email pic if required)
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Some highs and lows.
The highs
the Answer a great performance.
Is there a better guitarist in the world than Joe Bonamassa at the moment, i think not. Putting Bachman Turner between him and UFO’s Vinnie Moore really showed up their musicianship to me.
Zakk was great and what can you say about Saxon. They turn in a fantastic performance gig after gig with class and enthusiasm as if still surprised they dont have to go out and get a real job.
Wishbone Ash were great as Argus is one of my favorite albums of that era.
ZZ were very good how can you make a guitar sound ’southern’, just by playing one note and talk about cooooool.
The lows
Gary Moore, i really was looking foreword to his set, but after the 3rd or 4th song with just about the same content i got bored and fell asleep.
Bachman Turner was my second days snooze time.
Down and Outz, oh god, to me the most hyped performance and the worst band at the whole festival. what they were doing so high up the running order i have no idea.
All in all though an excellent weekend and the extra entertainment in the VIP area with Oli Brown was icing on the cake.
Only attended the Sunday event. Highlights for me were Wishbone Ash, Steve Hackett and the two blondes appearing with him. Managed to get to shake Steve by the hand and talk to the blonde I fancied. Only turned out to be the geezer from Kajagoogoo. Never was good with the ladies. Joe Bonamassa stole the show for me. What a great talent. And finally meeting and chatting with a lot of great people in the crowd, remaniscing about some of the great shows seen over the last 35 years.
Congratulations to all involved in putting together HV. I travelled from Ireland with 2 seriously old rockers, and had a blast – we were in rock heaven! The big unexpected win for me were Bachman Turner. It was a privelige to see them – they were awsome. My only regret is missing Argent.It’s very frustrating to hear afterwards how good a band were if you didn’t check them out. Top song of the weekend for me was Sloe Gin – Joe Bonamassa. It gave me goosebumps – brilliant as ever from JB. Can’t wait for next year. Rock on HV 2011!
Devonjohn, I’m not sure If your comments were aimed at me or someone else but i’ll answer.
I’m sure like many people we all have our favourites. Yes I saw UFO and they were great and I loved Phil Mogg’s banter when Vinnie Moore was having problems with his amps as for Bachman Turner i’m afraid I didn’t see them so I cannot comment. The upshot is yes we were all at the same festival but surely we don’t all have to like the same things. That’s what makes an event like this so special, you can pick and choose what you want to see and hopefully everyone goes away with a smile on their face. I certainly did. I’m a huge fan of many different types of rock music but i know some people like to be devisive when it comes to styles of music. I went with someone for instance who pretty much never left the metal stage all weekend because ‘everything else kinda sucks’ (his comments not mine) I’m not a big fan of that attitude. I think it was a great oppurtunity for people to perhaps listen to some bands they might not have seen otherwise as well as seeing some of your own favourites and long may it continue, but just because ‘My Highlights’ don’t match yours doesn’t make them any more or any less relevant. See you at the front next year.
OMG! a few moaners here. I’m 55 and been to a lot of rock/prog festivals. This was one of the best. The only single problem that I had was £4 for a 440ml can of Tuborg that tasted like poo! I was happy to pay £4 for a pint of draught Carlsberg, but please – no Tuborg next year! Hows about Jethro Tull, The Black Crowes, Judas Priest and The Who next Year?
Great festival, really enjoyed Sunday Wishbone in fine form. Only disappointment was that Down N Outz overan and we could’nt get more of Ian Hunter, he was treated really badly and just pulling the plug was a disgrace. Thought we were going back to some real classic rock days when he lifted his guitar up, but who can blame him, get him back & really was ELP worth it!!
Quireboys brilliant as always – you have Spike to thanks for that as Down n Outz really didn’t do it for me, shame Ian Hunter got pulled off (thanks to Elliots ego by all accounts)
Just back from a family holiday, so no chance to pass on my views of HIGH VOLTAGE till now. I’ll use this blog to cover both days.
Firstly – I had a great time. As a stalwart of late 70’s and early 80’s festivals the line-ups, atmosphere and spirit was superb! It really was a festival for real classic rock fans. I’ll get the negatives out of the way first. Low volume and variable sound quality – Couldn’t find the ‘Victoria’ Real Ale pub (managed a few ales from the central tent bar before they ran out, but I assume there was a hiccup in the planning?) – Hammer stage too close to the Prog stage (more distance or screens next time?).
Yet the positives were many. The food choice was great and the stalls were varied and interesting (not sure how the fairground stalls fared financially, though).
Day 1 – planted myself at the Prog stage and saw a very competent opening from TOUCHSTONE (a shame the ‘Arcade Fire’ PA tape loop covered Mr Iron’s intro to Wintercoast. PENDRAGON were a very pleasant surprise and great fun – good power-driving prog! Managed to switch to the main stage to see THE UNION – earnest, but underwhelming (they may work better when you listen to the CD at home?). THE ANSWER were a highlight and while I’ve seen them play a better set, they rocked well! Back at the Prog stage I saw a competent FOCUS performance – although it felt like a tribute band at times. BIG ELF took time for me to catch onto their style, but I was gradually converted and enjoyed them and they show up better live than on the latest studio offering. GARY MOORE was a major disappointment – lethargic, slow and lacking any bite at all. Oh dear – a bit of a dinosaur really even for us BOFs! A quick run back to see DWEEZIL ZAPPA and what a surprise – great songs, zany performances and superb musicianship – the surprise of the weekend! Got to the front to see a first class ASIA performance of the classic 1st album. Carl and Steve seemed renewed and while John’s vocals couldn’t quite roll back the years, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and professional performance. Unfortunately had to miss Foreigner and the Heaven and Hell Tribute (as well as Saxon) so the band clashes were a real shame, but I’m pleased I stuck around for a wonderful TRANSATLANTIC final performance of the Whirlwind (and a great appearance by Mr Hackett to boot!). As with the album the piece flows over you at times, but it’s so great to see Neal Morse rockin’ once again! Thoroughly worn out and while I tried to catch up on ZZ Top on the main stage at the end, I found them rather predictable and flat even on the more famous songs, so I apologise for sneaking off early to get the train back to the Sister-in-Law’s House in Peckham Rye (after eventualy finding Bethnal Green tube – that’s a northerner for you!)
Day 2 thankfully less hot, but another solid start from THE REASONING on the Prog stage. Not sure about the punky backing singer, but the performance was very enjoyableand sadly a touch brief. MARTIN TURNER’S WISHBONE ASH performed Argus and other classic tracks surprisingly well and nice to see Ted again. What a classic album that is. STEVE HACKETT was a real highlight but sadly far too short in terms of set-time (am I missing something about Nick Beggs though, or is it just some in-joke amongst the musos?). Sadly I had to miss UFO and all but the lasy song of BACHMAN & TURNER, so I hope they were okay. MAGNUM and I go back to Kingdom of Madness and the support to Whitesnake, so I was initially saddened to see them show their age and focus on newer material than the many classics they can offer. However, after bringing tears to my eyes with Les Morts Dansant, I was gradually won over. Don’t forget the past, Tony, especially on a festival spot. Had to rush over to see JOE BONAMASSA deliver the performance of the festival on the main stage – awesome is an understatement and Sloe Gin was immaculate (Mr Moore take note). Unfortunately it meant that only catching a couple of ARGENT songs and no Uriah Heep at all (bloody clashes again!) Same goes for OPETH, who I was willing to give a chance and ignore the death metal vocals but couldn’t make it. As I was determined to get as close to the front for ELP, I had to go for DOWN ‘N’ OUTZ over Marillion (although I’m no great fan of the current version). Joe Elliott did a competent selling job on Ian Hunter’s back catalogue, but why did he wait so long to bring on the grand old man himself. Didn’t agree with Ian missing out on one more song, but you needed to lose a song or two earlier, Joe, once you knew time was short.
That leaves me with ELP – and I have to say that I thoroughally enjoyed the show despite the problems with the sound, Greg’s girth and slight petulance (“feedback…feedback…!) and not always the best set list choices (Bitches Crystal?). But when Keith warmed up things really got going, although for me it was Carl who drove the band to a great climax and a great end to a great festival.
I do hope HIGH VOLTAGE happens again – it promises to be a highlight in the calendar from now on. The crowd size was perfect for us fans, but I just hope it’s enough for the organisers to shift a decent profit for their efforts. Don’t mind there being a Hammer stage for the hard core, but try to keep out the younger Nu-Metal idiots, please! Finally, any thought of running a smaller Prog only festival as well – as it was a real joy to see bands platying thoughtful music to an older appreciative audience. If finances stop HIGH VOLTAGE 2011, at least see if a PROG event can be run.
All-in-all 10/10 for effort, 8/10 for delivery, 5/10 for sound and 10/10 for giving a late 40’s guy some great memories for his dotage!
Cheers and keep rockin’!