Cloven Hoof, 1st November, Utopía, Zaragoza

What a nice surprise!! Veteran Lee Payne managed to put a renewed version of Cloven Hoof and they delivered. Lee is the heart and soul of the band, but he is surrounded by vocalist George Call, who reminded me a lot to Andi Deris -a great vibe-, with extraordinary vocal range and aboslutely astonishing. There are few singers today that have me impressed like Cloven Hoof's frontman; and guitar player Ash Baker, who put great solos and great performance. Chris Cross in his other guitar was maybe more serious but did his job, and the drummer was focused too. Absolutely Great Band. Great Show.
Maybe we were 50 persons who enjoyed the show as its very best. I only would have loved if they had played "Morning Star", but hey, setlist was pretty good. IT was a bit curious they didn't play a song from "The definitive part 2" -I expected Running man at least- which theoretically they were presenting, so I bought Who mourns for the morning star, and got them signed. Very nice people too. I loved them.

 Inquisitor 
Song of Orpheus 
Highlander 
The Fugitive 
Astral Rider 
Kiss of Evil (Remembering Ronnie James Dio)
The Gates of Gehenna 
Time to Burn 
Cloven Hoof 
Nova Battlestar 
Crack the Whip 
Reach for the Sky 
Laying Down the Law

Alcatrazz, Sala Lopez, Zaragoza, 5th October

OK, I can't help it. I adore Graham Bonnet. I adore Alcatrazz, Rainbow, MSG, Impellitery and most of the bands he was in. So he put a nice band who delivered a great show, even though Graham had to be most of the part sit due to a future surgery. He is 72 years old, and he delivered a great show with great powerful voice as usual.
One of the best concerts I've ever been, Loved all the songs, I went with my son, so... what more could I ask for?
Set List was almost perfect.

1. Too Young to Die, Too Drunk to Live
2. Hiroshima Mon Amour
3. Jet to Jet
4. Kree Nakoorie
5. All Night Long
6. Desert Song
7. Night Games
8. Rock You to the Ground
9. Stand in Line
10. Island in the Sun
11. Since You Been Gone
12. Leviathan
13. Goodnight and Goodbye
14. We Won't Be Forgotten
15. Assault Attack
16. Lost in Hollywood

Forever Pat

I've been staring at this photograph
It used to make me laugh - I believed
That you would always live forever
Nothing's been the same since you've been gone
It's hard to carry on - all I see
Is misery and cloudy weather
Sometimes I think I see your face in the crowd

It's too late for saying I love you
It's too late for saying goodbye
The memory keep repeating, I'm losing my mind
I'd give anything just to hold you, it's so hard to let you go
All the way up, all the way up to Heaven
All the way up, all the way up to Heaven

Now I wake up with your voice in my head
All the things that you said - keep on playing
Spinning like a broken record
And will this ever get easier?
I can't go on like this anymore
I thought we'd always be together
It makes me wonder what it's all about

It's too late for saying I love you
It's too late for saying goodbye
The memory keep repeating, I'm losing my mind
I'd give anything just to hold you, it's so hard to let you go
All the way up, all the way up to Heaven
All the way up, all the way up to Heaven

And the times you made me smile
And the things you got me through
I never thought that they would take you
Away from me so soon
I've run out of tears to cry
And my heart is on the mend
But I think it's gonna be awhile
'Til I can feel again

Sometimes I think I see your face in the crowd
It's too late for saying I love you
It's too late for saying goodbye
The memory keep repeating, I'm losing my mind
I'd give anything just to hold you, it's so hard to let you go
All the way up, all the way up to Heaven

Forever Malcom

It was one of those nights when you turned out the lights and everything comes into view she was taking her time i was losing my mind there was nothing that she wouldn't do it wasn't the first it wasn't the last she knew we was making love i was so satisfied deep down inside like a hand in a velvet glove Chorus: seems like a touch, a touch too much seems like a touch, a touch too much too much for my body, too much for my brain this kind of woman's gonna drive me insane she's got a touch, a touch too much She had the face of an angel smiling with sin a body of venus with arms dealing with danger stroking my skin let the thunder and lightening start it wasn't the first it wasn't the last it wasn't that she didn't care she wanted it hard and wanted it fast she liked it done medium rare Chorus Seems like a touch, touch too much you know it's much too much, much too much i really want to feel your touch too much girl you know you're getting me much too much seems like a touch just a dirty little touch i really need your touch cause you're much too much too much Chorus

Since I've been loving you (The song remains the same)

Ohhhhh, I've been workin' from seven to eleven every night
Ooh yeah, it really makes life a drag, drag, draaaaag
I know that ain't right
I've really been the best, the best of fools
Ohh, yes, but I did what I could, yes, I did
Oh, I love you more, yes, I love you, baby
Oh, I love you, oh, I love you, oooh yeah

Oh, baby, since I've been lovin' you
I'm about to lose my worried mind, oh, don't make me lose it

Everybody tryin' to tell me, tell me, ohhhh ohhhh ohhhh, that you didn't mean me no good
But I tried, I tried, I tried, I tried
Ohhhh, I've been tryin' to do the best I could
I've been a-workin', I've been a-workin', I've been a-workin' from seven, oh, baby, baby, to eleven every night
You're such a drag, whoa, such a drag, my, such a drag, you're such a drag
Sweet mama, sweet mama, I don't think that's right


Ohhh, baby, since I've been lovin' you
I'm about to lose my worried mind,
Oh, don't make me, don't make me, don't make me, don't make me, don't make me lose it

(Guitar Solo)

Ooh yes, I've been cryin', oh-ooo-oh-oh, yeah
All my tears, they fell like rain, don'tcha see them fall
Ohh, mama, stop them fallin', somebody, somebody, stop them fallin'
Whoa, hold it, hold it, hold it

Now, you listen, just you listen...
Do you remember, mama, when I knocked upon your door
You had the nerve to tell me you didn't want me no more
I open my front door, hear my back door slam
I said, "Hey, baby, hey, baby,
I gotta feed the back-door, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ohhh, I've been a-workin' from seven
oh, baby, to eleven every night
You're such a drag, am I such a drag, you're such a drag, now, mama, am I such a drag
I don't, I don't, I don't think that's right

Ohhh, baby, since I've been lovin' you
I'm about to lose, don't let me lose my worried mind
I can't lose it, I've been tryin' so hard

Ohhh, yeah-ee-yeah, yes, I've been tryin'
Oooh, baby, baby, I've been tryin', don't make me lose,
don't make lose my worried mind, whoa-oo-oh, ohhhh

2 weeks after...

still i have Mantis in my ears, in my mind. Thanks again for the great concert we had! Want to hear the new work hitting next year :-)

My Mantis Collection

Maybe I am not the biggest fan, but to me Praying Mantis is one of the best bands ever -sharing podium with good old DH-
Few bands have such a composition, arrangements and ideas... simply great music, and are able to perform excellently their songs after forty years.

PS: The record Live at Last, I have it too... it is hidden somewhere, just it was too shy for the photo...

March 4, 2017 Praying Mantis - Zaragoza

It is really nice to see such a legend come to 'small' cities, and this time Mantis Tour made it to A Coruña, Valencia (today) and Zaragoza (yesterday).
The place was small and not really crowded, but we enjoyed a great set from an awesome band. The band was committed, devoted to make a good show, and they did a great one. Even when they had small technical problems, they solved them to offer the best. They know the songs, the songs are good, the performace is excellent. It is true, I loved them very much :-)
All the show was great, but I noticed possibly that the last part of the show, the last 4 songs was totally crazy from the frontline. It felt awesome.
The band was really nice, at the end they signed records, took photos with the fans, did some talk... everybody was happy! I made a new friend, Joaquín "Cheated", another passionate young one with good taste for old classic stuff. Keep on rockin' ;-)
As I told Chris at the end, next time they need to play songs from Forever in Time and Nowhere to hide. He promised :-) The songs from Time Tells no Lies were highly acclaimed and it was a nice surprise to see 2 songs from Cry for the New World (and none being Letting go nor Journeyman) keep Time slipping away, shame Borderline was dropped.
I bought a lot of things, to be honest the prices were a bargain. Got my Legacy (I still have to make the review of this one) record signed as well the official set list. My treasuree...
I have to say I was nervous and anxious... however it is difficult to match the magic as the first time (http://f7f.blogspot.com.es/2011/11/26-nov-2011-praying-mantis-barcelona.html) I met them in 2011. Anyway they were terrific and I was glad to salute them all.

Praying Mantis - 4th March 2017 - Set List: Fight for your honour, Panic in the streets, Praying Mantis -the scenario went dark-, Believable, Highway, Lovers to the grave -I didn't recognise the intro-, Time slipping away, Dream on -ballad moment-, Rise up again, The runner, Turn the tables, Children of the earth. Encore: Captured City

Tino, Chris, please keep this band and make another record. And come again to Spain :-)
The more that I play the record, the better it sounds. Not sure why... but I can't stop whistling Believable...

Cheated... Steve... RIP

Lying here so weary girl Just Crying over you The colours in our rainbow How they've all turned blue Raindrop in the ocean That's what you've made of me today But still I search for the answer To why you went away I've seen darkness I've seen the light I felt the pain, oh the pain In the dead of night I've been cheated My heart's been bruised I've been cheated All my life I've just been used Let me tell you darlin' If you read the lines upon my face They're sure enough to tell you My head's out of place Maybe tomorrow girl You'll come back to set me free 'Cos you know it's only you babe Who holds the golden key I've been cheated My heart's been bruised I've been cheated All my life I've just been used

Modern Vintage

After hearing "Stars" 1 month ago or so... I just couldn't wait to get the album... but i had to :-( ...... NOW... It looks like the fresh new record that will be my record of the year without a doubt... Yes... this is the record of the year, it sounds fresh, great vocals, great solos, great harmonies... great songs. Gotta get it right, Miracle, Drive, Hyperventilate, Give me a love ,Let it haunt you (still i can't believe this is a bonus track!)... and Stars You know... it is exasperating waiting for a record whose expectatitions you put on only lead to despair. This is not the case. After two damned good records, this is the third in a row. So, Sixx AM is solid. And it has pasion & feeling. Mandatory buy, of course. I'd love to get it signed... You don't believe me... listen to it. Congratulations guys, you made it again! 10/10 clasixx status

2015 mantis

A nice surprise... we'll have mantis record for 2015. I'm sure it will be worth the wait

Remember Jim...

Two worlds collide Rival nations It's a primitive clash Venting years of frustrations Bravely we hope Against all hope There is so much at stake Seems our freedom's up Against the ropes Does the crowd understand? Is it East versus West Or man against man Can any nation stand alone In the burning Heart Just about to burst There's a quest for answers An unquenchable thirst In the darkest night Rising like a spire In the burning heart The unmistakable fire In the burning heart In the warrious code There's no surrender Though his body says stop His spirit cries - never! Deep in our soul A quiet ember Know it's you against you It's the paradox That drives us on It's a battle of wills In the heat of attack It's the passion that kills The victory is yours alone In the burning Heart Just about to burst There's a quest for answers An unquenchable thirst In the darkest night Rising like a spire In the burning heart The unmistakable fire In the burning Heart Just about to burst There's a quest for answers An unquenchable thirst In the darkest night Rising like a spire In the burning heart The unmistakable fire In the burning Heart Just about to burst There's a quest for answers An unquenchable thirst In the darkest night Rising like a spire In the burning heart The unmistakable fire In the burning heart

Remember Gary...

I've seen that look somewhere before Your sorrow's like an open door You've been this way for much too long Somebody must have done you wrong But one day the sun will shine on you Turn all your tears to laughter One day your dreams may all come true One day the sun will shine on you I've seen that look so many times I know the sadness in your eyes Your life is like a wishing well Where it goes, only time will tell One day the sun will shine on you Turn all your tears to laughter One day your dreams may all come true One day the sun will shine on Say goodbye to the lonely nights Say goodbye to the northern lights Say goodbye to the cold north winds Say goodbye to the autumn leaves One day the sun will shine on you Turn all your tears to laughter One day your dreams may all come true One day the sun will shine on you

El gringo

Don't look for me in heaven
Don't come to me in hell
Never take me alive
I've got no soul to sell.

And don't look for me in prison
Don't try to save my soul
I'm a man without a country
And I've got no place to go.

You can see i'm just a Gringo
You can see i'm just a man
I live outside the Law
Doing anything I can

I keep the laws I make
And I break the laws you keep
I'm living on the edge
I'm Living on the street.

Don't look for me in heaven
Don't come for me in hell
Never take me alive
I've got no soul to sell.

And don't look for me in prison
Don't try to save my soul
I'm a man without a country
And I've got no place to go.

Each day i fight to live
I fight to stay alive
Dont get in my way
Unless you wanna die

One who stands tall
never stands alone
 
Don't look for me in heaven
Don't come for me in hell
Never take me alive
I've got no soul to sell

And don't look for me in prison
Don't try to save my soul
I'm a man without a country
And I've got no place to go

You can see i'm just a Gringo
You can I see i'm just a man
I live outside the Law
Doing anything I can

I keep the laws I make
And I bring the laws you keep
I'm living on the edge
I'm Living on the street

Don't look for me in heaven
Don't come for me in hell
Never take me alive
I've got no soul to sell

And don't look for me in prison
Don't try to save my soul
I'm a man without a country
And I've got no place to go

No, not in this world...

They decorated all the generals Who fought the wars behind the lines They had forgotten all the soldiers The brandy put them way behind the times Insanity has found its way to TV screens Vision seems impossible to me They fight (they fight) for king (for king) and country I never would have thought this in my Wildest dreams The evening comes, we sit and watch the VJs Clips and rushes come from who knows where From Washington across to California With fighting breaking out in Leicester Square We see the soldiers moving on to victory And children trampled under marching feet They fight (they fight) for king (for king) and country How many millions will they put to sleep? No, not in this world No, not in the next No, not in my wildest dreams They recommended euthanasia For non-conformists anywhere Some men's dreams for others turn to nightmares This never would have happened in my No, not in this world No, not in the next No, not in my wildest dreams.

I ain't getting into heaven...

...And I blame this world for making a good man evil It's this world that can drive a good man mad And it's this world that turns a killer into a hero Well I blame this world for making a good man bad Now I ain't getting into heaven if the devil has his way I swear I'm gonna live forever Heading back to Santa Fe Got debts to pay in Santa Fe It's judgment day in Santa Fe Lord have mercy So I save a prayer when I need it most To the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost And sign it from a sinner with no name When I meet my maker Will he close the book on the hearts I broke and the lives I took? Will he walk away 'cause my soul's too late to save? Now I ain't getting into heaven If the devil has his way I swear I'm gonna live forever Heading back to Santa Fe Got debts to pay in Santa Fe It's judgment day in Santa Fe

is it all... just wasted time?

You and I together in our lives Sacred ties would never fray Then why can´t I let myself tell lies And watch you die every day I think back to the times When dreams were what mattered Tough talking youth naivete You said you never let me down But the horse stampedes and rages In the name of desperation Is it all just wasted time Can you look at yourself When you think of what You left behind ... The sun will rise again The earth will turn to sand Creation´s colors seem to fade to grey And you´ll see the sickly hands of time Will write your final rhyme And end a memory

Line up

UFO -03 KISS -97 Alice Cooper -05 Dio -98 Megadeth -98,05 Def Leppard Diamond Head -05 Praying Mantis -11 Motley Crue -05 Scorpions -05 Magnum -09 Bon Jovi -93 Judas Priest -05 AC/DC -96 Metallica -92 Aerosmith -93 Helloween -05 Mr Big -93 Thin Lizzy Foreigner Journey Rainbow

26 Nov 2011 Praying Mantis - Barcelona

Praying Mantis ... finally!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_jcNQi1tzo

Yes, true, despite a whole year waiting, finally on Saturday 26N in Barcelona, true NWOBHM Legends were delivering a great show. Raven and Praying Mantis were headliners. Before, Bourbon Society, Wild and Tysondog were opening the festival METALCOVA IV.
Around 23:00 h local time, Praying Mantis went on scene and checking sound. After 20 minutes which seemed eternal, finally thumbs up from Tino and drummer,
From song one it was clear that singer Mike Freeland and Troy Brothers wanted to give a great gig and they were enjoying and make the people enjoying the show. Even there were some words in spanish and some in catalan from Tino. All the songs were introduced with a 30 second presentation, and to all songs the thanked the answer from the audience. (PS: That reminds me my DIO concert in 98, Ronnie RIP.)
In the first songs Tino wasnt happy with the sound of his guitar, and I catched him looking to Andy in the beginning of Cant see the Angels and his surprise for the guitar effect. Tino tried eye-contacting the table, and asking for another cable in order to improve the sound. It was clear he wanted to enjoy but to play as good as possible, so I'd liked these moments so much.
Through all the concert they were making the people enjoy the gig. That felt really nice & great.
Another thing which I saw it was interesting, there were slight changes in all the songs except the new ones from Sanctuary and Time slipping away.
Short but intense, It was a never to forget concert.
Moments before the show, Chris and Tino went to see the fans who were there, and shook hands, have some little talk and made some photos and signed some records. It all felt great.

Praying Mantis - 26th November 2011 - Set List: Children of the earth, Panic in the streets, Cant see the angels, Turn the tide, Restless heart, Time slipping away, Dream on, Dont be afraid of the dark, Running for tomorrow, Turn the tables. Encore: Captured City

If I had one word to describe, it would be AWESOME! ... and it is true, Time tells no lies :-)



















A big thanks to METALCOVA. This means not only big promotors bring the best bands. Great job guys, you're the best!
A big thanks to Mantis for coming. Maybe we were only few and such a little audience, but we loved you since the beginning.
A big thanks to all the audience, people was nice and friendly. I enjoyed it so much.

5 solos

Steve Harris - Reflections
Brian Tatler - In the heat of the night
Rob Bendelow - Ready to fly
Michael Schenker - Doctor Doctor
Neal Schon - Who's cryin' now

Steve Harris

With great sadness, Steve Harris just passed away ...

I'll remember him for his perennial solo in Reflections... Steve, RIP

Eclipse

After the great comeback with Revelation (after the great deception with Generations), we get this new one from Journey which i was eagerly hoping for... and... really got deceived... so what i haver heard, i am thinking in NOT buying it... :-(
I heard a lot of great reviews...
Well this is not what I expect from a record teaming Schon-Cain. They are about to make greater things. Songs with punch, heartbreaking... well... they made escape, frontiers, raised on radio, arrival, trial by fire, beyond the thunder and even revelation... so that is what I am expecting from them... maybe is it too much asking?

This is gonna hurt

After several listenings I have no doubt, this will be (with Journey does not eclipse it) the record of the year. Yes, it feels, it sounds to me a Heroin II, so this is really great news. The sticky melody (& lyrics) from the title, the single lies of the beautiful people (kind of reminding the last single Life is beautiful)... the power of Live forever, the Sure feels right mid tempo, and, above all this heartbreaking Skin touching the soul deep inside... The more i listen to the songs the more I like them and i appreciate even more... A true winner

10/10 classic status

Over the edge

Yeah I got the music cranking, Japanese TV
My head is full of jasmine smoke
I can hardly breathe
Turquoise dragons slip and slide
Sliding down my back
I'm standing on this cold, thin ice
And I'm about to crack

I'm over
I'm over
Over the edge

Seven candles burn so bright
The full moon behind a veil
The ocean crashing in my head
Outside the sirens wail
Jet black is my dirty hair
Jet black my heart and car
My lips are red, my skin snow white
My face is battle scarred

I no longer feel the pain
No longer feel my love
Just the air conditioner
And a help from the Lord above
Speeding up pieces of my broken heart
My eyes work like radar
I'm lyin' in the afterglow
How'd I ever get this far

I'm over
I'm over
Over the edge

Return of the Warlord

now the time has come when all is said and done
we're back together on the road it's time to fly
no more time to wait you know it feels so great
wearin leather on a horse of steel i ride
i ain't waitin to get old i'm runnin hot i'm never cold
kiss my ass if you don't like me i don't care
i got my wheels got my friends we're on the road again
we're all crazy gonna ride until we die

time to burn you losers better learn
no one controls our goddamn lifes
we'll do just what we feel riding horses made of steel
we're here to burn up the night

losers try to put us down it's just another day
i got no money or big house just got life
i don't like to save it's more fun to spend
if you like metal you're my friend
and that bike out in the yard well that's my wife
don't try to understand me my family never will
had to punch my teacher out now he's chilled
i might stay in school or die in prision
either way it's my decision one more beer and heavy metal
and i'm just fine

time to burn you losers better learn
no one controls our goddamn lifes
we'll do just what we feel riding horses made of steel
we're here to burn up the night

we are the undefeated we're not living in the past
we're here tonight to kick some goddamn ass
feel the power of the wheel lets drink to riding steel
livin hard and ridin fast

time to burn you losers better learn
no one controls our goddamn life
we'll do just what we feel riding horses made of steel
we're here to burn up the night

RIP Drums of Steel Scott

I ain't crying for the moon

Tried to believe in love
Tried to believe in something
It's tearing me all apart
No use to keep pretending
A lone wolf, keeps straying
Can't find a heart to live in
Do I believe in love?
I'm lying, I can't give up

Anybody knowing what to do
Anybody feels the way I do
The end is getting closer far too soon
I ain't crying for the moon

I'm playing the king of hearts
Trying to top my scoring
Got no queen in my deck of cards
Wanna stop my dice from rolling
Obsession? Depression?
My life, a lonely mission
A king without a crown?
Who's the fool, behind this frown?

Anybody knowing what to do
Anybody feels the way I do
The end is getting closer far too soon
Keeping faith in you
Anybody knowing what to do
Looking for the certain kind of you
The end is getting closer far too soon
I ain't crying for the moon

Anybody knowing what to do
Anybody feels the way I do
The end is getting closer far too soon
Keeping faith in you
Anybody knowing what to do
Looking for the certain kind of you
The end is getting closer far too soon
I ain't crying for the moon

An almost perfect first part of the song...

Parisienne Walkways

Another 'blue' news, the guitar player from perennial Parisienne Walkways passed away...

I remember Paris in 49
The Champs Elysee, San Michelle
an old Beauolais wine.
And I recall that you were mine
In those Parisienne days

Looking back at the photographs.
Those summerdays spent outside corner cafes.
Oh, I could write you paragraphs,
About my old Parisienne days.

Reflections

tonight i walk the street alone
disillusioned and confused
you took away my freedom
you took away the truth

And so as slowly wonder
reflecting on my past
too many memories
and now the pain it only lays

but i never meant to hurt you girl
and you never meant to hurt me
but we broke each other's hearts
and that's the way it's meant to be
and this emptiness inside me
is more than i can bare
i cry myself to sleep each night
just cause i know that you're not there

noone could ever change your place
cause everywhere i look i see your face
there are reflections
fading away to the night

these shadows hide the tears' drops
since so many nights did i cry
oh we're running from the memories
until there's nowhere left to hide

but i never meant to hurt you girl
you mever meant to hurt me
but we broke each other's hearts
and that's the way it's meant to be

noone could ever change your place
cause everywhere i look i see your face
there are reflections
fading away to the night

i see reflections
fading away to the night


The lyrics are good, melody is great, and the solo is stunning ... absolutely brilliant

and the records of the Decade are...

1) Praying Mantis - Sanctuary
2) Sixx AM - The heroin diaries

3) Journey - Arrival
4) Scorpions - Unbreakable
4) Magnum - Princess Alice & the Broken Arrow

6) Praying Mantis - Nowhere to Run
7) Tony O'Hora - Escape From The Sun
8) Alice Cooper - Brutal Planet
9) Megadeth - The system has failed
10) Bruce Turgon - Outside Looking In
10) Axel Rudi Pell - Mystica

Some songs:

Sanctuary, Girl of golden eyes,
Kiss me softly, through my eyes, Moonking
Naked, Broken soul, Pick up the bones, Back in the day, These tears must fall, Mystica

and the record of the Year is...

PRAYING MANTIS - SANCTUARY

10 songs - 10 out of 10. Superb composition, melodies, chorus, riffs, lyrics...

No more words to add, let the music do the talking...