The Story of Guitar Heroes - Northampton Derngate

 

The Derngate Northampton

Sunday night and I find myself on home turf at the Derngate for the first time this year. Bit of an unknown quantity too tonight? Not something that would ordinarily grab my attention enough to lure me away from home comforts on  a chilly February evening. However Mrs A saw it advertised on that phone thing of hers and the next I new she had only gone and splashed the hard earned on a couple of tickets. 

Pretty good tickets they were too! Not quite last minute but purchased recently we knew we wouldn't be sitting together.I was going to be in the row behind. However a kind lady had a spare seat on the front row, next to my wife and offered it up. So we were together after all, which was nice although I did have to share my Jelly Beans every time she heard my pocket rustle. Turns out that her husband is a Drummer of high renowned locally.I shall give the his band 'Early Nights' a plug on here for what it is worth. We are right over on the right hand side. There is already an impressive array of guitars standing proud at the back of the stage. I purposely hadn't researched the format for tonight so prepare my self for some thrills, excitement and maybe even the odd surprise. All will be revealed in the fullness of time no doubt. 

A large video projection screen at the back welcomes us to the start of the story back in the late 1950's. I didn't write down the running order so please forgive any inaccuracies. We had the Shadows with 'Apache, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochrane to kick us off. Before moving on to the likes of Hendrix and Clapton. It's a fantastic start on a night that promises to pay tribute and homage to the most influential and iconic guitarists of the last 50 years.    

'Front man' and brainchild of the project 'Phil Walker' is an enigmatic character. Reminiscent in looks to the snooker player 'Shaun Murphy' I thought.  He is quick to introduce his fellow band mates. On stage we have 'Ben Kapur'  (Lead Guitar,Bass Guitar & Vocals). Very much a s Blues/ Rock style and influenced by the likes of Gary Moore & Joe Bonamassa. Andy Leslie-Smith (Lead Guitar,Bass Guitar & Vocals). A member of both Foo Fighters and Green Day tribute bands. Chris Allan ( Drums, Lead Guitar and Vocals). His biggest influence throughout his career has been the late, great 'Cozy Powell.  

Most of my photos are taken from the second half of the show. It's hard to tell being at the front if anybody else has got their phone out. A lot of artists and indeed venues get very unhappy about such things. Anybody who has read any of the reviews from The Stables MK will know exactly what I mean. I can never really understand why a band wouldn't want the publicity. As long as the person with the phone is respectful, and doesn't annoy anyone else. Thankfully the band see it that way too and photography is encouraged, as long as you tag them in of course. Phil doesn't tell us this though until just before the interval. It's then like a starting gun has gone off as phones are hastily retrieved from pockets. Highlights from the first set includes a bit of metal courtesy of 'Black Sabbath' and Paranoid with Chris Allan swapping his sticks for the guitar. We have the classic and every aspiring Guitar Heroes favourite 'Smoke on the Water' by Deep Purple, as if you needed telling. Richie Blackmore is my favourite guitarist it has to be said. We had the furry Spinning guitars of ZZ Top and the a bit of Paul Kossoff with 'All Right Now' by Free. 

Phil jokingly tells us that one of the questions he gets asked the most is 'where can I buy merchandise for the show'? You can get kitted out in a whole new wardrobe if you so desire.  After the shameless but forgiven pluggery comes the real answer. Which guitar solo is the most difficult to play? The answer is perhaps a little surprising? He cites 'Albert Lee' and the song 'Country Boy'. It's a real 'finger picking' style song which Albert still plays live today and he is now in his 80's. I struggle I'm almost forty Phil quips with a wry smile and groans from his band mates. Apologies for those songs Ive failed to mention. We gone to the interval in fine style with a segment from 'Pink Floyd' and 'Comfortably Numb'. All the lights and lasers too create for a spectacular climax. The playing as it has been all evening is impeccable.The band leave to rapturous applause in search of a cup of tea and custard cream biscuit or something similar. Oh how times have changed, instead of rushing to the bar to get a quick pint in. I am now more than content to stay in my seat and enjoy a slightly overpriced tub of Ice Cream (Chocolate).Very nice it was too , once I'd manage to thaw it out a bit.

 

Ben Kapur' in Eddie Van Halen mode

 The second half kicks of with a bit of Dire Straits. One of my favourite bands from the 80's. I remember seeing them at the Birmingham NEC on the 'Brothers in Arms Tour'. They were absolutely massive around that time. The song 'Money for Nothing' gets us back into the swing of things. Not one of my favourite tracks if I'm honest. Oh for Sultans of Swing.. But the set list changes to keep things fresh , maybe next time?Who doesn't love a bit of 'Van Halen' I certainly do. Tonight we have the big hit 'Jump' played on the 'Eddie Van Halen' 'Frankenstrat' that is so recognisable. All of the guitars used in the show are authentic to those used by the original artists. There is over thirty of them too! Must be worth a few pounds. One of the most recognisable guitars is the purple ' symbol' guitar similar to the one used by 'Prince' or whatever he was calling himself at the time. Whatever its a great version of 'Purple Rain'. One of the songs I really enjoyed was from someone I'm not over familiar with 'Steve Vai'. A three time Grammy award winner so hes not too shabby. Very much an individualist, virtuoso style and rated in the world's top 10 guitarists.A tough act to pull off , but pull it off they did with some aplomb. 

Phil Walker & The Prince 'Symbol' guitar

There is some serious talent on show tonight, intermixed with good humour, audience involvement and a touch of nostalgia. The second half highlight would have to be 'Phil Walker' blasting out his inner 'Brian May' of Queen with 'Brighton Rock' and part of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. A backdrop of Freddie  Mercury strutting his stuff on the big screen as only Freddie could do. 

What a night it has been! It isn't over yet though as the band return fir a tribute to the Rolling stones. All four playing the same guitar at one stage. I can't sign off without mentioning 'Andy Leslie-Smith' who really was moving like 'Jagger'. A great night was had by all I have no doubt.   A real history lesson , they should teach this sort of thing in schools.  We really look forward to seeing the band again next time round.