TopGun, Bellhouse Road WMC, Shiregreen 11 May 2007
The draw of this band was not reflected in the size of the audience until after they started. Then the room miraculously filled up. The volume probably attracted them all. TopGun are LOUD.
Following Glenn Miller's In the Mood introduction, TopGun performed the best segue I've ever heard, seamlessly from The Who's Pinball Wizard into Lizzy's Whiskey in the Jar. I don't normally like medleys and mergers, but this one was perfection. One favourite then came after the other and another - Born to be Wild, Wishing Well, Don't Believe a Word, and Comfortably Numb - but it was great to hear, for a change, Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin version ...). Two more familiars, Sanctuary and Radar Love, sandwiched the rarely played Empty Rooms, and so the band broke for the interval.
In our little group we decided what the band really needs is a bit more depth, or backing vocals. They have a top bird on bass guitar in Angie Dodds, but because she'd sooner play than sing, her vocals were too quiet.
Set two was a mix of familiar and not so familiar numbers played in an unusual sequence. A Journey-free night is always a bonus in my book, and my personal favourites were The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again, Faith No More's From Out of Nowhere (who else plays Faith No More?), and a slightly poppy Enter Sandman - I liked this interpretation.
Tunes like Emerald do usually need two lead guitars, but TopGun still managed an admirable version. Both guitarists looked really cool, but it was a shame the drummer and keys were in almost total darkness. In fact, we were surprised to hear the keys intro to Bat Out of Hell. An introduction to each of the band members would have been nice, but overall a good, rounded performance from four very accomplished musicians and a vocalist who clearly enjoys himself. Diane Parkin |