Ufo at Fuzz Club (2010)

Fuzz Club (Athens, Greece)

Ufo

There are really few words that can describe what UFO have achieved in their career […]

By Panos Pagonopoulos

• April 16, 2010

There are really few words that can describe what UFO have achieved in their career and how important this band is to Hard Rock and Rock music generally. UFO are legends, one of the greatest Hard Rock bands of the 70s, having influenced hundreds of musicians not only in Rock music but also in Heavy Metal. Someone could easily say that they are among the best Rock bands ever. Since 2004 with Vinnie Moore becoming their lead guitarist UFO have released 3 very very good studio albums together with the excellent "Showtime" double DVD, they have re-invented themselves and managed to totally reborn their career reminding us of their glorious past. So when it was announced that UFO would perform live in Athens for the second leg of their "Visitor World Tour" I knew there was no way I was going to miss it.

At20:30 when I arrived at Fuzz Live Club only a few fans where inside, so I grabbed a beer, went to the front row, found a good spot (in front ofwhere Vinnie Moore was going to play) and waited patiently for the gig to start. As time passed more and more fans were coming but Fuzz Club was far from being crowded. At around 21:35, as it was pretty much expected, UFO came on stage with their two classics "Let It Roll" and "Mother Mary". There just couldn't be a better way to start their live performance. UFO carried on with two songs from their Vinnie Moore era: the beautiful Rock/Blues "Saving Me" from their new album "The Visitor" and "Daylight Goes To Town" from the "You Are Here" CD. To my big and pleasant surprise many fans knew the lyrics and enjoyed the songs which means that they had heard and loved the new albums and that shows the band has done a great job in the recent past. "Out In The Street" and "Cherry" returned to the 70s period of the band while the new ones "Stop Breaking Down" and "Hell Driver"(combined withthe old "The Kid's") were warmly welcomed by the fans.

But the party had not even started yet! The instant classic "Only You Can Rock Me", the wonderful "Love To Love" and the unexpected by the fans "Ain't No Baby" marked the beginning of an incredible ending. "Too Hot To Handle" followed up and we couldn't believe our eyes. Vinnie Moore accompanied by the band did an unbelievable and full of virtuosity guitar solo/improvisation extending the song's duration over 10 minutes. An incredible Hard Rock solo, adding progressive elements, tapping and even played for much time guitar behind his back (something that Barry Sparks did with his bass guitar also)! In the ""Lights Out" or "Doctor Doctor"?"questionthe fans chose without hesitation the second one and with this classic the gig ended temporarily. In the usual encore UFO ended their performance with an extended version of the great "Rock Bottom" with another beautiful improvised solo by Vinnie Moore. In the end the band left the stage under a huge applause by the fans.

UFO really performed every song in excellence. Andy Parker on drums and Paul Raymond in keyboards/rhythm guitar put on a consisted and solid performance. Barry Sparks(ex-MSG, ex-Ted Nugent ,ex-Malmsteen) was full of energy and put on an impressive performance. He has stated in the past that he is a huge fan of UFO and their bassist Pete Way (who is not touring with the band due to health issues) and he showed enjoying every minute on stage with the band. On vocals Phil Mogg is a great frontman. We all knew that he hasn't got the voice range he used to have in the 70s but he adjusted the songs in his current voice (which is still really good) doing a really good job and left all the fans totally satisfied. As for Vinnie Moore,what can I say…? A stunning performance, incredible small or big improvisations in many songs…he was simply magnificent.

In the end, none expected such an excellent performance by UFO. They really exceeded everyone'sexpectations. Another thing that I really loved in this gig was the small and big improvisations in many songs which were really good. I can't remember since when I have seen a band live improvising so much and so good. One thing is for sure; everyone in Fuzz Club had a great time seeing one of the most historical and legendary Hard Rock bands live.

UFO setlist: