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Posts Tagged Johnny Foreigner

Tellison / Johnny Foreigner

Oct 17

Posted by Haydn in Gigs | 1 Comment

Bands always get a better review from me if they have good betwixt-song banter. I'm not after philosophical depth, just an acknowledgement of the audience and perhaps the odd bit of information about particular tracks. Tellison and Johnny Foreigner, however, went way beyond that.

<strong>Tellison.</strong><br />Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

Tellison.Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

I've only seen Tellison once before, a couple of years ago in Manchester, and don't own any of their records. I also arrived five minutes after their set actually started. Nevertheless, just like in Manchester, they drew me in immediately and put on a great show. Fun, catchy and great to watch.

<strong>Johnny Foreigner.</strong><br />Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

Johnny Foreigner.Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

Johnny Foreigner were great last time I saw them, but they were also very quiet and left me with the distinct impression that they were all very grumpy. They proved me absolutely wrong with an exceedingly cheery gig. It was the first night of a UK tour, and despite being beset with more technical problems than I've ever known at one gig, they really stepped it up a level. The boy/girl vocals thing really floats my boat, and there was energy in spades.

<strong>Johnny Foreigner.</strong><br />Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

Johnny Foreigner.Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

My only regret is that the set didn't last longer, but that was a product of the curfew rather than the band I think. Johnny Foreigner really connected with the crowd at the Social, and that inevitably leads to a great night regardless of the artist; this was no exception.

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HR / Johnny Foreigner

Apr 4

Posted by Haydn in Gigs | No Comments

Tuesday night was a trip to Derby to see Johnny Foreigner and Hundred Reasons. Tom, TomTom and I managed to drive around Derby for 20 minutes before we realised that Derby Rock House is actually the same place as First Floor Club. Once we'd got used to the change of name / decor, we settled down to watch the bands.

<strong>Johnny Foreigner.</strong><br />Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

Johnny Foreigner.
Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

Johnny Foreigner is a name I've heard floating around for a while now, and it was good to finally catch them live. In fact, it was very good. I love the combination of male and female vocals (one of the main reasons I've always loved Zolof and early Two Day Rule), lots of tracks had a nice fast pace, and there's something musical going on in there that reminds me of a grittier version of Zolof. Check out my mastery of musical terminology, there. :) Anyway, very entertaining, and definitely one to keep your eye on.

<strong>Hundred Reasons.</strong><br />Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

Hundred Reasons.
Copyright Haydn Williams 2009.

I've lost count of the number of times I've seen Hundred Reasons live now, and they've never failed to deliver. Having just re-released Quick the Word, Sharp the Action on their own label, they're touring to promote it and themselves in general after a couple of years out of the limelight. They started off slowly, figuratively if not in terms of the setlist, and seemingly without a huge amount of enthusiasm. The jumping around level seems generally rather diminished too. From about halfway through the set the band seemed to start enjoying it a little more, but the spark of old has gone, I think. They weren't helped by appaling sound, but combined with the not-astounding number of people in the crowd, it does make you question whether they'll ever regain past glories. I've not seen any reviews of other dates, and Tom enjoyed it, so maybe I'm just wrong, or this was just an "off" night – I do hope so.

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