Diamond Head : Shepherd's Bush Empire

Diamond Head

Another never-before-visited venue for a couple of have-seen-before bands. The Shepherds Bush Empire, these days sponsored by O2, is a former music hall and live-venue of BBC television (being just down the road from the main BBC studios). It's grand old place with multiple levels and a classic cozy-but-big feel you often get from these century-old theatres. Okay, the seats are a tight fit, the toilets are abysmal and, if there was a fire, I suspect only 10 people would get out, but the view of the stage is first class, the bar facilities are spot-on, and the acoustics are warm and inviting.

First on stage was Diamond Head, a band I haven't seen for nearly 17 years. In fact, they were the first band I ever saw live. That was at the Metallica gig in Milton Keynes Bowl, 1993. Memories are scant, but I remember sitting on the bowl's banking generally ignoring the band. They were allegedly in ill form that day, and my disregard for their performance would tend to back that up. However, their show at The Shepherds Bush Empire more than made up for any former faux pas.

Drummer Karl Wilcox's 'steam blowing' skills, not to mention his exceptional and enthusiastic skin smashing stood out immediately. The guy is loud I tell you! Eddie Moohan's stonking bass was mighty fine, as was Andy Abberley and Brian Tatler's skilled guitar playing. Big surprise was vocalist Nick Tart.

Original Diamond Head vocalist Sean Harris would always be a tough act to follow. He had a sensational voice - ably demonstrated not only on earlier Diamond Head work, but on albums like Gary Hughes' Once And Future King. Nick came out and made any worries about the past irrelevant. This guy has a voice that not only picks up the best of Harris' work, but adds his own spin and stylings. He is a true star. It's about time Diamond Head were putting out another album that does commercial and artistic justice to the talents of the members.

'Am I Evil?' sounded great, as did 'It's Electric'. Sadly, there was no sign of personal favourite 'Call Me', but you can't have everything. Still, all in all it was a great performance from a band clearly on top form.

Review from www.rockrealms.com

Diamond Head