UFO
Manchester Academy 2
20th June, 2009

In their 40th year, UFO are still a great live band and despite the absence of bassist Pete Way (who is on leave due to a medical condition) this evening’s performance was typically adrenaline-fuelled and (mostly) well-paced. Temporary bassist Barry Sparks (ex-MSG) did a great job. Admittedly, they leaned too heavily on new material from their latest album, but what was played from The Visitor and the one before last, You Are Here, were engaging. As usual with a band of their ilk, it was the classics like Only You Can Rock Me, Cherry and Too Hot To Handle which got the biggest applause and lifted the ceiling. Some of the riffs (Rock Bottom) were over-extended by Vinne Moore, which was unnecessary, but Phil Mogg’s voice held up throughout the evening. Here’s to the next 40 years!