UFO

Over the past couple of years I’ve seen numerous punk bands celebrating their 40thanniversaries, and now it’s the turn of their older rock cousins to acknowledge their 50thanniversaries. Earlier this year I saw Blue Oyster Cult, and now UFO arrive in Norwich, on their final ever tour. I last saw them in 2015, and good though they were the night felt a little bit tame and staid, and I wasn’t sure I’d go see them next time they played – who was I kidding?
It may have been a Sunday night, but the Waterfront was completely sold out with an expectant crowd ready to show the band how much they have meant to us over the years. Support for the tour was a new name to me – Tara Lynch, an American guitarist/vocalist backed by a three-piece band. Her jam was pretty much straight ahead metal, her voice was strong, the band were great and Tara’s guitar playing was exceptional. The crowd were packed in close to the stage and during her allotted 30 minutes it felt like everyone was really enjoying what they were hearing. The response at the end was as good as I’ve seen for a support band for quite some time.
The instant UFO began their set I could feel it was going to be something special. There was a brilliant atmosphere in the venue, packed full of us middle aged rockers, although there was a sprinkling of younger faces, some seeing the band for the first time no doubt. First song was Mother Mary, and the tone was set. The sound was loud and clear and Phil Mogg, who is 71 next month, was in fine voice, still hitting the notes with ease. Original drummer Andy Parker was a powerhouse, I only wish the Waterfront’s low stage had afforded me a better view of him. Guitarist Vinnie Moore was as brilliant as ever and bassist Rob De Luca, now in his 11thyear in the band, has made the position his own. Paul Raymond on second guitar, keys & hair was his usual classy self.
The set featured a ton of old material, but also some more recent tracks and the odd deep cut thrown in too – 2015’s Messiah Of Love, 1982’s We Belong To The Night and 1978’s Ain’t No Baby all rubbing shoulders perfectly. It’s always going to be hard trying to fit 50 years’ worth of material into a 2 hour show, but I more or less heard what I wanted to hear. It was actually quite emotional hearing songs like Love To Love – a track that I first heard 35 years ago, knowing I’d never see the band playing it live again. Makin’ Moves was a welcome surprise, and the main set ended with a mammoth rendition of Rock Bottom, during which I have to admit Vinnie’s solo went on a touch too long – Phil even teased him about it when he returned to the stage.
Doctor Doctor and Shoot Shoot (clearly fans of repetition) ended the show brilliantly. The atmosphere was joyous and celebratory; this was easily the best show I’ve seen the band play. They are obviously really enjoying playing these final dates, and the mutual feeling of love was palpable. UFO have had a very long career, during which they have released some brilliant music. It hasn’t always been plain sailing, but how fitting that this classic band are able to draw the curtain down on their own terms – thanks for the music guys.