Words: Francijn Suermondt
Photos: Alyce Wilschere
Hollywood rock royalty and The English Riviera are not a pairing that naturally springs to mind, but join together they did last night and it was a match made in heaven! Torquay was the second stop on The Dead Daisies UK tour, where they celebrated the launch of their new album Light ‘Em Up. I couldn’t quite believe my eyes when I saw that The Daisies would be coming to my home town and rockers all over the bay were whipping themselves into a frenzy with the anticipation of this end of summer treat. Although I desperately prayed for the sun to shine and at least offer a hint of California to our visitors, this was not to be, and in true English style rain it did but literally no one cared as the bands hit the stage.
The Foundry is a bit of a hidden gem, having experienced many a venue over the years with The Paradiso in Amsterdam and The Camden Underworld being at the top of my list, The Foundry would certainly make it into my top ten. It has a capacity for 1000, but feels cosier, there is nowhere in the place where you do not have a great vantage point and the staff (shout out to Foggy and Alyce) and total vibe were pretty groovy.
First up, bounding onto the stage with the energy of a thousand men fueled by the success of their first album and charged to the max, was The Bites. Jordan, Jono, Dustin, Zack and Mark opened with the explosive Knockin’ on The Door, the perfect crowd pleaser to pump the crowd up in readiness for a set full of Sunset Strip liquid rocking gold with a soupcon of cheekiness. The very likeable LA based lads pushed further into their debut album Squeeze including Pretty Boys and my personal favorite Heather Leather. All of the band are superb performers and as a front man Jordan is exceptional and very good at bringing a smile to the most miserable of faces. The music that comes out of The Bites is joyful, enthusiastic and nicely dirty, a roller coaster of good times rock n roll! I must also mention just how hard these boys work when it comes to their fans, before their set Jono made the time to have a short interview with me and straight after their set they were hard at work meeting people and taking photos with them on their merchandise stand…. good for you!
The Treatment were second on the bill and the Cambridge based rockers did not disappoint. Formed in 2008, Tom, Tao, Dhani, Tagore and Andy are becoming veterans of the gig game now and boy it showed last night! Vocally, Tom Rampton has it all depth, range and majesty which is in prefect unison with the blistering musicianship of his band mates. The set offered up older favorites, and also hellraisers from their newest studio album released this year Wake Up the Neighbourhood, with the title song played first. This led nicely into the ear bending treat that is Let It Begin and formed the template for a superb set with new offerings such as the head banging When Thunder and Lightning Strikes to the good time rock n roller Bite Back from their 2019 album Power Crazy. The boys have an obvious love of classic 70’s and 80’s rock and wanted to bring this forward to modern day by bringing their own contemporary twist to the proceedings, this works well and had the crowd at The Foundry pumping their fists in the air with glee!
The Daisies bring high energy with them wherever they go and last night was no exception. The quality of the five-piece super group shines even stronger now that John Corabi is back at the helm and bringing his gorgeously gravelly voice with him. They are one of those bands in whose hands you know you will be safe, perfect musicianship but not to the point of being so polished that the danger has been worn away. As a rock ‘n’ roll band, The Dead Daisies deliver as soon as they hit the stage, and they do so making their presence known and leaving no doubt that everyone needs to sit up and take notice.
First up the boys belted their way through the title track to their new album with gusto, bringing an in-your-face wall of sound that would set the tone of their set for the evening. Riding like a rock n roll freight train through belters such as Make Some Noise and also the full on I Wanna Be Your Bitch and I’m Gonna Ride both of which are from their brand-new studio album (which is fast becoming my favorite of all of their studio albums, the crowd and band are pumped and in full swing.
Fortunate son is one of those very few covers which I actually listen to more than the original and is does not disappoint when played to me in my home town. Mexico is the perfect party song, and with a little teasing from John about the English weather, it brought some sunshine to us all even though it was raining cats and dogs outside! After one of my favorites Midnight Moses and then Long Way to Go the guys finish on another superb cover Helter Skelter.
The members of Dead Daisies are undeniably rock royalty, continuously proving themselves with passion and talent. John Corabi’s charismatic stage presence and powerful voice captivate the crowd, providing exactly what is needed for an unforgettable performance. The line-up of Dead Daisies exudes a legendary and joyous vibe, offering a much-needed escape through the joy of rock ‘n’ roll in these turbulent times.
If you haven’t already checked them out …, DO IT, you won’t regret it! Grab yourself a little bit of classic rock heaven for the modern era.
About Author
