A rocking good night as Dead Daisies give classics new lease of life
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I KNOW it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like it, like it, yes, I do.
Classic rock super group The Dead Daisies brought their rock ‘n’ roll party to Newcastle’s O2 Academy last Thursday evening – and yes, we liked it!
In support of their fourth album Burn It Down, The AustralianAmerican rockers blended songs from their five years together with plenty of covers, to create an evening of fun and enjoyment for all.
The five-piece are made up of members from classic rock groups such as Motley Crue, Whitesnake, Dio and Journey, so to say they know their way around a stage would be an understatement!
And they worked every inch of it during an energy-sapping show.
Split into three sections with no intervals, they started fast and heavy before switching things up midway through to play four songs acoustically.
That included covers of Maggie May – which was sung brilliantly by popular drummer Deen Castronovo – and Let It Be.
It was a nice turnaround as the five sat around with acoustic instruments in what felt like an intimate and personal moment.
From their really interesting take on the Beatles classic they quickly picked things up once more and got back into the electrics and sent the crowd home rocking – this time incorporating covers of The Fab Four’s Helter Skelter, Bitch by The Rolling Stones and Deep Purple’s Highway Star into the set.
They also played a really cool mash-up of You Shook Me All Night Long / I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll / School’s Out / Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll / It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like it) as a unique way of introducing each member to the audience.
Lead singer John Corabi showed off his powerful vocal chords, while working the crowd well throughout.
Castronovo also received a huge welcome from the Geordie fans, with the band exploiting his popularity at every opportunity.
It was a huge set from the rock collective – 23 songs long in total. It feels rather inappropriate to complain about a set being too long, because they certainly gave fans their money’s worth with their performance of over two hours.
But often there is a fine line between not staying long enough and playing too long. It felt like this one perhaps might have dragged on a little bit – although in fairness years of gigging are starting to take their toll on my body (I’m only 26!).
I can’t complain too much though, because one thing that was clear throughout is how much the five men on stage just loved being there and putting on a show.
A cover of The Who’s Join Together early on really set the tone for the evening’s audience participation and interaction.
They did all in their power to ensure those in attendance enjoyed their night.
Go to a Dead Daisies show and you are certain to leave with a smile on your face.
Their old-school classic rock vibe is good and it’s fun. I’d recommend anyone to go and see them at least once.
It’s only rock ‘n roll, but I like it!