Wytch Hazel hail from Lancaster and the flash back to 1970s style costumes of neck work long crosses and white flowing outfits, complete with what appear to be spandex trousers and knee length boots. The crosses even stem to being emblazoned on their instruments and it is clear from the off what is to be expected from this band.
Wytch Hazel are not pretending to be anything they are not, their brand of rock being classic of the era and very well played with it.
A short set, including some very well played solos and twin solos,is met with rapturous applause from the crowd and there are clearly a few fans in amongst the very busy floor area of the Garage in Glasgow
I imagine that any band who have the chance to tour with Michael Schenker would want to have the moments that Wytch Hazel are clearly having and good one them for playing their unique brand of music to a very receptive audience.
Rock legend Michael Schenker brought his iconic brand of guitar playing to a sold out and stiflingly hot Garage venue in Glasgow on Tuesday night, delivering a fantastic set of nostalgia set that absolutely delighted those of us old enough to remember the first time around together with the younger members of the audience.
From the moment Schenker stepped on stage, resplendent with his Flying V trademark guitar and in his usual black fur hat with glasses atop, the crowd was buzzing and clearly up for a night of classic UFO hits.
Backed by a tight band of regulars in keyboardist/guitarist Steve Mann, bassist Barend Courbois and drummer Bodo Schopf there new boy is actually old boy Erik Gronwall in that he has already fronted 2 very well known bands in H.E.A.T and Skid Row.
Launching into the UFO songs the crowd wanted to hear the temperature in an already very warm packed out room rose with such classics as “Only You Can Rock Me”, “Doctor Doctor,” “Rock Bottom,”, it was “Lights Out” that really raised the roof at midpoint of the set with every member of the crowd, including the packed balcony, singing every word.
At 70 years of age, Michael Schenker appears to still be in his prime and his solos were sharp and as fast, yet delicate, as they were when first played all those years ago. This was a very timely reminder of why Schenker is one of the greatest guitarists in rock.
Perhaps more engaging with the crowd than on recent tours, Michael Schenker took time to acknowledge the fans and it was clear that he and his band were enjoying the buoyant atmosphere in the packed, sweaty venue.
Vocalist Erik Gronwall fitted in to the band line up as if he had always been part of it. Coping easily with old favorites and odd lesser known numbers, the setlist was perfectly constructed to keep the evenings pace on an even keel.
The Garage was actually perfect for Michael Schenker with it being small enough to allow everyone to see from wherever they were stood to being large enough to carry the massive sound and crowd that the evening deserved.
As the evening drew to a close the trinity of Rock Bottom, Shoot Shoot and Too Hot To Handle bring the crowd to their absolute peak and all too soon the band leave the stage to deafening applause.
Lets hope we see the return of Michael Schenker to Glasgow soon.
Review & Photographs by Gavin Ross
