UFO SIGHTING

CANYON CLUB AGOURA

11-24-12

by

WILLIAM DERHAM

These British rockers have enjoyed/endured a lengthy career in the sometimes fickle rock music scene due to the strength of their five early studio albums. Those incendiary offerings; including “Phenomenon”, “Obsession”, “ Force It”, “ Lights Out”, and “No Heavy Petting” featuring guitar prodigy Michael Schenker have stood the test of time and earned them an envious spot on fan’s and critic’s all time fave lists. Musicians from notable rock bands like Iron Maiden, Mega Deth, Metallica, Pearl Jam, and Tesla among others have all cited UFO as a major influence and inspiration

Landing tonight at the intimate Canyon Club the venerable quintet provided a few surprises like opening with “Lights Out” usually reserved as an encore selection, and taking an audience request for “Cherry”, not on the printed set list. Always a compelling reason to get out and rock steady, a UFO show is re-known not only for the ass-kicking music but front man, Phil Mogg remains arguably one of the most entertaining and charismatic rock vocalists still standing.

The current line-up boasts three of the original members of the late 70’s. Mogg, drummer Andy Parker, and keyboardist Paul Raymond. Quite a feat for rockers approaching their mid-60’s. Relatively new addition, guitarist Vinnie Moore, joining the ranks in 2004 was a much need catalyst propelling them back into the limelight as force to be reckoned with, both as a touring band and as relevant recording artists. The newly released “Seven Deadly” is testimony to that and they included three songs “Fight Night”, “Wonderland”, and “Burn the House Down” that fit seamlessly with the classic material.

I was able to catch these droogs performing earlier this year at Club Brixton down in Manhattan Beach where Mogg was a bit tipsy and although an enjoyable show tonight’s Canyon performance the lead singer was firing on all cylinders. He is a natural story teller and mentioned one of his early influences was Arthur Brown of the Crazy World of Arthur Brown, a mad genius from London’s late 60’s music scene famous for his hit “Fire.” Aside from the molten musicianship Mogg’s banter and interplay with the enthusiastic, capacity crowd was yet another priceless aspect of UFO’s appeal. During bassist, Rob De Luca’s impromptu strut off the stage and on to the dinner tables for a showy solo, Mogg kiddingly suggested somebody should trip him. Long live UFO! “They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”

SET LIST

LIGHTS OUT

MOTHER MARY

FIGHT NIGHT

WONDERLAND

OUT IN THE STREET

LET IT ROLL

MOJO

BURN THE HOUSE

ONLY YOU CAN ROCK ME

LOVE TO LOVE

CHERRY

HELL DRIVER

VENUS

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

ROCK BOTTOM

SHOOT SHOOT