UFO: O2 Academy, Newcastle

UFO`S Stranger`s In The Night double live album encapsulated everything that was great about the classic releases of the 1970`s. It was a landmark live albums alongside those of Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy and Kiss.

Over the years however, some UFO fans have bemoaned the over-reliance of the material from that album. Regardless of the quality of those songs, the desire to hear some others has grown.

UFO have clearly been listening because the show opened with We Belong To The Night from the Mechanix album. Further surprises came later in the set with Making Moves from the overlooked Paul “Tonka” Chapman era while Walk on Water was greeted like a long lost friend.

Since they reconvened two decades ago UFO have continued to write and record new material and their new album, A Conspiracy of Stars, is their highest-charting effort since 1983. Frontman Phil Mogg, the only constant in an ever-changing 45-year line-up, still retains his dry wit and caustic delivery. Joining Mogg on stage were original drummer Andy Parker along with guitarist/keyboardist Paul Raymond. Blond bombshell Michael Schenker may be long gone but American six-slinger Vinnie Moore delivered his solos with flair. Full credit to bassist Rob De Luca, who did a sterling job filling Pete Way`s polkadot jumpsuit.

Of course Love To Love, Lights Out and Only You Can Rock Me, Rock Bottom and the inevitable Doctor Doctor were there in this most well-rounded, balanced set that UFO have delivered in years.

Mick Burgess