Paul Rodgers – Manchester Apollo 21st April 2011
The sell out crowd at the Manchester Apollo were 'treated' to a set by Joe Elliott's Down 'n' Outs. The lead vocalist of Def Leppard had pulled together Paul Guerin (Guitar), Guy Griffin (Guitar), Keith Weir (keyboards) and Phil Martini (drums) from The Quireboys along with bassist Snake to support Paul Rodgers on this tour. The surprisingly muted crowd was difficult to please, though a small faction really appreciated the tight set that the Down 'n' Outs delivered; the highlights of the set for me were the couple of Ian Hunter covers 'England Rocks' and 'Overnight Angels'.
The turn of Rodgers was upon us and the crowd were becoming more restless and animated in the minutes leading up to him taking the stage. The presence of the man is immense. Having achieved so much with Free, Bad Company, The Firm and latterly with Queen, he has become one of the gems of British rock. His voice seems to have become better with age, whilst his seemingly effortless performance results in immense vocal delivery.
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Returning to Manchester as a solo artist after four years, Rodgers had chosen a more suitable and more appropriate venue this time. Back then he played the MEN; an awful venue that is cold and unfriendly and has a cavernous volume that manages to make the best sound systems around sound tinny and distorted. The Manchester Apollo is much more of a friendly venue where the sound is truer and the audience more intimate.
Having such a huge back catalogue, Rodgers was spoilt for choice of what to sing. He put together a set that had something from everyone. After opening with 'Walk In My Shadow', he quickly did (almost) everyone's' favourites 'Wishing Well' and 'Mr Big'. The band were tight and the sound clear. His backing band had Howard Leese on guitar, Todd Ronning on bass and Jason Bonham on drums; a great mixture of very competent musicians. With this line up and the quality of the music, I was astounded and the lack luster reception from some factions of the audience; the majority were appreciative but the overall feel was that they wanted more. What more could they want? The concert was excellent.
The set dipped in and out of Free and Bad Company classics including 'Feel Like Making Love', Fire And Water', 'Run With The Pack', 'Bad Company' and 'The Stealer. Crammed with classics, the set was comprehensive; the encore containing the inevitable 'All Right Now'.
The man is a legend and this tour just re-iterates the fact. He was, and still is, one of the best rock front men; long may he continue.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 1 available.