The real beauty of music is that sometimes you see something that far exceeds your expectations and just sweeps you away. Tonight was one of those rare nights when you expect to see a great show and instead you get to be part of something that reminds you how powerful music can be. British Lion’s debut show on Australian soil was nothing short of astounding and I don’t say that lightly.
Perth has been buzzing for Irom Maiden to open their 2024 Australian tour for months now and in the lead up we’ve had everything from Iron Maiden beer launches to charity football games but tonight marked the real start of the tour. Catching up with Steve before the show after listening to British Lion relentlessly all week I told him that I was as excited to see British Lion tonight as I was to see Maiden tomorrow. It was only a little tongue-in-cheek coming from someone who first saw Maiden at 15 and whose music has been part of my life now for decades. Those words now though seem strangely prophetic.
The night is kicked off wonderfully by the one man Prog Rock enigma that is Tony Moore, performing an abbreviated version of his ‘Awake’ work. Tony of course is part of the Maiden history, playing with the band briefly in 1977 before heading off on his own music adventure. He is both incredibly engaging and contagiously enthusiastic, as well as being a bit of a ‘shed-based’ genius! (see the show or check out his social media if you want to know). Alternating between guitar and keyboards he performs a set that is full of stunning self-created visuals, wonderful solos and powerful songs that range from the Floydesque to the pure Pop of ‘Crazy in the Shed!’ Its intriguing to watch and a compelling performance that is almost like a full on Prog Rock Opera shrunk to fill a smaller stage! The message that ‘Love’ is the only way out of the mess we’re in today is as profound as it is simple.
British Lion takes to the stage with a roar from the partisan crowd. It’s one of those moments that you’ve been looking forward to for ages but when it comes it’s far more than you imagined. Rarely have I seen a band so tight or so driven, and even if you are unfamiliar with the music they manage to grab you from the off and just not let go.
Of course a lot of people here tonight are here to see Steve’s ‘other band’ perform and to get ready for the Maiden show tomorrow, but I would be very surprised indeed if any left tonight without being full on British Lion fans. The beauty of the band is that they do not have a weak song in their set and there is no let up. If you love hard rock, then the way they combine the essence of all that was great with that music in the 70’s UK scene with a fist-pumping drive that as times sees you thrust into a stadium mid-song is astounding.
Songs like ‘This Is My God’ simply have to be witnessed live and by the time they hit overdrive with ‘Father Lucifer’ which sees the audience fully engage you know that this is serious stuff. The band is simply excellent tonight with guitarists Grahame Leslie and David Hawkins exceptional throughout, and Steve and drummer Simon Dawson locked in tight. It’s singer Richard Taylor though that threatens to steal the show: a great voice, who on songs like ‘A World Without Heaven’ really hits the spot!
For me though it’s the music that gets you, and the power and the chemistry of the band on stage. These guys just look like they are having fun and when they hoist a new track on you like ‘2000 years’ and it goes down just as well as the classic anthem like ‘The Burning,’ or the off the hook ‘Land of the Perfect People’ you know that everything is aligned. Sometimes something as simple as a rock concert can make the world a better place! And when you can close the night as strongly as you started, you know a great night was had by all.
If you are sat on the fence on deciding whether to grab a ticket then jump off now. This is essential!
Many thanks to Steve and his wonderful management team for looking after us so well. We will of course be there for Maiden tomorrow as they kick off their Australia tour and try and get the first review to you. Our ‘eve of the tour’ interview with Steve will also be up after the first show of the tour.
BRITISH LION GALLERY – FIRST EVER AUSTRALIAN SHOW
