On the back of rip-roaring new album The King of Metal Blaze Bayley held the celebratory Big Bash in his spiritual home of the Black Country, located in the very heart of the English Midlands. Reporting for Sea of Tranquillity on an evening of high quality heavy metal was staff writer Dean Pedley.

This was the show that almost never was, Blaze having tried to host a Big Bash (his semi-regular thank you to his loyal fans) for several months before finally managing to secure the right venue. The Public in West Bromwich remains something of a mystery to locals, a virtually empty building that cost £65m situated in one of the most deprived areas of the country, and yet is to be applauded for hosting the free entry event. Glasgow rockers Dirty Rose are a down and dirty power trio that evoke the blood, guts and thunder of the NWOBHM. They play with no shortage of energy and enthusiasm, winning round the crowd with well-judged covers by Metallica ("Metal Militia") and Sabbath ("Supernaut") that sit well alongside their own material. Pummelling rhythms combine with distorted riffs and frazzled vocals and they leave with the speed metal "Straight to Hell" to warm applause. Classically trained Belgian guitarist Thomas Zwijsen (aka Nylon Maiden) is a relatively new addition to Blaze's band and as a prelude to the main attraction he offers his acoustic take to a handful of Iron Maiden's classic anthems. "Run to the Hills" and "Wasted Years" are remarkable in their execution and Thomas, only in his early 20's, seems destined for the very top of his profession.