The name Jim Marshall reverberates around the world of Rock/Metal just like his products have done for 50 years. Without the Marshall stack many bands & artists would fail to exist, so it's with a heavy heart that this concert which was originally billed as a celebration of Jim's product has become a tribute to the great man of distorted volume, after his passing on the 5th April this year. This was a who's who of the world of Rock/Metal, congregating in London to pay homage to 'The Farther Of Loud' in the only fitting way deemed appropriate….with thousands of watts of distorted power!
With a 'House Band' itself consisting of Rock Stars in their own right we began musical proceedings with an instrumental jam. Going right for the jugular bounding to the stage came Corey Taylor & Billy Duffy to crank out some classics by 'The Cult'. Corey Taylor, whatever your opinion is has to be the most versatile Metal vocalist around today, he owned the songs and proved more than just a second rate stand in. With 'Tim Ripper Owens' then taking to the stage for a rendition of Heaven & Hell it got the London crowd well and truly warmed up. A quick rip through Whitesnake's 'Slide It In' with Ripper and Corey sharing vocal duties brought the house to a stand -still. Nico McBrain then taking over on the drums for Flight Of Icarus this was truly a classic rock fans wet dream. Phill Taylor of Motörhead accompanied by his son Tylor then joined Corey Taylor for the most amazing version of the Thin Lizzy Classic 'Still In Love With You', words as to how powerful this was cannot describe the atmosphere. With the fastest 'Ace Of Spades' I've ever witnessed the night was just warming up.
Throughout the evening screens showed words of appreciation from Rock/Metal stars to the great Mr. Marshall whose spirit was very much among all who had congregated in this cavernous venue. Zakk Wylde and Slayers Kerry King paid homage to Black Sabbath with their guitar ripping fury of 'Fairies Wear Boots' leaving Zakk to power through 'BLS' classic 'Still Born'.
With appearances from Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen the night had to belong to the great Glenn Hughes. A Black Country Communion number to warm things up then he was joined by Malmeteen for a spellbinding cover of Deep Purples 'Mistreated'. With all participants filling the stage for a rendition of 'Smoke On The Water' it brought the whole house down after a stunning 3 1⁄2hours. Father Jim would have been a very proud man indeed, like a night in the biggest pub in England watching the best covers band the world has to offer, you simply HAD to be there.
Words & Pictures
Mark Davies.
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