Rock City is getting hotter as people filter in through the doors to witness some good old rock with a sprinkle of modern day AOR.

Mia Close provides the proverbial eye candy for the ones who have turned up early. Her brand of Rock has been successfully done by many before her and she wants a bite of the cherry. Her inoffensive style of Rock goes down well, there's enough big chorus' to keep people happy and her voice is remarkably strong. Surrounding herself with a pretty decent band has put her in a strong position to advance with her career, good start so far.

Another Scandinavian export, Santa Cruz are playing their second ever gig in the UK. Hoping to emulate the success of fellow countrymen Michael Monroe & Reckless Love their brand of rock is very much Sleazy come Sleazy go. Taking some time to get the crowd to warm to them, they come out of the blocks headlong into some kick ass Rock 'N Roll. With an attack of twin Gibson Les Pauls underway it's not long until the Nottingham crowd have reached the correct temperature. Some bar walking/guitar playing does them no harm at all as the energy levels continue to rise. By the end of the set Nottingham is fully won over as these energetic Finns high kick off into the distance, impressed so far.

For all the critics who say that Vega's brand of Rock/AOR is dead should see the crowd of diehard fans congregating to get as close as possible to the stage. With their new album 'What the Hell 'selling better than anyone anticipated it's a sign as to how good this band really is. With their anthemic, sing-along chorus' it's not long until they have Rock City eating out of their hands and singing back at them. If you thought the glory days of Def Leppard & Bon Jovi were long lost then Vega are here to correct that assumption and bring back the glory days. Music that Rocks along and raises a smile in these times of uncertainty is something to grasp onto and hold close. Frontman Nick Workman is giving it his all, the crowd responding to his efforts. A set that suffers from an early venue curfew, proceedings come to an end just when they were heating up. Proving that their appearance at the inaugural Hard Rock Hell AOR was well justified Vega are a band going places, excellent crescendo to a fantastic night of live music.