Lucifer's Friend: Live @ Sweden Rock 2015

The reformation of Lucifer's Friend for last year's Sweden Rock came as something of a surprise, the English singer John Lawton, of this German band, stating a while back that their (kind of, only two members were involved) 1994 get together would be their last. Hence it is to his, guitarist Peter Hesslein and bassist Dieter Horns' credit that they decided to give the dice another roll. It's fair to suggest that their numbers well and truly came up; the trio, augmented by drummer Stephan Eggert and keyboard player Jogi Wichmann, hitting the jackpot with what can only be described as a stunning romp through their best moments.

Sounding like a slick, well practiced outfit and greeted (after a lengthy, multi-lingual introduction) as though returning heroes (if they really went down this well on the day, I'm thoroughly impressed), the true class of Lucifer's Friend is a set of songs illustrating what a cracking act this band were. "Prey", "Fire And Rain" and "In The Time Of Job" romping along with a real, genuine intensity. Lawton, for a man celebrating his 70th birthday this year, is imperious, the one time Uriah Heep man having lost none of his power or verve and proving why he's much loved by so many. While the same can be said for Hesslein and Horns, the pair locked in together expertly from start to finish.

"Keep Going" does a superb job of slowing things down a touch, before the staccato piano burst of "Hey Driver" powers into view, the classic UK sounding rock this band specialised in just as potent today as it was way back when. Highlights come thick and fast, the audience responding to every riff and keyboard break as Lawton sprinkles his infectious humour between songs. Seriously, if you've never heard Lucifer's Friend and you love a slice of classic rock infused with a whole manner of keyboards, then you're in for such a treat when the pulsating energy of "Riding High", "Did You Ever" or "Ride The Sky" comes galloping at you; the trio of tracks carrying you along on a vintage sound no one seems capable of recreating these days. "High Flying Lady" closes the album out, the audience roaring the band from the stage, clearly having been impressed by what they've witnessed. It's easy to hear why.

Lucifer's Friend are a long lost, classic act who don't seem to quite hold the respect and renown their music undoubtedly deserves. However Live @ Sweden Rock 2015 ably proves what we've been missing. With the promise of a 'best of' compilation to come, which supposedly boasts some new songs, the chance to set the record straight looks assured. If it's half as good as Live @ Sweden Rock 2015, it'll be quite something.

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!

Track Listing
1. INTRO - AWAKENING
2. PRAY
3. FIRE AND RAIN
4. IN THE TIME OF JOB
5. KEEP GOING
6. HEY DRIVER
7. RIDING HIGH
8. MOONSHINE RIDER
9. DID YOU EVER?
10. BURNING SHIPS
11. RIDE THE SKY
12. HIGH FLYING LADY

Added: May 17th 2016
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Lucifer's Friend at Cherry Red Records
Hits: 2122
Language: english

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