Conrad Robins Tour Diary 1998
                =============================

I thought It would be a good Idea to keep a diary of the tour,  more for
a personal record of events than anything else.  I make no apologies for
being an unashamed fan of the band for over 20 years, and like many others,
 dreaming of seeing UFO with Michael Schenker in the line-up.   Once the
tour dates were announced, I hit the phones and arranged tickets, without a
thought for organising time off work, or for the logistics of following a
haphazard route around the country!

I am sorry if I jump from present to past tense at times - some of my
comments were written at the time, others added later.  However,  certain
events are reported exactly as I saw them and I have tried, wherever
possible, not to sanitise my scribblings for sake of authenticity.

I have also deliberately not commented on every song at every show.  Not
only would this be completely boring should anyone wish to read this, but
we should all be familiar with the set by now.    



FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY -  NEWPORT

A good day to be leaving work early - off to chase  the  World's best Band
around the country.

I checked in at my Hotel and wandered down to the bar (as you do) - Pete
Way was being interviewed for local radio.  I sat quietly nearby and
listened. Pete gave the rundown on the band, present and (possible) future
and recorded some soundbites.

I then walked through reception to discover Mr Michael Schenker checking
in. Obviously, the band is staying in the same hotel, which somewhat
refutes the notion that Schenker is doing this thing separately from the
rest of the band.  Early encounters with two of the band only served to
increase the anticipation of the evening to come.

Newport Centre looks a good modern venue. I had a couple of beers in the
bar rather than watch the support band, and decided to get right down the
front for the main event.

This is my first encounter with UFO since a warm up gig for Knebworth 1985
- and that wasn't the real UFO. Was it really that long ago??? In fact,
like everyone else, I've waited 20 years to see UFO with Schenker.

All of a sudden the lights were down and some kind of intro is pulsing out,
with spotlights crossing the stage... Then Schenker was playing the Riff to
Natural Thing....and I'm somewhere in heaven! The only slight problem was
that being at the front and slightly stage right ,too close to Paul
Raymond's  monitor, his guitar  dominated the sound.  Whilst this improved
through the concert this was the only (minor) distraction. There is no
doubt about it though, Paul is a great musician. All in all it was a great
show, superbly played by a confident band.  The set is the same as that
which has been played around Europe.  Personally, I can detect no sign of
any tension, certainly not between Mr Mogg and Mr Schenker. Mogg looked
genuinely thrilled at the  reaction of the crowd, who gave the Band a huge
welcome back.  A fantastic show!!

I think tomorrow I will watch from further back and try to get a better
overall sound.

SATURDAY  7 FEB

I went down to breakfast on Saturday morning and saw Pete Way in the dining
room.  This man is everywhere! I said good  morning and before I knew it I
had been invited to join him.  I can tell you that  Mr Way is an all-round
great guy.  He asked my opinion on the sound, explaining that they
were having a few problems,  and trying out a new digital sound system.  We
talked  for about half an hour.  I now have it first hand that this band is
staying together, if humanly possible,  and would like to do another album.
 Also the band wanted to play many more songs in the set, but because of
the hectic touring schedule, just didn't have the time to rehearse them.  I
guess I could have  gone home at that point, on the basis that nothing
could top this!  Pete also promised to put me on the Guest  List for
Norwich. 

NORWICH 

It's quite a jaunt from Newport to Norwich, but I'm sure it will prove to
be worthwhile.

The UEA proved to be an excellent Student Union Type Venue, as you would
expect.  The stage was set on one side of a well and I watched the first
few numbers from the side.  The sound and balance were very good indeed.
However, it wasn't long before the urge to get down to the front
overwhelmed me!  I really enjoyed this show , which was by no means packed.
 The band were at full tilt throughout, a faultless performance really.

Seems as though Mr Way forgot to put my name on the Guest List. (He said he
might)

After the show, and when most of the crowd had departed,  the Student Union
 bar opened and I soon got talking to two guys I recognised.  Leon, Mr
Schenker's guitar tech, and Chris, who controlled the stage sound.  Both
would later play an important part in making the tour for me.

Later, I somehow found  myself outside, just as the Band were leaving.
Pete recognised me and actually apologised for forgetting about the List!
There was really no need, but what a brilliant bloke!
   
MONDAY  9 FEB -  SOUTHAMPTON

I found this a rather strange venue - huge old arena, with high ceilings.
I checked out Dirty Deeds tonight.  I'm not sure if I like them or not,
although they played with plenty of enthusiasm, despite a lukewarm
reception.  Perhaps a little too metal for my liking.
As for UFO, if anything, their show was an improvement.  It would have been
faultless, except for Mogg singing the verses to This Kids in the wrong
order, but we can forgive this slight aberration!  Love to Love was
perfect, as usual. The real highlight, at least for me, was One More for
the Rodeo.  Obsession has long been my favourite studio album, and to hear
Schenker's live rendition of this song is something special. The man
is a
genius.

TUESDAY 10 FEB - WOLVERHAMPTON

This was a pretty hectic day for me, as I had to go from Southampton to
London for the morning, then collect my car from Winchester, before
travelling on to Wolverhampton for the concert.  It turned out to be quite
a night.

The first thing that became apparent  was that  this was a different crowd.
 The atmosphere in the foyer, bar and auditorium was  quite unlike anything
thus far encountered.  I think the reason was that  this audience was
full-on UFO.  The place was packed - no room for any casual punters here.

I literally bumped into Chris.   He recognised me from Norwich and although
was obviously busy with setting up the stage, suggested I might like to see
the concert  from the  sound console, to the side of the stage.  This was
an offer I couldn't refuse.  What followed was just incredible for a UFO
freak of 20 years.  I could almost reach out and touch Paul Raymond!
Schenker was opposite, and playing just for me.   I got a completely
different perspective of the band tonight; you can see, hear and FEEL the
quality of playing and performance.   I focused on Schenker for much of the
time and
although, as we know, he doesn't move around the stage much, he
concentrates so hard on his playing: and yet it's so effortless!  I could
go on and on.  A  truly memorable experience.

I managed to get a backstage pass tonight, courtesy of Chris. (Thanks
again).  Michael was absent, holed up in his own dressing room, but the
rest of the band were there.  Mr Way in particular was most obliging and
happy to talk to everyone, including me!  This man  cares about the fans,
and has a real talent for people, if you know what I mean.

An unforgettable night!             



WEDNESDAY 11 FEB - CAMBRIDGE

I heard that there were plenty of tickets left, but the place sure looked
full to me. The band were really on form and on fire, playing with
precision and power. Everything seemed to be going well. It is just that,
well,  after a cataclysmic Lights Out, the crowd don't seem to be making
much noise.  It is as though they are expecting the encore without having
to work for it. OK, we know that certain songs have been put back as
encores,  but if you want to hear them, make some noise.  Heaven knows UFO
deserve it!
 After about five minutes, Raymond comes out and tinkles the keys, looks
embarrassed, shrugs and walks off. Then Raymond's tech comes on and
announces to the crowd I am very sorry, UFO won't be coming back on;
Michael Schenker has a problem with his hand and that's it. Judging by his
playing, which was superb, there wasn't a lot wrong with his hand. Typical
Schenker, or a genuine problem?  We will see what happens at Glasgow. I
spoke briefly to Chris, the sound tech who was really pissed off, however I
was assured that Glasgow would go ahead, no problem.
My own opinion, for what it's worth, is that the lack of reaction from an
apathetic audience simply was not deserving of an encore.  Personally,
whilst I was disappointed, I don't blame the Band for not coming back on.
If there was any other reason, then that's their business.  When the house
lights came on, the crowd just drifted away; no angry scenes or protests.
I think that proves my point.

 
FRIDAY 13 FEB - GLASGOW

I teamed up with a mate for this one. He is a fan from the old days, who
hadn't seen the band since the No Place to Run tour. I can tell you that
Barrowland was packed to the rafters. This was definitely the noisiest and
most appreciative crowd so far on the tour. What a contrast to Cambridge.
The show itself was absolutely superb and no sign of a problem with Mr
Schenker's hand! I think that Schenker surpassed himself on the Rock Bottom
solo this time. He added a much more delicate passage, before the well
known passages, and the long lead break is far more effective for this. The
crowd went absolutely berserk during Doctor Doctor, raising the roof. A
flawless gig  -  not a note or vocal missed!

My friend could not believe how good the band were, both in terms of
performance, and appearance.  He seemed particularly impressed with Mogg,
especially after the shirt came off!  I'm getting a little worried about
him....


SUNDAY  15 FEB - NOTTINGHAM

Unfortunately, I could not attend the Newcastle show - DAMN!  Leon informed
me that it was the best show on the tour - trust me to miss it.  However,
Nottingham Rock City was the ideal place for me to reacquaint myself with
the band, having had two nights of withdrawal symptoms. This was my first
time at Rock City - good venue. The band were as good as ever, but for some
reason, and I
can't work out why, they didn't return for Shoot Shoot. I suppose the
encore should be looked at as a bonus, and not taken for granted, but this
crowd were really enthusiastic and tried very hard to get the band back up
on stage. Looking back on the Cambridge gig, I am sure the reason for the
band not coming out for the encore was the lukewarm response of a lot of
the crowd. I just don't think a city full of students, brought up on the
crap that is around nowadays, appreciate a UFO show. I don't suppose they
will play there again. But Nottingham was different.  Maybe Phil was
annoyed at a young photographer - he basically sang the first few numbers
either with his back to the audience, or with the mike stand in the camera
lens, before asking her, in no uncertain terms, to leave.  Surely he can't
be camera-shy!

TUESDAY 17 FEB - BRADFORD

I can remember seeing  UFO at St George's Hall, I think probably on the
Mechanix Tour.  I recall the place as a  good tight little venue. Actually,
this is an ideal setting for a Band like UFO.  I didn't realise it at
first, but had a balcony seat for this show, centre of the front row.
Having been down at  the front at each gig so far, this proved to be a
different experience. 

I can tell you that the sound was absolutely fantastic, crystal clear and
perfectly mixed and balanced.
My seat afforded me a superb view over the crowd below. Whilst the
balconies weren't full, it was pretty packed downstairs, and the crowd
warmed up as the gig developed. I am still astounded by the quality of
performance, playing and clarity of sound, just incredible. Congratulations
to the sound boys.   Whilst I think I prefer to be right at the front, it
was nice to get this different perspective of the band.

I also took the opportunity tonight to add Michael Schenker's Thank You
CD to my collection and queued up so that the great man could sign it.  

WEDNESDAY 18 FEB - MANCHESTER

Another venue that seems to be packed to the rafters. It is all seated, and
I cant see a spare seat anywhere. The advantage of the seating, is that of
course the concert is a much more comfortable experience, although it does
take away a bit from the atmosphere. I had a good view, just a few rows
back, centre stage. No complaints about the sound here either, it was top
notch, right from the start. I didn't think it was possible, and I make no
apologies for saying this again, but the band just get better with each
performance. The highlights for me once again, were Electric Phase and One
More for the Rodeo, live versions of which are rare indeed. Schenker's lead
in both these numbers was something special. However, I am starting to feel
ever so slightly depressed, as there are only two more shows on the tour.

THURSDAY 19 FEB - SHEFFIELD

I thought I was going to miss this concert as well as Newcastle. The reason
being, there is absolutely nowhere to park in Sheffield. I just abandoned
the car, and hoped that it was still where I left it, after the show. City
Hall was another all seated venue. As I was on the ball and ordered my
tickets early, I was seated two rows back, just left of centre stage. The
only problem was as soon as the lights went down, all those in the cheap
seats ran to the front! I hadn't seen this sort of thing in years.  Never
mind,  I had a fantastic view anyway. I can't say anything except that this
band were fantastic as usual.  Just occasionally on the tour it has taken
one or two numbers for the sound to settle down, and the band to warm up,
but here everything was perfect from the first cord. Natural Thing is as
good as it ever will be. As the band crashed straight into Mother Mary, I
began to realise that I have only got tonight and one more gig to go. The
band, especially Phil, seem to be really enjoying themselves, and they are
extremely relaxed and tight at the same time, if that is possible.

The Sheffield crowd was definitely one of the best on the tour, and the
band seemed to be feeding off the atmosphere. It seems like no time at all
when the final chords of Lights Out fade into the
night, and the band FO.   They return for Doctor Doctor and an absolutely
memorable Rock Bottom, with Schenker at his brilliant best. Then came Shoot
Shoot, and the band's first major cockup, musically, of the whole tour.
Simon came in for the ending half way through, with chaotic results.
However, they were all laughing up on stage, Schenker pulled out a huge
cord to finish the song properly. The final word was left to Mogg;
expect the unexpected. What a night. What a Band!

The car was where I had left it, I had even left a window open, but they
are obviously good folk in Sheffield.


SATURDAY 21 FEB - LONDON ASTORIA

According to Mr Way at the start of the tour, it was too late to book a
second night at the Astoria. Judging by the activity outside the venue,
they would have had no problem filling a second night. Tickets were
changing hands at upwards of =A340.00. There is a good pub next to the
Astoria, the Tottenham,  which was obviously full of UFO fans before the
show. I'll come back to this later.
Assuming Dirty Deeds on at eight, and UFO on at nine or thereabouts, as per
the whole tour,
I strolled in at about eight-thirty.  Horror of Horrors, the band were
already into Pushed to the Limit, and I could hardly get in. I eventually
forced my way right to the front. On the last night of all nights, I had
missed half of the show. What a Prat! The reason for the early start, would
you believe, was a gay festival starting at 10.00 p.m. which meant the show
had to be over and the stage cleared by that time.

As for the part of the show I caught, it was probably not the best
musically.  This may have been due to the pressure to get off stage
quickly. However, this does not explain Mogg coming in early after the
first lead break of Lights Out. The song fell apart in a similar way to
Shoot Shoot at Sheffield. Once again the number had to be curtailed early,
depriving us of the great second solo. But it was a great sight to see Herr
Schenker grinning all over his face and laughing at/with Mogg as they
brought the first part of the show to a chaotic end.

After the encores, we were hassled out fast. I thought that I would go back
to the Tottenham for a few beers, as the night was still young. However,
the place was full of Freddy Mercury and Village People lookalikes, so I
scarpered!

Not exactly the perfect end to the perfect tour.

HIGHLIGHTS

Obviously seeing this line up of the band, after so long, was just a dream
come true. The first hint of a reformation must have started about ten
years ago. I remember a news item in Kerrang, headed Classic UFO to
reform. Why had it taken this band so long to play the UK? I am just
thankful that it finally happened. Will the band tour here again?  Well
according to Mr Way there is definitely talk of a new album, but if this is
going to happen, it may be some time coming as Walk on Water has only just
received a release here.  So another tour could, eventually, take place.

Meeting and talking to Pete Way, was memorable (more of that below). So too
was watching the Wolverhampton show from the side of the stage, plus
backstage afterwards. One of the best nights was Norwich, where the student
bar opened till late and where I enjoyed the company of Leon and Chris,
both of whom made a point of speaking to me at most of the gigs, and are a
class act. Thanks guys.

Michael Schenker's playing was a dream throughout, and, eventually, he
seemed to be enjoying it as well. 


THE BAND

SIMON WRIGHT
Having never had the pleasure of seeing Mr Wright perform live, I can tell
you he is a very accomplished drummer, if a little heavy handed in style
for UFO. However, he plays it fairly straight, which I like. I felt at
times that the drums were too dominant, but this is merely my personal
opinion.  For me, there is only one drummer for this band.

PAUL RAYMOND
Mr Raymond is a great musician, no doubt about that, and the consummate
professional. With the set that the band played, he was required far more
for guitar duties than keyboards, and the show is all the more effective
for this.  When he is required to switch from keys to guitar, the effect is
seamless. Whilst I liked Neil Carter as a musician, it is hard to imagine
UFO hitting the stage without Kipper.

PHIL MOGG
Does he really not know which album the tracks come from, or is this simply
a typical Mogg wind-up.  Every track is from the Force-It Album! Mr Mogg
used to have the reputation, I am sure not fully deserved, of forgetting
the words all too frequently. His only real mistakes were in fact once
singing the second verse first in This Kids, and then coming in too early
in  Lights Out at the Astoria. Other than that, he was spot on. The boy
seems as good as ever to me, and whilst it appears to be an effort at
times, he really gave it everything, every single night. I still wonder why
he was unhappy at the photographer at Nottingham, because he certainly
looks in great shape.

Much has been made of the apparent difficulties between Mogg and Schenker,
and the fact that there is no interaction on stage.  Well, for me, its
never been Mogg's style to particularly interact with anyone on stage, and
it was the same on this tour.  There was no interaction with Simon or Paul,
and only really with Pete between songs when he was trying to find out
which album the next track was from. I certainly don't see any problems
between Phil and any other member of the band. It is certainly not
Michael's way to run around the stage either. He has always kept himself to
himself on stage even in MSG, so where is the big problem?  Cambridge
aside, everyone is obviously enjoying themselves on stage, and whatever
tension was perceived to have existed at the start, there was certainly no
sign of that by the time the tour reached the Astoria. Anyway who cares
whether or not they get on, this band makes great music, and there they are
- up on the stage.

MICHAEL SCHENKER
Mr Schenker is of course my all time favourite guitar player. I have seen
him perform on countless occasions, but not, unfortunately, since MSG
supported Whitesnake with the Perfect Timing Album. Nothing has happened
since then to change my opinion. This man can basically play what he likes
without compromising his unique, personal style. By this I mean that he can
play solos note perfect with the album version as in, say, Out In the
Street, or Only You can Rock Me, or he can improvise as in Rock Bottom,
where he never plays the same solo twice. (He actually played a different
solo to Out in the Street at Sheffield, which was equally effective.)

The man is a genius (if a little wayward at times). Michael obviously
enjoys playing in this band, and playing the songs with which he made his
name.  I personally only ever want to hear Phil Mogg singing Doctor Doctor
or Rock Bottom.


PETE WAY
Definitely the star of the show. Having not witnessed this madman since
Waysted days, I don't ever remember him being this crazy. I don't know how
he can deliver his base lines, whilst cavorting around the stage, rocking
with Schenker, egging on the crowd, on and off the drum riser, lying on the
stage, sitting on the Monitors, taking the piss out of Phil, etc.  All of
this while keeping a straight face! Off stage Mr Way is the perfect
gentleman. I will never forget the time he took to talk to me on the
morning after the Newport Show, or the welcome he gave me backstage at
Wolverhampton - A class act..

A word or two about Dirty Deeds, a bit too HM for my liking, although thee
guys gave it the full on every night, despite the fact that the crowd was
sometimes apathetic. They certainly deserve some success, and  should go
down well on the Iron Maiden Tour.

And Finally....

It was a fantastic experience, spending  two weeks on the road following
what I reckon was a very successful tour.  Most of the shows were sold out
and proved that UFO still have a good following here, despite the complete
lack of coverage in the music press.  If there was a downside at all, it
was that they didn't play every track from Obsession.  Oh well, you can't
have everything!


Conrad Robins
March 1998