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Demon - The Underworld Camden 26th November 2001
Set list: The Plague / Writing's on the Wall / Wonderland / Never Saw it Coming / Dreamtime / Sign of a Madman / Streetwise Cowboy / Let Me Out of Here / Blackheath Pts 1 & 2 / Don't Break the Circle / One Helluva Night / Spaced Out Monkey // Night of the Demon
I still don't see why I couldn't go...I mean, it's not as though I take up much space...
Sparky, would you please, SHUT THE HELL UP! Don't you just hate it when invisible sprites start complaining? You just don't know where to swat...
Anyway, Monday November 26th 2001, Camden, The Underworld, Demon's first London gig in what, fifteen years? Support slot to the Graham Bonnet/Don Airey Band. Yes? Er, no. Graybags bottled out after he listened to a copy of Spaced Out Monkey someone slipped on the CD, whilst he was eating his muesli. Once he heard Dave sounding so powerful of lung and majestic of throat, he decided that the only way he would come out of Monday looking less like a dead Turkey than one of his shirts, was to throw a sickie. So, he got a friend of mine, Dr Sweatshirt, to write him a sicknote saying that, he'd had his vocal chords ripped out by a pack of starving Rottweilers and he would not be able to attend the gig.
I still don't see why I couldn't go...I mean, it's not as though I take up much space...
Sparky, would you please, SHUT THE HELL UP! Don't you just hate it when invisible sprites start complaining? You just don't know where to swat...
Anyway, Monday November 26th 2001, Camden, The Underworld, Demon's first London gig in what, fifteen years? Support slot to the Graham Bonnet/Don Airey Band. Yes? Er, no. Graybags bottled out after he listened to a copy of Spaced Out Monkey someone slipped on the CD, whilst he was eating his muesli. Once he heard Dave sounding so powerful of lung and majestic of throat, he decided that the only way he would come out of Monday looking less like a dead Turkey than one of his shirts, was to throw a sickie. So, he got a friend of mine, Dr Sweatshirt, to write him a sicknote saying that, he'd had his vocal chords ripped out by a pack of starving Rottweilers and he would not be able to attend the gig.
It further went on to say that Dr Sweatshirt had recommended that Mr Bonnet rest until the Wed after (once Demon had gone home and he didn't have to compete with Dave Hill!) There were also reports of Don Airey being spotted hopping on Gatwick shuttle, with a Roland under one arm, a Korg under the other and a Yamaha slung across his back, once he heard that the urbane Mr. Duncan Donuts was in da house, but these are as yet unconfirmed.
Is that Graham Bonnet one of them sprout-eating motherfuckers then, Your Humidity?
Sparky! We'll have less of that kind of language, if you don't mind! I just don't know where you get this kind of thing from. You're turning into such a potty-mouth!
Well, Your Rotunda, I heard you call that chap out of...
OK Sparky, you run along now, I think I hear DarkSoul calling... Now, where was I? Yes, Graham Bonnet and Don Airey Band pulled out, which left a choice of either cancelling the show completely or, Demon headlining... Well, alright! So, Demon get a bit of a break from someone else's misfortune/brown trouser syndrome, about bloody time, if you want my twopennorth!
We had no idea how many people would actually turn up. This was not a Demon gig, people were not coming out to see Demon per se, but if they decided to stay, they were welcome. There were a few Demon fans in the audience, but there were more who were not. These were the ones who had decided to stay and see the band, being as they'd come out anyway. Whatever happened, Demon had nothing to lose, they had turned up!
Is that Graham Bonnet one of them sprout-eating motherfuckers then, Your Humidity?
Sparky! We'll have less of that kind of language, if you don't mind! I just don't know where you get this kind of thing from. You're turning into such a potty-mouth!
Well, Your Rotunda, I heard you call that chap out of...
OK Sparky, you run along now, I think I hear DarkSoul calling... Now, where was I? Yes, Graham Bonnet and Don Airey Band pulled out, which left a choice of either cancelling the show completely or, Demon headlining... Well, alright! So, Demon get a bit of a break from someone else's misfortune/brown trouser syndrome, about bloody time, if you want my twopennorth!
We had no idea how many people would actually turn up. This was not a Demon gig, people were not coming out to see Demon per se, but if they decided to stay, they were welcome. There were a few Demon fans in the audience, but there were more who were not. These were the ones who had decided to stay and see the band, being as they'd come out anyway. Whatever happened, Demon had nothing to lose, they had turned up!
The set got off to a restrained response from the audience, most of them having no idea what to expect. The sound balance was a little keyboard heavy during what was undoubtedly a reworked and quite superb version of The Plague. For the second song, the sound balance had been sorted but the crowd had other problems - they were all far too busy readjusting their eyebrows, which had been almost blown away during the intro to another track from The Plague, Writing's On The Wall. Drummer John Cotterill's barrage came out of the darkness, due to the lack of stage lights, but it was most certainly felt, nevertheless. By the third song, Wonderland, the crowd was beginning to get caught up by the undoubted catchiness of the material. Demon has always been one of the more melodic of heavy rock bands and they definitely have plenty of tunes that you can sing along to.
Following on from the opening trio, came a pair of songs from the band's latest release, the eleventh and possibly best recording to date, Spaced Out Monkey. The first of the two new tracks, Never Saw It Coming, is straight-ahead heavy rock, which in a small venue like The Underworld can quite easily liquidise your intestines. The second of the new songs, Dreamtime, is much more subtle and builds up, lulling you into a false sense of security, before guitarist Ray Walmsley, bludgeons you about the head with a truly stunning, angst-filled guitar break. Whilst all but a couple of people in the crowd obviously did not know the material, they were clearly enjoying Demon and as the set progressed, the reaction became louder with each song. Sign Of A Madman (complete with grotesque facial contortions from vocalist Dave Hill) was greeted with some recognition and much appreciation and it was becoming clear that Demon were, indeed, doing what was needed to win over the audience.
Two more new songs and possibly the highest point of the night for me, was provided by the medley Streetwise Cowboy/Let Me Out Of Here. Streetwise Cowboy has the relentless rhythm guitar work of long-time band member Steve Brookes and the catchy vocal chorus line, but it is Let Me Out Of Here which makes the hairs on your neck stand on end. As Ray Walmsley's tortured feedback fades out, Duncan Hanssel's delicate keyboards take over and the first half of the song is sung to a simple keyboard accompaniment. Tender guitar fills add detail and the song builds to a crescendo before finishing strongly, leaving you wrung out like an old dish cloth.
Following on from the opening trio, came a pair of songs from the band's latest release, the eleventh and possibly best recording to date, Spaced Out Monkey. The first of the two new tracks, Never Saw It Coming, is straight-ahead heavy rock, which in a small venue like The Underworld can quite easily liquidise your intestines. The second of the new songs, Dreamtime, is much more subtle and builds up, lulling you into a false sense of security, before guitarist Ray Walmsley, bludgeons you about the head with a truly stunning, angst-filled guitar break. Whilst all but a couple of people in the crowd obviously did not know the material, they were clearly enjoying Demon and as the set progressed, the reaction became louder with each song. Sign Of A Madman (complete with grotesque facial contortions from vocalist Dave Hill) was greeted with some recognition and much appreciation and it was becoming clear that Demon were, indeed, doing what was needed to win over the audience.
Two more new songs and possibly the highest point of the night for me, was provided by the medley Streetwise Cowboy/Let Me Out Of Here. Streetwise Cowboy has the relentless rhythm guitar work of long-time band member Steve Brookes and the catchy vocal chorus line, but it is Let Me Out Of Here which makes the hairs on your neck stand on end. As Ray Walmsley's tortured feedback fades out, Duncan Hanssel's delicate keyboards take over and the first half of the song is sung to a simple keyboard accompaniment. Tender guitar fills add detail and the song builds to a crescendo before finishing strongly, leaving you wrung out like an old dish cloth.
At this point, you really do need a break from the onslaught but, once again, the drums burst out from the blackness at the back of the stage, signalling the onslaught of Blackheath, another song from The Plague. This is the point in the set where it is time to take it home. Blackheath is followed by what singer Dave Hill, describes as "a song that has become a bit of an anthem for us", Don't Break The Circle. Somewhat unexpectedly, but nevertheless welcome, the audience sings along with this and offers up a rousing cheer at the end. Demon's final song of the set, One Helluva Night is very much an audience participation number and receives an excellent response and loud applause, with some people even blazing a trail to the front, to headbang.
As the band members amble off stage, a disproportionate amount of noise is made by the audience, who demand an encore most vociferously. The band graciously acquiesce and return to play another new song, the heavy rock/rap title track from the new album Spaced Out Monkey. This song has the potential to become an anthem, in time, if it gets some exposure. You certainly cannot help but sing along and tap your feet to it. What's more, all of the band members sing backing vocals on it and lead vocal is shared between Messrs Hill and Walmsley.
The Final song of the night is Demon's signature tune and popular favourite with everyone in the house, Night Of The Demon. Although this track is now twenty years old, it sounds as fresh as the day it was recorded. This song, more than any other benefits particularly from the bass work of Andy Dale who, along with drummer, John Cotterill and rhythm guitarist Steve Brookes, provides a thunderous, driving force to the band, as well as some excellent backing vocals across the entire set.
As the band members amble off stage, a disproportionate amount of noise is made by the audience, who demand an encore most vociferously. The band graciously acquiesce and return to play another new song, the heavy rock/rap title track from the new album Spaced Out Monkey. This song has the potential to become an anthem, in time, if it gets some exposure. You certainly cannot help but sing along and tap your feet to it. What's more, all of the band members sing backing vocals on it and lead vocal is shared between Messrs Hill and Walmsley.
The Final song of the night is Demon's signature tune and popular favourite with everyone in the house, Night Of The Demon. Although this track is now twenty years old, it sounds as fresh as the day it was recorded. This song, more than any other benefits particularly from the bass work of Andy Dale who, along with drummer, John Cotterill and rhythm guitarist Steve Brookes, provides a thunderous, driving force to the band, as well as some excellent backing vocals across the entire set.
Due to time constraints at The Underworld, the crowd bayed in vain for a second encore. Whilst the band could undoubtedly have played much longer and the audience was ready to listen to more, it was not possible. Demon played a storming set and won over an audience that was not hostile, but mainly not bothered either way, which is certainly a more difficult proposition I would have thought. Demon came, they saw and they conquered. For a band that hasn't played London in fifteen years, they gave a superb showing and everyone recognised the quality of the band on stage. They will be back in London again of that there is no doubt. This is a top-notch bunch of experienced musicians, playing their hearts out. Don't be fooled by the name, catch them live. Demon is tight, focused and has a setlist that many would sell close, elderly, relatives for.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder and Sparky
27th November 2001
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder and Sparky
27th November 2001
