Formed in 1976 in Stourbridge, Diamond Head were one of the leading members of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).

With their 1980 debut album: “Lightning to the Nations” recorded on their own label at The Old Smithy Studio in Worcester, followed by “Borrowed Time” and “Canterbury” released on MCA Records, many reasons have been attributed to why Diamond Head never made the most of their potential.

Opening with “It’s Electric” from their debut LP, followed by “Give it to Me” released 25 years later from the album “All Will Be Revealed”, tonight’s support act hammered out a celebration, as one of the most influential bands of a genre, acknowledged by bands such as Metallica, Exodus and Megadeth.

Guitarist Brian Tatler, the only remaining original member, has put together a group worthy of carrying on the legacy of the band. Nick Tart will undoubtedly always be compared to original vocalist Sean Harris, who departed in 2004, but tracks such as “Give it to Me” and “Alimony” from the 2005 album “All Will be Revealed” are testament to Nick’s outstanding vocal talent.

Classic tracks “Call Me” and “Sucking My Love” stand the test of time, and ultimately proceedings are brought to a close with a rousing rendition of “Am I Evil?”, one of numerous Diamond Head tracks covered and distinguished by Metallica.

It was a pleasure to watch Tatler & Co, so much so that for a moment I forgot there was a headline act to follow...

Swedish rockers Europe were one of the most successful rock bands during the 80s, selling over 10 million albums worldwide. Taking a hiatus in 1992, they reunited temporarily for a one-off performance in Stockholm on New Year's Eve 1999 and announced an official reunion in 2003. Since then they have released three albums, “Start from the Dark” (2004), “Secret Society” (2006) and “Last Look at Eden”, released September 2009.

To date, Europe appear to have quite a following, and they don’t turn up just to hear “The Final Countdown”. In fact, putting all thoughts of that era aside, Europe are a very different proposition to what you may assume. They are a strong modern rock band, fronted with the vigour, charisma and vocal dexterity of Joey Tempest and they have a true guitar hero in band co-founder John Norum.

Opening with the grandiose “Last Look at Eden”, the title track from the latest album which could easily work as a Bond movie theme, Europe’s stage show and their presence is simple, there’s no pomp here. The set-list includes numerous newer tracks including “Gonna Get Ready”, “No Stone Unturned” and the power ballad “New Love in Town”. From the back catalogue comes “Scream of Anger”, “Let the Good Times Rock”, “Superstitious”, “Always the Pretender” and “Start from the Dark”.

Whilst John Norum’s guitar work is mesmerising, particularly his instrumental piece “Optimus”, John Levén (bass) Mic Michaeli (keyboards) and Ian Haugland (drums) are all excellent musicians and performers.

Presumably ladies are sent weak-kneed during the mass sing-along with Joey during “Carrie”, and throughout the rest of the show he commands the stage, flamboyantly and precisely twirling his trademark white microphone stand during numbers such as: “Cherokee” and “Rock the Night”.

For the encore came the very heavy “The Beast”, and finally the inevitable tune that sent Bristol Academy bonkers: “The Final Countdown”. Concluding an excellent show and proving Europe are much more than the one song for which they will forever be associated.

Review & Photography: Steve Johnston