LIVE REVIEW: Massive party night at the Diamond with Gasoline Outlaws and Massive Wagons

PACKED Diamond Rock Club? Check. Enough trade over the bar to bring a glint of joy to brewery owners' eyes? Check. Band t-shirts worn loud and proud? Check. Two bands pumping out no fucking about hard ass rock 'n' roll? Check.

All systems were go on Saturday (April 22nd) at the Diamond Rock club for the return of Massive Wagons, with local heroes Gasoline Outlaws set to pour fuel on to the fire of rock in our hearts.

Indeed the Outlaws were making their own return to the live circuit, with new tracks and obvious serious rehearsal time to sound so tight.

Their first album gives them a wealth of different tones in the songs to explore: opening with the rabble rousing declaration of 'Nothing On Me' there is clearly a sense of a band ready to raise their personal bar higher; to attain the next level of success.

New songs 'Hard Times' and 'Breathe Again' fit flawlessly into their set, earning an equally warm reception alongside established fan favourites such as 'Shrouded Wolves', 'Heart and Soul' and, of
course their anthemic trademark 'Outlaws'

No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets from the Diamond audience.

Massive Wagons have been a whirlwind of energy on stage and off, capitalising on the success of their most recent released album 'Welcome To The World'.

While they have a deepening back catalogue, it is those tracks that stand-out the most. That's not to demean any of their solid other songs - rather a reflection of songs that since their release just over 12 months ago have become ingrained in the collective fan consciousness.

Baz is always gives the appearance of a demented ringmaster, energy spilling from the stage to infect the audience with the likes of the outrageously catchy 'Tokyo', the heft of 'Nails' and the wonderful 'Ratio'.

No the "craic" wasn't just good - it was mighty and great.

What sets Massive Wagons apart from many of their ilk is that there is no pretence, no attitude, whether it's mingling with attendees or delivering high octane rock and a healthy banter.

They also have many a trick up their sleeves and know that while those who coughed up the cash to see the band also are there for a good time.

Pulling 'Teenage Kicks' from the locker gives all of a certain age a blast - "Teenage dreams are hard to beat" even if those years are long past.

The closing duo of 'Fight The System' and 'Highway To Hell' showcase the marriage and connection of why we got into rock music - to revel in the so-called classics and to see bands at their peak.

An honourable mention must also go to 'Back To The Stack' - this single is out now: a tribute to the late Rick Parfitt of the Quo, with all proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Not only a great thought, but a track that sits well in the set.

What Gasoline Outlaws and Massive Wagons do on stage is more than just provide entertainment: they give the audience a life affirming sense that despite personal woes, work, the global crises rock will never die.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt
Refreshment by Carlsberg

Underneath this a Baz lurks...

NEWS: Massive Wagons release charity single and video in memory of Rick Parfitt ahead of Diamond Rock Club date

CHRISTMAS Eve 2016. A day that should be remembered for all the good things in life, family, friends and good cheer…

However for many, including the guys in Massive Wagons it will also be remembered as the day Quo's Rick John Parfitt was no longer with us. ‘Back To The Stack’ is Massive Wagons way of saluting their hard rocking, heavy riffing hero and sending him off their way, and what better way could there be?

‘Back To The Stack’ is the first brand new track by the Lancashire five piece to be released as a single since their critically acclaimed album 'Welcome To The World' in April 2016 (our review is here), and the first new music to emerge from the writing sessions for album number four.

As well as writing the band continue to play heavily around the UK and into Europe during the run up to festival season – with a date in the Diamond Rock Club on 22^nd April as part of the run of dates.

The tribute to Rick was aired live for the first time to a sold out Manchester Ritz while touring in support of the rock legends The Wildhearts.

The packed theatre most certainly approved, chanting Ricks name and raising their glasses to the main man, such is the love for the heaviest right hand in rock.

‘Back To The Stack’ is set for worldwide release Monday 24th April, along with the accompanying HD Video.

Proceeds are going directly to The Teenage Cancer Trust.