Grand Slam
Formed: 1984
From:
Ireland
Last Known Status: Active
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Magnum Pairs With Grand Slam In Islington
Some bands aren't strictly metal, but they're beloved by headbangers anyway. AC/DC would be one such example, and there are other bands who always insist that they're just rock, but are often found at metal festivals across Europe. One such band would be Magnum, the Birmingham veterans who got their break opening for Judas Priest back in 1977 and have continued to endear themselves to rock and metal fans ever since. With their anthemic songs and Rodney Matthews artwork, they were always going to have a crossover appeal and five decades on, they continue to do so, as evidenced by the packed Islington Assembly Hall in North London on September 25th.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but the place was swarming with fans who have been following Magnum since their early days and younger rockers. Those who did arrive early, and there were many, were also keen to witness tonight's opening band, Grand Slam. For those unaware, Grand Slam is the band formed by Phil Lynott after the break up of Thin Lizzy. Though they weren't able to record a studio album during the legendary frontman's lifetime, some of the songs would be repackaged as Thin Lizzy tracks on compilations, including the evening's opening song, "Nineteen."
Right away, the uninitiated were bowled over by the talent and presence of vocalist Mike Dyer, who has the unenviable task of filling Lynott's shoes, which he does perfectly by being his own man. Though one can tell very quickly which songs were co-written by Lynott, the ones that aren't still sit very well alongside the old tunes, and the crowd were very warm to them from the first note to the last. "Gone Are The Days" was a particular highlight, as was "Crazy," before the set closed with a big sing along, in the form of the traditional favourite, "Whiskey In The Jar." Their current fan base may be relatively small, but as long as they get exposure like this to both celebrate their founders legacy and forge their own path, it'll expand without any problems. More...