BLAZE BAYLEY at KK's Steelmill

Arrived at KK's Steel Mill for and early doors gig have to say good idea as if you have work early in the morning or kids going school with a 9.30ish finish plenty of time to get home. Even I was home by 10.40pm after a hours drive, normaly near midnight.

One thing I really liked was the FREE yes FREE meet & Greet while other people are now charging extra for this Blaze is doing it for free also he can often be seen at gigs and festivals and is always very approchable.

PRYMA

Right on top the gig first on stage were PRYMA and the best way to describe them is exactly how they describew themselves

"Pryma are a hard charging rock band based in the south east of England. The four piece create experimental, headbanging and ferocious music which complements an energetic stage presence. The band is a huge cauldron mix of heavy metal with a dash of groove and thrash."

Have to say they came out hard and heavy the whole band performed amazingly and Im sure if the crowd were a little younger in age crowd surfing would be going on. Can definatly say when they come back to the Midlands or they appear on at a festival Im going I'll definatly be going. was totaly impressed.

ABSOLVA

Next up were Absolva Having seen these boys for the first time at Eleven in Tunstal when they suported Demon. I've been looking forward to seeing these guys again and they did not disapoint. Starting back in 2012 in Manchester they have in there own words refused to be tired in to a specific genre. Have to say I do agree the Studio work is excelent but for me they shin live.

With Chris and Luke Appleton guitar work they shine and Chris's vocals are unmistakable. other band members include Karl Schramn on Bass and Martin Mcnee on Drums.

They came out abvsolutly nailed it and gave it 100% even though they had more to do later that evening.

BLAZE BAYLEY

Now here was the main event Blaze Bayley but hang on here are the Absolva biys back again as Blaze's support band. Now as all Blaze Bayley fans will know this has been a thing since aroiund 2014.

There was a good mix of new and old songs with a few Maiden ones as well as this was the Circle of Stone tour there was a good selection fron that album as well.

As singers get older the normal criticism is there voices start to go but none of that Blazes voice was amazing considering the health issues he had in 2023 to come back like this is a testiment. Blaze and the Absolva boys make a great combination and long may it go on. Then during the Acustic section, I know Rock Show but hay why not, we all had a sing along happy birthday to his longtime girlfriend Kate.

Now the time for a honrable Mention MARTIN MCNEE who had a "Ohhhh look a camera" moment