Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. November 20th 2010.

Probably the best way in these austere times for bands to play a venue is by collaborating with a similar artist or band from the same period of time. Just recently one such headline tour has been announced with American AOR bands Journey, Foreigner and Styx ready to play a series of gigs in Britain next year.

For bands that have been around a while longer and that are still held in high affection with the fans, this is perhaps one of the best way to showcase the era they represent and to gain new fans. For The Move and The Animals a night of pure sixties nostalgia was the order of the day as they entertained visitors and fans alike at the Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton.

The Move have long been touted as one of the finest exponents of Midlands Rock, they are still highly thought of within the industry and even with changing times and fashions have the ability and presence of mind to deliver a show worth attending.

With drummer Bev Bevan at the helm, this band still sound as fresh as they did when they started out playing gigs in their native Birmingham. Older, wiser and yet still incredibly energetic, the guys delivered a set which wouldn’t have been out of place as a greatest hits tour. Opening with the historic Flowers in the Rain , the band rolled back the years and played songs as diverse as the Roy Wood inspired Fire Brigade, the song that kick started the bands mass appeal, Fire Brigade and I Can Hear the Grass Grow.

The Wolverhampton audience was treated to some fine musicianship from Trevor Burton on vocals and guitar and he sparked off brilliantly with bassist Phil Tree.

The band finished off a set of classic radio friendly hits with the brilliant Blackberry Way to huge applause from an appreciative crowd.

Although The Move only had an original shelf life of less than six years, they are rightly remembered for being one of the best examples of Midland Rock that has inspired many generations of fellow Brummies to play their music with no sense of fear or ridicule.

Ian D. Hall