Review and Photos By Fraser Allen
More, a band that first popped onto the scene back in the early 80s, was a key player in the vibrant and influential New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). They quickly garnered attention and enjoyed a solid run in those early days, earning spots at prestigious festivals, including the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock at Donington, a clear testament to their talent and potential. The band experienced a number of lineup changes during those formative years, a common occurrence in the rock scene, which often led to a dynamic, if somewhat unpredictable, creative process.
One significant addition to the band came in 1982 when Baz Nichols joined on bass, bringing with him a sense of stability and driving force that would anchor the band through the years. Over time, More saw various members come and go, but Baz remained the steadfast core of the group, ensuring that the band’s identity and sound remained intact even as the musical landscape around them shifted. Today, the band’s lineup features long-time vocalist Mike Freeland, whose powerful voice continues to resonate with fans old and new, and drummer Steve Rix, who has been laying down the rhythm with precision and energy. Joining them is new guitarist Peter Welsh, formerly of Tytan, who has seamlessly integrated into the band, bringing a fresh energy and perspective to More’s music.
More’s discography, while not extensive, includes two seminal albums that have left a lasting impact on the heavy metal genre: Warhead (1981) and Blood & Thunder (1982). These albums capture the raw energy and powerful songwriting that characterized the NWOBHM movement and have continued to resonate with fans decades later. In 2017, the band recorded new material with the legendary producer Chris Tsangarides, known for his work with Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy, among others. Unfortunately, this material remains unreleased, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what could be another significant chapter in More’s storied history. With fingers crossed, there’s hope that these tracks will eventually see the light of day.
Despite the challenges of keeping a band together over the years, Baz’s unwavering determination has finally borne fruit, leading to a relatively low-key yet impactful gig at Dover’s wonderful Booking Hall. This show marked a significant moment for the band, showcasing their enduring talent and the undeniable chemistry of the current lineup. They kicked off the night with ‘Killer on the Prowl,’ the hard-hitting opening track from their debut album.
Baz’s bass work thundered through the venue, setting the tone for the evening, while Pete Welsh handled the opener with confidence, and Steve Rix unleashed a barrage of precise, powerful drumming. The setlist was a well-curated mix of old and new, with the title track from their second album, Warhead, followed by fan favorites like ‘Road Rocket’ and the groovy ‘Soldier,’ each of which was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience. The band also treated fans to a new track, ‘Scream,’ which seamlessly fit alongside the older material, showcasing how their sound has evolved while still staying true to their roots. The newer, more modern playing style added a fresh dimension to the classic tracks, breathing new life into the music that defined the 80s.
The band closed their set with the amusingly titled ‘Go Home,’ a track that, while perhaps not the most ideal sentiment if you’re not the final act of the night, still delivered a powerful finish to a memorable performance. Throughout the evening, Pete’s guitar work was tight and aggressive, allowing him to showcase his impressive skills. Mike’s vocals, which occasionally echoed the power of legends like Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson, remained strong and compelling from start to finish. Steve’s drumming was a masterclass in precision and taste, with moments where his hands appeared to be moving effortlessly while his feet unleashed a furious, complex rhythm.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that More had successfully reestablished themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the live music scene. I spoke to several attendees who hadn’t been aware that More was playing that night, let alone that they were back on the road after a six-year hiatus. Yet, by the end of the gig, these same people were buzzing with excitement, eager to see more from a band that had clearly lost none of its edge or passion over the years. For those interested in catching More on the road or keeping up with their latest news, be sure to visit their official Facebook page at MOREthebandofficial for tour info and updates. This is a band that, despite the odds, has proven that true heavy metal never dies—it simply takes a breather before roaring back with renewed energy.
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