The Dead Daisies – O2 Ritz, Manchester

DATE – 17th September 2024

Words-Graeme Wright

Photographs- Scott Anderson (Glasgow) Graeme Wright (Manchester)

Before I get into this review proper, I’d like to wish Doug Aldrich all the best after his recent surgery for a form of throat cancer. Apparently it went well so hopefully we will see him back out on the road real soon.

I’ve seen this band a number of times over the last few years with a variety of different members over a relatively short period of time, so in this era of the band John Corabi has once again taken over vocal duties for this tour. I’ll get the bad points out of the way to start with. The sound quality at the Ritz wasn’t great for the first half of the set, causing a few grumblings around us. There were also a few ladies shaking their heads at some of the banter, which seemed a touch out of date at times and was perhaps more suitable for the 1980’s rather than 2024.

However, we are ultimately here for the music and there is no denying the quality of every single band member which meant we were treated to a highly entertaining show. Things get off to a bang with the title track from the bands new album, ‘Light ‘Em Up’ which sets the pace for the rest of the evening. It’s a banger of a track and probably the best thing on the new record. The thing I like the most about the Daisies is that their enthusiasm is infectious and the crowd are immediately on board for the whole show.

There’s more than a touch of AC-DC about some of the bands songs and Corabi is straight into ‘Rise Up’ and ‘Dead And Gone’ from the bands extensive back catalogue. ‘Make Some Noise’ from 2016 is given the Rolls Royce treatment and the crowd is bouncing at this stage. Back to the new album and ‘I Wanna Be Your Bitch’ is up next and it’s another big song with an AC-DC vibe.’ Unspoken’ and ‘ Bustle And Flow’ sound way too bass and drum heavy to me (not the first time for this venue) so I decide to try my luck up stairs. ‘Lock ‘n’ Load’ slows the pace down a bit and it’s a proper bluesy rock anthem and one of my favorite Daisies songs. Corabi sound excellent here, then all of a sudden the sound clears up and everything sounds great.

‘I’m Gonna Ride’ is full of swagger and ‘Born To Fly’ is given an absolute blistering workout with Aldrich being absolutely on fire. This is the prelude for the bands work through of segments of cover songs from each members country of origin/favorite songs and we are treated to a number of old classics with ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ and ‘Children Of The Grave’ being the highlights for me.Continuing with the covers we are then offered the old Muddy Waters classic ‘‘I’m Ready’ and then it’s the traditional rip roaring version of ‘Fortunate Son’ which as always has the crowd dancing in the aisles.

I move back downstairs for ‘Midnight Moses’ and ‘Long Way To Go’ and can confirm that the sound has definitely improved ten fold. The show is closed out with ‘Helter Skelter’ and all too soon the lights are on and it’s time to go home. The Daisies always put on a great show and this has been no exception. They are flawless in execution no matter who is in the line up and no doubt I’ll be out to see them next year. Great stuff.

Band

John Corabi – Lead Vocals

Doug Aldrich – Guitar

David Lowy – Rhythm Guitar

Michael Devin – Bass

Tommy Clufetos – Drums