Having seen FM at least 15 times in the past six years, it's still a pleasure to re-acquaint myself with the band's distinct style of music. At the Marquee this evening they found themselves in the midst of a victorious homecoming, as a fanatical audience lapped up the likes of "I Belong to the Night," "Don't Stop," and "Face to Face," not to mention some lean, driving stabs of blues rock in the shape of "Run No More" and "Take the Money and Run."
Steve Overland's vocal performance was as faultless as ever, achieving some truly spine-tingling moments on the timeless "Other Side of Midnight" and a slick, yet emotive "Frozen Heart," the crowd taking over the chorus and verses at the wave of a hand or the nod of her head.
Andy Barnett's contribution to FM is incredible, stripped to the waist and pulling plenty of good-natured guitar hero poses he hammed it up like the seasoned pro he is, adding some muscle and blood to the likes of "That Girl," yet easing off the gas nicely for a soulful cover of "Heard It Through the Grapevine," pencilled in as a single release in the very near future.
The highlight of the evening was, however, the guest appearance of former DEEP PURPLE bass player and vocalist Glenn Hughes. Looking fit and healthy, despite a few extra inches around the waistband, Hughes's vocal delivery on a mean cover of STEVIE WONDER's "Superstitious" was breath-taking, yet in no way overshadowed the expertise or professionalism of Overland over the rest of the band.
1991 should be FM's year. Bands this good don't crop up every day of the week, and tonight's performance at the Marquee went even further to convincing all in attendance that this is the one band that won't roll over and die. FM are back and biting every inch of the way.
Mark Blake
Pics: Paul Smith
Riff Raff
September, 1991
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