31 August 2024 – The Booking Hall, Dover
More popped into existence back in the early 80’s as part of the rather wonderful New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They had a good run, enjoying slots at some prestigious festivals including 1981’s Monsters of Rock at Donnington. During those early years there were quite a few lineup shuffles until eventually, Baz Nichols joined on bass in 1982.
Over the years, band members came and went but Baz remained the constant and now their current lineup features long-time vocalist, Mike Freeland and drummer Steve Rix along with new guitarist Peter Welsh (ex Tytan).
More have released a couple of albums, Warhead (1981) and Blood & Thunder (1982). They also recorded new material back in 2017 with Chris Tsangarides, however, this remains unreleased to this day – but fingers crossed we’ll see something soon.
It’s been a bit of a struggle getting the band up and running but Baz’s determination has finally paid off with this relatively low-key gig at Dover’s wonderful Booking Hall. The band opened with ‘Killer on the Prowl’ the opening track from their first album, Baz thundering away while Pete took the opener in his stride and Steve let that kick drum loose! The opening track from their second album was next, the mighty ‘Warhead’, ‘Road Rocket’ and the splendidly grooving ‘Soldier’ followed. They then played a new track, ‘Scream’ which sat beautifully beside the previous tracks, the band’s more modern playing style and sounds giving the older tunes a lift that they much deserved – I mean, it was the 80’s!
The band finished up with the amusingly titled ‘Go Home’, perhaps not the best sentiment if you aren’t the last band on the stage that night but it is a great track nevertheless.
Throughout the night, Pete’s playing was tight and aggressive, with the songs giving him plenty of opportunity to show off his chops. Mike’s voice which at times showed hints of Ronnie and even a bit of Bruce here and there, remained powerful throughout and Steve’s drumming was always tasteful, sometimes his hands just seem to be bopping along nicely but his feet are doing something far more furious!
I spoke to plenty of people at the gig who were unaware that More were playing and hadn’t even heard that they were back out on the road after their six-year hiatus, but those that I spoke to afterwards certainly enjoyed it and were eager for more!
Visit facebook.com/MOREthebandofficial for tour info and updates