Megadeth have experienced a resurgence in popularity of late and this current tour across our shores is totally sold out.  A friend of mine had seen them in Nottingham a couple of nights before and was well impressed so I was looking forward to seeing ‘em again.  I’ve seen Mustaine & co on numerous occasions and they usually have good support acts. Apparently the promoters insisted on Job For A Cowboy and Evile won a competition.  I always feel it’s best to leave the choice of support to the headliners and their management. 

Knowing that the gig was a sell out, I decided to turn up a bit later to avoid queueing for ages.  As it was I totally missed Evile, but no doubt our paths will cross in future and I thought I may have missed JFAC.  As I said, the gig was a sellout so my ticket was for unreserved seating in the balcony.  I was just grabbing some liquid refreshment when I heard a cheer and a double kick thud. I dashed to the balcony but couldn’t find a seat so stood near the back.  I’d never seen or even heard of JFAC and by the 3rd song wish I hadn’t.  They sounded like numerous bands who have a death grunt vocalist, I just couldn’t find anything about them to make me say “one for the future”. My opinion counts for nought, the crowd downstairs were into them, so as far as JFAC are concerned it’s job done. 

If you’re in the balcony at the Academy you’re not allowed to stand up so it seemed a bit disconcerting watching a band going hell for leather and all these people just sitting there, not exactly metal.  The wait for Megadeth seemed to last forever but a smile sprang to my face when 'Pantera’s Walk' was played over the PA and the crowd downstairs sang along to every word!!  The excitement was building, I looked at my watch, 9.15pm and no band, just the odd crew member pottering around the stage.  Shawn Drover’s kit was covered by a huge black sheet with DDrum emblazoned across it, (guess he uses their kits then!) and a massive cheer went up when a couple of the crew uncovered this immodest kit. Then all hell seemed to break loose when the lights went out and the band ambled onstage and launched straight into 'Sleepwalker', the crowd chanting along.

Chris Broderick is a great guitarist, a suitable foil for Mustaine.  James Lomenzo thrashes his bass (I still miss Dave Jr) and Drover pummels the hell outta that kit.  'Take No Prisoners' and 'Wake Up Dead' come and go and we’re into 'Skin O’ My Teeth'.  The band loll about the stage, throwing in a few synchronised head flips, Mustaine still has that famous grimace. 'Washington Is Next!', 'Kick The Chair' and 'In My Darkest Hour' pass by and it’s at this point I suddenly realise that I’m finding this performance tedious. I kid you not, that was the word that flashed like a beacon across my mind. 

They played 'Hangar 18', a favourite of mine and I just couldn’t get excited about it, I thought it was maybe because I was in the balcony and everyone was seated.  I scanned downstairs and it didn’t seem like anyone was moving, although I could hear them singing along.  'Gears Of War', 'Tout Le Monde' ( the crowd practically took over the song), 'Tornado of Souls', 'Ashes In Your Mouth', 'Never Walk Alone' left me unimpressed.  They launched into 'Symphony Of Destruction' and I just wanted to leave and I have never, ever wanted to do that.   

The band are technically brilliant and as I’ve said before, I’ve seen them on numerous occasions, the last being on the 'World Needs A Hero' tour at Rock City.  That was a memorable gig, it felt like they were playing in your front room.  One guy in the crowd kept shouting out songs and Mustaine eventually replied “This ain’t karaoke, you don’t get to choose!”  Now this is my opinion, I’m not speaking for the other 1,999, but tonight felt like they were just going through the motions.  They played 'Trust' and 'Peace Sells', the crowd singing along once more before they left the stage.   

By this time I’d had enough and decided to leave.  Heading downstairs, I was quite surprised to see a large amount of people leaving as well, and there was quite a crowd outside already.  I saw a guy with a United Abominations t-shirt on and decided to ask him what he thought of the gig, his reply, “they were crap with a crap setlist, no 'Sweating Bullets' and I can’t believe I paid £20 for this shirt”.  

I didn’t feel vindicated, just apprehensive about the fact I would have to write the review.  I still love the music that Megadeth have written, Mustaine has some classic songs in his arsenal.  They’ve continued making albums and touring where others would’ve called it a day.  A younger audience are getting into them and that is major factor in their resurgence.  For me, tonight was probably just a one off and I’ll go see ‘em next time they come around.

*Review by Brassy