Festival: Z Festival 2002

Artist:  Von Groove

Venue: The Ritz, Manchester

Date: 5 May 2002  

Oh boy, what a difference a year makes. Last year this band were second off top, today due to delays with Humanimal they were relegated to 4th from top slot. Last year they came on looking for blood and very much possessed men on a mission to take no prisoners. Although I thought they were good last year in all honesty I have to say that I found today's performance a much humbler and much more enjoyable set.

Last year I thought the lead singer Michael was a bit too full on and fancied himself something rotten. However this time around he was just a regular guy singing his songs with his band and having a good time. The songs sounded so much better because the band looked so much more at ease and played they songs they should be played.

The big egos were forgotten and today we saw a band that was an absolute delight to watch. I really couldn't see what all the fuss was about this band last year, however today I changed my mind completely. This I felt was the real band; last year was an invasion by the body snatchers as far as I'm concerned.

Gone also were the shades and the suits and the bands relaxed attitude was reflected in their dress sense. Was that really Mladen??? My goodness are you sure? It certainly sounded like him playing those magical tunes on his guitar but before us was a totally different person altogether. Delighted to see they still have the lovely Tom Lewis with them, he looked so much more like part of the happy family this year. Gone were the nerves we saw before and back was the heartthrob we were more familiar with.

Michael has a very strong set of vocal chords and knows how to use them to get the best out of the songs. Once chilled, he is a performer of the highest standard and a delight to watch as the crowd soon warmed to him. He's still got that look in his eye like am 8 year old kid full of mischief though. I think he gave the roadies a few heart palpitations when he headed towards the speaker stack. 

What can I say about Mladen's guitar playing except to watch him perform live and to actually listen to what he's playing at the same time simply takes my breath away. Massive respect for this dude. Look forward to the new improved 'chilled' Von Groove heading over to these waters once more. They have the songs, they have the talent, and now they have the right kind of attitude on how to win the hearts of those who watch them.

Setlist included: I Can't Find My Groove, Oxygen, House Of Dreams, Lily, I've Got To Help You, Heaven Knows Your Name, Seventh Day, Chameleon, Mission Man, Driving Off The Edge Of The World, Once Is Not Enough

 

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