Alcatrazz with special guests, Cart and Horses 2023

This was a late notice impromptu concert where Alcatrazz took the opportunity to put on a special show, as they rehearsed for a European tour killing two birds with one stone, complimentary for the first come, first served at the iconic Cart of Horses in East London, home of Iron Maiden. It’s an easygoing atmosphere with the band, Kim from Girlschool and John Gallagher from Raven, all milling around in the audience beforehand chatting, signing stuff and willingly taking selfies with fans adding to the special and exclusive atmosphere.

Unsigned new band Dhampyres opened. Musically they reminded me of The Damned with a darker twist amd the occasional Satanic lyrics/deathgrowls. Gothic and theatrical, but with an underlying Rock guitar base, I especially liked the plaintive and beautifully hauntingly sad guitar solos. There seems to be a bit of a Queensryche influence with recorded story intros crossed with a horror story interest. They also seem to have a bit of a sense of humour with stuffed doll versions of Zippy from Rainbow and Animal adorning amps and drumkit.

Swiftly onto Alcatrazz Doogie welcomes everyone explaining that there had been a few technical problems, but injecting a bit of humour into proceedings by reminding that, still, everyone had “got in for fuck all”. He said that they would play some new songs and some classics and be joined by very special guests for the finale. Original member Gary was supposed to be there, but could not make it due to a death in the family.  He was replaced last minute by Adam Shepherd on bass who did a great job.

And they delivered what Doogie said on the tin: maestro Joe Stumpf with his unbelievably fast neo-classical playing and Doogie bringing his huge voice and personality, theatrically exhorting the crowd to have a stadium rock experience in a local pub.  Even the intros of the band were humorous introducing drummer Larry Paterson as having 18 cats and looking for a woman.

Interestingly among the classics from Rainbow and MSG new track ‘Sword of Deliverance’ stood out as a modern diamond.

Joe Stumpf put passion and intensity into his performance a la early Blackmore, adding some tricks of his own. Playing his guitar with his teeth probably falls into ‘Don’t try this at home kids’.

The informal atmosphere allowed Doogie to indulge members of the crowd such as an Asian Rock fan who was here on holiday who Doogie pulled on stage, allowed her to film Joe Stumpf’s lightning fast playing close up on her mobile and taking a selfie with her, before helping her like a gentleman step down gently back into the crowd.

In an emotional introduction where he almost burst into tears Doogie explained why Adam Shepherd had stood in for original member Gary who had lost his stepson the day before. This led to a passionate performance of ‘Temple Of The King’. The emotion had actually changed the atmosphere of the gig from a good natured kick around rehearsal to an epic examination of the purpose of life in one instant. This befitted the epic nature of the song and transfixed and focussed the audience.

Kim from Girlschool and John Gallagher from Raven then came onstage for a lively performance of Motörhead’s ‘Bomber’ and ZZ Top’s ‘Tush’. All this gave the gig a party atmosphere end after the emotional intensity of the end of the main set.

So tonight was a bit rough and ready with the sound, but demonstrated flashes of sheer brilliance and provided an unforgettable experience. As I left I encountered Doogie by the door mixing and chatting with fans. He insisted on walking me to the tube to make sure I got home safe. What a night! Not going to forget that one in a hurry.

Dawn Osborne