Skid Row, Manchester Academy. 15th March 2018

Something a bit different for a Wednesday night, some old school 80s Hair Metal, courtesy of Skid Row. This is fast, loud, good old rock (no time for roll) delivered by a bunch of blokes who should know better but looked to be having an absolute blast. True the lead guitarist looks like he should be on a list of some kind, dressed in a sleeveless boiler suit and seemingly unable to keep his tongue in his head, but crikey he sure can play. Same to be said for the (not orginal) singer who performs out of his skin and rather unwisely goads the crowd by throwing water that he’ll no doubt need later. They genuinely seem grateful to play to a packed adoring audience, who sing every word back at them. The final irony smacks as they finish with the big hit ’Youth gone wild’ which should perhaps have the last word lopped off, but still, this was bloody good fun. Plus it gave me an excuse to wear my old boots with a 2 inch heel so win win!!