Down n Outz DVD: "Live at the Hammersmith Odeon"

Sleeve and track listing

Down n Outz (No catalogue number)

Review

This is an interesting DVD. Recorded live at Hammersmith Apollo (and let's face it, many rock fans still think of it as the Hammersmith Odeon, hence the title) when the Down n Outz opened for Mott The Hoople on the last of their five-night run back in October 2009. Fronted by long-time fan Joe Elliott (of Def Leppard) and backed by the Quireboys this should be a monster. And yes, it is a powerful set comprised of little-heard MOTT/Hunter/British Lions songs. But something's missing, that little spark that elevates it from the 'good, but' to 'brilliant'.

There's not much movement from the band and the audience is somewhat subdued (and can you blame us - yes, I was there - we were saving our energies for the main act). The playing is good and it is good to hear these songs given a new lease of life while remaining true to the originals. Golden Opportunity is one of the most powerful set-openers Ian has written and it doesn't disappoint here. Almost as powerful is Overnight Angels, the title track from Ian's oft-overlooked 1977 album. Storm is given a fresh lease of life, sounding more powerful than the original.

The "extras" are interesting. You get three promo videos - all good - and a live recording of Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Again, it remains faithful to the original (for my money the most powerful set-opener Elton John ever wrote). The sleeve notes tell us it was recorded in Sheffield (which may well be true for the audio), although the video is clearly from several venues including the 2010 High Voltage festival.

Overall this is a good DVD, a nice souvenir if you were at Hammersmith for those 2009 concerts. It is available from the Down n Outz website, although it is expensive at £20. Good, but not essential.