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CONCERT REVIEW Arrow Classic Rock Festival at IJsselhallen / Zwolle (NL) Januari 25th, 2020 Reviewed by: Peter Mondria Photos by: Sander Mondria Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of seeing ROCK BOTTOM (UFO / Michael Schenker Tribute Band) at Arrow Rock Festival in IJsselhallen/Zwolle (NL) This unique type festival will see over 11 bands on two stages, set to pay tribute to some of the biggest legends in rock music, such as Uriah Heep, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Motörhead, Judas Priest, Deep Purple, Scorpions, Thin Lizzy and of course UFO. The festival revolves around two identical main stages set-up side by side. The bands play almost continuously one after the other throughout the day. Most of the acts are on stage for 45 minutes. 
ROCK BOTTOM (UK) was formed in 2012 by a group of experienced musicians united by a love of classic UFO / Michael Schenker Group, so I was really looking forward to their gig and I can tell you I wasn't disappointed.
They played a fine selection of UFO’s much loved songs, like Natural Thing, Only You Can Rock Me, Shoot Shoot, Love To Love, Doctor Doctor and Rock Bottom. The band played very well together, their playing was energetic and sharp…
…The bassplayer (Neil "Fozzy" Foster) has a great stage presence and energy, and very "Pete" in his style. The lead singer’s (Liam Evans) voice was very powerful, he did a fantastic job on the vocals. Drummer (Phil Rusling) was fantastic, every beat and cymbal crash in place, and Geoff switched between keyboards and guitar with ease adding the layered melodic sound like Paul Raymond always did…
…And last but not least, Mark Birdsall...
Mark’s playing is so similar to that of Michael's, that sometimes I forget I'm not listening to UFO. The riffs, the solos, the sound… authentic in the role of Michael Schenker including his outfit and gear. It's a great pleasure to watch!
Again, they all played with a lot of intensity, creating the ambiance and nuance of the original players, while holding the unique spontaneity of their own selves. I would recommend going to see these guys if you can, i guarantee you will have a fantastic night.
After the show I had the pleasure talking with Liam, Mark and Phil. Very friendly guys!
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BANDMEMBERS
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Liam Evans: Vocals
Mark Birdsall: Guitar Neil "Fozzy" Foster: Bass Geoff Potts: Keyboards/Rhythm Guitar Phil Rusling: Drums |
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SETLIST ARROW ROCK FESTIVAL, ZWOLLE
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Natural Thing Mother Mary Only You Can Rock Me Love To Love Lights Out Rock Bottom Doctor Doctor Shoot Shoot |
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RELATED LINKS
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| rockbottomuk.com, facebook.com/RockBottomukTributeBand |
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