Once again, The Headbanging Moose takes Finland by storm, this time to talk about the amazing classic rock singer Graham Bonnet and his awesome band playing in Helsinki.
***Review and photos by Giovanna Marques***
OPENING ACT: Wishing Well
As already mentioned by Renata in the Brother Firetribe gig review, The Headbanging Moose is now also in Finland, and I, Giovanna, am more than thrilled to be part of this great team! To celebrate my first contribution to THM, nothing better than Graham Bonnet, an absolute classic Rock and Roll legend showing that age is just a number and what matters in the attitude and will to rock.
The evening filled with pure quality Rock and Roll started with a performance of the Helsinki local band WISHING WELL. The band first released their material in 2015, but it has been a long-term project of the leader and guitarist, Anssi Korkiakoski. During the concert, the band played their classic songs, greatly influenced by the 1970s and 1980s classic rock bands, leaving a nostalgic and energetic feeling in the house, making the audience eager for more good rock and roll. It is worth it to check out the band’s material if you are also a fan of classic rock.
GRAHAM BONNET BAND
After the usual break to exchange the gears for the next band, we were finally gifted with the presence of Graham Bonnet and the band members on stage.
The gig started with some technical difficulties making the public unable to hear the bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone’s chords but after a short complaint and some screams at the sound table everything was sorted out and the gig started for real. The band opened the night with the Rainbow Cover “Eyes of the World” and the British singer showed that 76 is just a number and there is no such thing as being too old to rock and roll. The band continued with a few more Rainbow songs and although my particular favorite “Love’s no Friend” was one of the highest moments of the show in my opinion, the crowd went crazy with ”Since You’ve Been Gone” leaving a super energetic atmosphere for the keyboard solo by the Italian Allessandro Bertoni.
After the short break, the singer came back to the stage and the band played songs from Bonnet’s Solo career emphasizing the quality of the musicians present in his solo albums.
I must confess that being a Michael Schenker fanatic, I was anxiously awaiting for the Assault Attack album songs, and when the band finally played “Desert Song” it was an absolute delight. The Brazilian guitarist Conrado Pesinato showed in every step of the concert that he is more than capable to carry the legacy of the astonishing guitarists that were part of Graham Bonnet’s career. Pesinato presented his version of the songs and solos, never letting the audience down and filling the concert with great technique and soul.
After The first Michael Schenker cover, the band played my personal favorite from their album “Day Out in Nowhere”, the song “Uncle John”. Something that made the concert even richer was the stories told by the members about the songs and events surrounding the band and the singer. For example, Graham explained that he wrote the lyrics of the song ”Uncle John” for a teacher who was beloved by his students but was lately charged and arrested accused of pedophilia.
Next, came the “Jet to Jet” drum solo, and we were presented with the energetic drummer Francis Cassol, also a Brazilian musician. Francis was chosen to be part of the Swedish and Finnish leg of the European tour and I think they could not have chosen any better! After the solo, the band played more songs from the singer’s solo career and covers. ”Assault Attack” and ”Too Young to Die, Too Drunk to Live” made the crowd sing loud, leaving the space for the final and vibrant song ”Lost in Hollywood”. The charisma of all band members made the night more than special. I am hoping they come back next year for another spectacular and nostalgic evening.
Setlist
Eyes of the World (Rainbow cover)
All Night Long (Rainbow cover)
Love’s No Friend (Rainbow cover)
Makin’ Love (Rainbow cover)
Since You’ve Been Gone (Rainbow cover)
Lazy/Keyboard Solo (Deep Purple Cover)
Imposter
S.O.S
Desert Song (MSG Cover)
Uncle John
Jet to Jet/Drum Solo (Alcatrazz cover)
Night Games
Into the Night
Assault Attack (MSG Cover)
Too Young to Die, Too Drunk to Live (Alcatrazz cover)
Lost in Hollywood (Rainbow cover)
Band members
Graham Bonnet – vocals
Conrado Pesinato – guitar
Beth-Ami Heavenstone – bass
Allessandro Bertoni – keyboards
Francis Cassol – drums
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 