Thunder

After announcing that this tour would be their farewell tour, it was obvious that tickets for this tour would sell out without any need to do endless promotion to get the' also gave fans a good idea about their intentions.

As a long time Thunder fan, part of me was expecting the band to rest on their laurels and take it easy on this tour. Let's be honest, they thoroughly deserve a gentle bow out to their fans. But Thunder being Thunder decided that they would sooner go out with a bang, and what a volcanic bang it was. As soon as ACDC's 'Thunderstruck' bellowed out over the PA system, the crowd burst into life, singing along and clapping in time to the drumbeat. Despite this being a somewhat sad event knowing that Thunder will never play Rock City again, the fans seemed happy to attempt to give Thunder the best send off possible.



As the notes of 'Thunderstruck' faded away, Danny, and the rest of the band strolled onto the stage to an ear bursting mammoth roar of approval from the fans. Thunder opened with 'Loser' and wasted no time in getting the audience to sing along immediately. After being together for 20 years and building up an extensive back catalogue it was obvious that the set list will be a faultless one as they have recorded so many great songs. If I had my way they would have been allowed to stay on stage for as long as it takes to perform all of their songs. To be fair they have changed their set list every night of the tour so I was informed by a fan who has seen them at every venue so far on this tour.

You name it, they played it. Some of the more memorable songs that stick in my mind for various reasons are 'Castles In The Sand' just purely because it is a great track. Also their cover version of 'Gimme Some Lovin' as well as 'Laughing On Judgement Day' which gave Luke Morely a chance to demonstrate his guitar prowess.

Danny was clearly in his element, and you got the feeling he genuinely appreciates every single fan that Thunder have gained over the years, with boundless energy and passion he lapped up the admiration and gave it back just as much, even dedicating 'I Love You More Than Rock'n'Roll' to the adoring fans.

Sadly as is the case with anything enjoyable, the two hours flew by, and before we knew it, it was that time of the evening where the band do an encore, it was predictable that 'Dirty Love' and 'Betterman' were going to be saved for this point of the show.



You could see the genuine sadness in the fans eyes as the dying notes rang out from 'Dirty Love', however what more could fans ask for, The band had played as well as they ever have done, and are at least bowing out whilst they are still highly regarded as one of the best live rock bands. Thunder even managed to slip in a surprise (although not too sure if it was the band or the venue) so that a snow machine blasted snow over the fans as Santa Claus arrived on stage. Just in case you aren't familiar with Thunder, they usually played at Rock City near Christmas time and this was one of those jokes that some people may have not understood.

And that sadly was the end of their farewell show at Rock City.

Thankfully this was one of those gigs that was an absolute privilege to have attended, and one that I will remember forever.

Setlist:
Loser
Welcome To The Party
On The Radio
Low Life In High Places
Gimme Some Lovin
Empty City
The Devil Made Me Do It
Laughing On Judgement Day
Castles In The Sand
You Can't Keep A Good Man Down
Love Walked In
I Love You More Than Rock 'N' Roll

Encore:
Better Man
English Man On Holiday

FUTURE GIGS

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