Asylum 2 Birmingham reviews by real event-goers

Review of Xilla / Hot Little Hands / Ghozer / Hijack Hotel

BRILL!!!!! The atmosphere was WKD

Review of Xilla / Hot Little Hands / Ghozer / Hijack Hotel

Very good

Review of Xilla / Hot Little Hands / Ghozer / Hijack Hotel

Review of Xilla / Hot Little Hands / Ghozer / Hijack Hotel

A friend went but ENJOYED the whole experience Many thanks

Review of Angel Nation +Winters Edge Birmingham

Review of Angel Nation +Winters Edge Birmingham

Awesome gig, both bands were incredible, great sound at the venue, and a quirky cool little place to play. Loved the layout of the venue, all staff were friendly, and drinks were reasonably priced.

Review of Junior / Havelocke / Thank the Academy / Gilmour / More

I absolutely loved the music. Each band was really good, and gave it their all, despite stupidly low numbers. The atmosphere was incredible and super friendly.

I would've loved to see it busier, as I feel those bands deserve the exposure and I look forward to seeing them all again at some point in the future.

Cherry Suede rock!

Cherry Suede, The Asylum, Birmingham. May 3rd 2011.



Dont be fooled. You might listen to the free album download available from the bands Facebook pages, you may even have bought or downloaded the CD itself. You might think that this full band, melodic pop-rock-country blend which has been likened to such stellar names as Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and Keith Urban, could never sound as good when performed acoustically on a small venue stage. Like I said, dont be fooled by the bigger full band sound and multiple vocal tracks on the CD, you put Randy Young and Randy Scott on a stage with two guitar and you have a simply amazing acoustic music show, of a quality you rarely find in these days of over-dubbed and backing-tracked mass-produced computer music.



Singing their own songs mixed with covers from Simon & Garfunkel, Bon Jovi, and Bryan Adams to name a few, the simple acoustic set-up demonstrates the talent in the two Randys. (yes, they know what that word means over here!) A particular favourite cover of mine from last nights show was the beautifully reproduced Jackson Browne song Somebodys Baby, if only because I love Jackson Browne. The slightly altered lyrics to Livin on a Prayer raised a giggle, but I must point that actually the first guys to perform that one stripped back and unplugged were, in fact, JBJ and Richie Sambora themselves, sorry for correcting your story, guys! ;)



The venue was small and intimate, which is what the guys are trying to achieve on this tour, at times it felt like sitting in someones living room just having a drink while your friends jam around and chat with you.



Randy Youngs guitar work never ceases to impress me, and Im a sucker for guitar players, as my friends will tell you. Ive watched and listened to some of the best (in my opinion) and he is definitely up amongst them. The story involving an extended guitar solo might raise a laugh from the audience, (particularly with Randy Scotts interruptions) but to be truthful, that extended guitar solo played acoustic and note-perfect, was indicative of the mans skill and feel for the instrument. I wish that one day Ill get the chance to see the full band set-up so I can see and hear his electric guitar work live, Im sure itll rock big time.



Randy Scott isnt just a pretty face, hes a hugely accomplished singer, with an impressive vocal range and that sexy raspy note to his voice suits the Cherry Suede songs perfectly, as well as the cover songs. Ive had several people observe to me that he sounds just like Bryan Adams well, he does, up to a point, but he also sounds like himself, which is no bad thing at all. He has a depth of soul in his voice which really reaches out to the listener, and many of the females in the audience sigh a little when he sings those passionate love songs. I dont think Id be packing a suitcase by the bed if he sang like that for me!



Its a long time since Ive written a review, either a live show review or a band/CD one, but I really wanted to write this. Spread the word about Cherry Suede, theyre not getting the audiences they and their music deserve, even though they wanted this tour to be Up Close And Personal, Ill be doing my utmost to get their music out there and recommended to anyone and everyone.



A short mention too of the support acts, Fern Fox Palmer, a local singer songwriter, performed admirably both her own songs and covers, a shame there were so few there at the time to appreciate her.



The Mars Patrol declared they werent used to playing acoustic gigs that much, but truly, you couldnt have told that at all, they were professional, skilled and wonderfully lyrical, Davinas voice is enviably good at putting across her emotions in the songs, and the whole band are worthy of their slot at T in the Park, Ive no doubt they will gather many more fans after it they certainly deserve to be better known in this country. Its at times like this that I miss the late lamented John Peel because I would have sent in a recommendation that he listen to The Mars Patrol, I know hed have loved them.



If this short acoustic Up Close And Personal Tour is coming to a venue near you (tour dates on the Cherry Suede Facebook page) then dont miss it. If it isnt, download the album, check out the other tracks on the Facebook page, and start lobbying for a full Cherry Suede band tour next year!



Jan B.

Cherry Suede Gig.. Awesome..

Had so much fun seeing Cherry Suede in Manchester on the 28th April that we just had to see them again in Birmingham.. AS i said before the guys are great and well worth going to see them if you get a chance.. Up close and personal is definitely what you get as they are all so friendly and remember you from first meeting.. I totally agree with what jude says above.. fantastic night had and enjoyed by all what a pity it ended so soon. Once again thanks both Randy's for an awesome evening.

Cherry Suede

I primarily went to see Cherry Suede, having known of the band for 5 years, and this being the first opportunity to see them live. The 'up close and personal' aspect made it even better! Cherry Suede were never going to disappoint, I am after all a fan, and they are very very talented musicians, but Randy Young and Randy Scott also know how to entertain. Original songs sung along by the fans, and classic covers (including Jackson Browne, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams) made for a well rounded show, enjoyed by everyone - fans of the band, those who came along with their 'other halves' and the curious alike. Lovely that they were able to take time for photographs, chats and catch ups with the audience. The only down side....the show had to end at some point. If you can get along to see a show on the UK tour, do it. You will not be disappointed at all.

Cherry Suede, 3rd May 2011

The night was fantastic. Both bands played acoustic and was absolutly superb. Both bands had time to talk to us after the show and my request was played even though Cherry Suede had finishd. It was a great end to the night. They were both up close and personnal. Would definatly make an effort to go and see either band again. Can't wait for the next time. x