8/7/2022 Heavy Metal Kids & Continental Lovers @ The Dublin Castle

I've been aware of and meaning to see the Continental Lovers for a while now after liking what I've heard on Hard Rock Hell Radio. Every time I have been hoping to see them there has been a gig clash or their show has been cancelled, or something else has got in the way. Tonight I finally get to see them. This is their first gig with their new bass player as Daisy is taking a (temporary?) hiatus from the band.

My first impression is that here is an act who look like a proper rock 'n' roll band. This is important.

The new guy on bass seems to play well enough, but I feel he is concentrating maybe just a bit too hard on looking the part and pulling shapes to appear 'rock 'n' roll' rather than playing at his best. Sometimes you can try too hard.

A couple of members of the band might look familiar to those who frequent the London rock 'n' roll scene - singer Joe Maddox used to be in sleaze/punk/rock 'n' rollers The DeRellas, and drummer Rik is a member of Last Great Dreamers as well as playing in Slyder Smith's offshoot of that band the Oblivion Kids - see my previous post. Joe is an intriguing frontman - he obviously has all the experience and has 'paid his dues', has all the moves, and throws all the shapes, but somehow still gives an impression of vulnerability and insecurity behind all the rock 'n' roll swagger.

Continental Lovers music is very punk influenced rock 'n' roll with a distinct New York flavour. These are guys that have been around the block and know what they are doing.

Their songs are catchy and tuneful and the energy level is high. I do think they could use a second guitar player to fill things out a bit though. This is a band I definitely want to see again.

I missed the Heavy Metal Kids first time round with original singer the late Gary Holton - all a bit before my time. I did see them in more recent years with John Altman AKA 'Nasty Nick' from Eastenders fronting the band and he did  good job - as he and Gary Holton were mates back in the day he knew what was required, and it helped that both of them were also actors - Holton being best known for his role in comedy/drama Auf Wiedersehen Pet.  During that time they released the song 'Uncontrolable' - which is rather similar to their earlier  song 'Delirious'. After John Altman left to pursue other projects (including recording a Christmas single with JoanOvArc) Phil Lewis of LA Guns and Girl briefly took over frontman duties - I wish I'd seen that version of the band! The Heavy Metal Kids never made it big, but achieved legendary status on the underground rock scene of the mid 1970's and were definitely an influence on the future punk scene - like the infamous Hollywood Brats they were ahead of their time. Drummer Keith Boyce and guitarist Cosmo are the only original members of the band, although both have left the band at separate times only to return later...

Current singer Simon Gordon certainly knows how to front a band and gives a good account of himself - he certainly has all the right moves.

Cosmo plays really well - having a relaxed vibe and looking cool. Unlike the bassist - who although he plays well enough fails miserably in the 'cool' stakes due to wearing shorts on stage while playing in a rock 'n' roll band. Just NO.

The music is gritty rock with a punk (before punk existed) edge and the band have some good tunes - the best known probably being 'Delirious'.

The Heavy Metal Kids are neither 'Heavy Metal' or 'kids', but are certainly worth checking out if to get the chance.