Warrior Soul / Black Bullets / Low Drive - Rock Yacht Cruise, London (UK) - 13 September 2018

Owning this event from the get-go, Kory Clarke was a visible host to his guests tonight. Donning a captain's hat, he acted as master of ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the boat and warmed them up for the support acts. This really helped to make the event something different and, though undoubtedly the star of the boat, by not acting "starry", he won a place in everyone's hearts. The event had a relaxed party feel or that of a party at a rehearsal studio and people felt comfortable despite being in a relatively confined space. The fact that the boat had to make an unplanned stop to pick up more alcohol as they had run out was hilariously appropriate.

Openers 'Low Drive' were a bit like Alice In Chains crossed with latter-day Warrior Soul, although they were definitely more Doom/Grungy in feel. The main support act, 'Black Bullets', were punkier in approach and sound. Singer Billy Tee had all the moves and constantly reminded me somewhat of Josh Todd from Buckcherry. With lyrics like "It's only Rock 'n' Roll", they are also a little Faster Pussycat at times and were determined to rock the boat. They were full of witty repartee, and with comments like "It's great to see you all having a great time even while we are playing" and with their hands-on attitude with the audience, they were not afraid to get right into the audience and even laid on the floor outstretched when necessary. They really managed to get the feel of an exciting Rock 'n' Roll show into an unlikely venue. There was no doubt that by the time they went off stage, the audience were steaming.

As such by the time Warrior Soul hit the stage to perform, the crowd were moshing and going wild even though they opened with new material, which was also clearly a testimony to the quality of the new album. Still elfin-like after all these years, Clarke's intense, lean-forward delivery, high kicks and recognition of the audience with points and eye contact maintained the intense energy in the crowd. However, the pit went dangerously mad when the classics came along and 'Love Destruction', 'Wasteland' and 'Losers' drew real looks of love and affection from these crazy aficionados.

The band, apart from Christian Kimmett, are new and Clarke took a hand in directing matters, which included conducting the drummer during tracks like 'Jump For Joy' and so, coupled with the logistics of running a show on a boat, this performance was not about technical excellence, it was all about the Rock 'n' Roll. Clarke is an expert at reading the crowd and changed the set-list to suit. With the dying chords ebbing away as the boat hit the dock, the timing was perfect.

Clarke was really able to imbue this event with a real sense of occasion which made this evening special and hard to forget. That is perhaps his superpower.

Review and photos by Dawn Osborne