De Verlichte Geest, Roeselare
2011-04-08

Sleazenation went all out old school with this gig, bringing one of the more obscure glam rock names to the Roeselare stage: Vain!

Fronted by Davy Vain and backed by a pack of seasoned musicians, the Hot Stage Lights Tour 2011 would certainly be a not-to-miss event.

First up, were the German Heavy Metal outfit Gun Barrel. Given the difference between their and Vain's style, it was a no-brainer why these guys came along.

Sounding like AC/DC, Accept, Iron Maiden and a whole bunch more rock and metal greats sound, Gun Barrel had little to no effort to convince the crowd that they knew what the hell they were doing.

A short but bursting set of songs showed that Gun Barrel is well above the pack of metal bands. They gave it their all, and then some!

Given this high-level performance, and knowing the Vain catalogue, I'm sure this is how Davy and friends get pumped up before each gig on the tour: topping Gun Barrel.

Fortunately, they had literally no difficulties in doing so. As soon as they stepped on-stage, the crowd gathered in front of it.

What followed was a show filled with classics, brought in a way that can only be described as leader Davy Vain dragging everyone along in his world, including his band.

It's pretty clear where the heart and soul of Vain belong, but let that not be a negative remark. Rarely have I seen so many people sing along in a place as small as De Verlichte Geest is.

After all classics like "Secrets", "Who's Watching You", "No Respect" and the inevitable "Beat The Bullet" were fired at the crowd with the same vigor as if they were written a month ago, Vain left the crowd exhausted and ready to get some autographs and other souvenirs.

This was a top-class show, both opening band and headliner delivered the goods and set just another milestone in this genre.

Special thanks to the many foreign friends who once more crossed the border with Belgium to support great rock music!