These lads deliberately spell their name the way you read it above. So-o-o-o one wonders, how does their music read? Erm, may I come back to you on that one. Apart from bl**din' good stuff that is, by the way. Fusing together pop, punk, grunge, indie, metal, AOR, funk and traditional rock n' roll, these three chaps turn out to be already one album into their career, all eleven numbers of which are included on tonight's list amongst a couple of 'new' ones -they are all are to me actually - and a few classic covers.

There are immediate anthems in formation here, hooks held high by their bizarrely multi-styled onslaught and why only twelve people are in this room tonight - and about half of these are friends and pub staff - beggars belief, but at least I'm one of this dozen with the decency to support this exciting new band tonight.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Ok, there weren't loads of people in attendance but did this stop the Flyz flying out a heap of energy and emotion - no siree!! Coming all the way from Leeds, this trio filled the place with piping hot music that kind of mashed in indie, rock and punk together that had an AC/DC power and vibe.

Great harmonies in the vocal department not to mention the freshness of the songs on offer like the ballad come hardcoreness of 'You've got somebody else' that Nick 'Toastie' Plant dug big style, smiling intensely in between downing the Newkie Broon!! as well as other crackingly explosive tunes from the debut album 'Aphrodisia' like 'In a hole'; 'Susan'; 'Red Light' and 'Deadmans legs' as well as pleasing furtherly with a extensive cover of Slade's 'Mama we're all craze now' that was as buzzin' to f*ck - well it is the Flyz - so what else could it be as well as a magnificient 'I go wild' by The Rolling Stones, finishing off with Paranoid by Ozzy's old lot.

Ady, Jono & Simon meant rock 'n' roll business and they delivered the goods beautifully. Be sure to be there when Flyz return to the CRB on Dec. 3rd.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

The last time we heard from Sheffield on the live side of things was in 1992 and guess who missed them that time round. All can be forgotten though as eleven years later, three other bands have staged one hell of act of a welcome back party for these guys.

Brighton's Pride played the previous year's GODS fest and are always welcome on a bill like this. A shadow of the line-up from nine months earlier, they are down from six men to four with vocalist Matt Mitchell taking over vacated rhythm guitar position, whilst Balance Of Power keyster Ivan Gunn has returned to that other act of his, as yet unreplaced. They would have still deserved a longer slot than to allow for only five songs especially when tonight's miniscule set only makes time for one number from their stunning recent 'Signs Of Purity' album, that thankfully being the catchy 'Say You're Not Lonely'.

Renowned Rotherham outfit Deadline, whom we seem to be seeing more than our fair share of, lately, come on and totally slay their countrymen with a nine-song set that includes all their three best numbers, 'Love's A Battle', 'Just One Night' and 'Losing Myself'. Regulars at the nearby Classic Rock Bar venue Steve and the boys, who have just inked a deal with TB records, look to have the scene at their feet at the moment.

Oh Danny boy, you there? It's time for that man again. His fourth visit to Steel City is probably Danny Vaughn's finest hour-and-a-quarter to date and his first tour with a twin guitar line-up. The all-Brit star-studded line up ably aiding DV tonight consists of Ten's Steve McKenna and Gregg Morgan on bass and drums, while the strings are attacked by the chap out of Brave new World and also Contagious's Tony Marshall, best remembered for his escapade with Jeff Scott Soto's mike at Penningtons a year back. The set is made to melt in the mouth from the off, covering the best of everything he's done with both bands, including 'Strength In Numbers', 'Wings', 'Is That All There Is', 'Was There A Time', 'Inherit The Wind', 'Lay Your Body Down', and that other one... erm.. you know, always being played in about every hard rock night club you walk into. 'Forev... something or other'. With the announcement of the Tyketto reunion, to include a show in this very same room later this year, a set of this strength couldn't land at a better time to whet those appetites.

That leaves only the headliners for tonight and they have a gruelling task ahead of them. The opening dual assault of 'Rock On Radio' and 'All She Wrote' indicate that it's the audience's choice that counts tonight and the foursome duly oblige with their selections. 'Reach For The Sky', 'Lovers Lane', 'Overnight Sensation', 'When I Look Into Your Eyes'and predicted encore 'Don't Treat Me Bad' are tunes that the years have been kind to, not to mention the performance of CJ Snare and guitar maestro Bill Leverty, still keepin' those grooves in check today.

CJ has still yet to be seen with a guitar round him but proves himself to be a highly competent keyboardsman on quite a few of the tunes including the newies that he asks us to be 'guinea pigs to test them on' tonight. Any day, mate. A jolly fine evening - put it mildly, why don't you - for the city's melodic rock fan contingent, these four bands today all worked their arses off to deliver the sort of show that testifies that the scene remains infallible to this day.

With a bill like this, one wonders if Sheffield may play host to the GODS one day. Again soon, please boys.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

So l thought the gig was at the site of 'The (defunct) National Centre for Popular Music'? - wrong - the venue had been changed to some club near Belins (a Sharon and Tracey nightmare) called 'Club Zero' l was told by a couple of rock fans. It's a good job l knew Sheffield well as I soon found it.

Club Zero's an averagely large-enough room usually housing dance nights and is a great venue for bands - no wonder it was chosen. As soon as I get in I greet the Four Star Mary lads and disappear onto the tour bus with Zu and Tad to conduct an interview (on the site soon !!!) missing the majority of the local support band but saw the whole set of Audiofine - who play a bunch of rah-rah pop punk type ditties that sound like a whole batch of rah rah pop punk type ditties that every other band are playing at the moment to try to be the next Blink 182 or something - boring - but they do crank out a brilliant take of 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and The Waves'.

So what about the deadliness, Four Star Mary - well they are as tight as f*ck and beatin' out new numbers from the 'Welcome Home' CD - their second release - which is well worth investing in.

'Bleed On' played electric (it's acoustic on the album) should be a single for sure as well as 'As I Rise' (which is in fact the opener on the album. The kids treated them like the crown jewels, not that you could see them. Tad exclaimed that they'd left their Lighting Engineer in Newcastle - so thank god their two friends used small flash lights to brighten up the somewhat other dark stage. A small stage at that and vocalist, Tad dripping in sweat within the first few minutes - the emotion pouring from his face in ecstasy. Of course they played the best of the debut album 'Thrown to the Wolves' with the major standout being Dilate that created a mass singalong from all present in the crowd.

A large white poster was held up, 'Play Rio Please' it read which caused Tad to exclaim, you're gonna do that at every gig aren't you Cherry'?' (he obviously knew her), but of course they please her and all by finishing on a storming version of 'Rio' by Duran Duran which l have to say was better than the original version - another singalong was granted for sure. Man, Zu can't half play his guitar on this classic - well let's be honest - they were all exceptional - just that the soloing stood out quite a lot.

After a 'Goodnight Sheffield' from Tad it was all over but everyone left happy knowing that they'd be back next year for another round - some may even have gone to some of the other shows on the tour, like Cherry perhaps complete with her 'Play Rio' sign.

A killer show from a killer band and that's without stage lights.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

It's years since Taime Down's band have been this side of the pond - about 13 years to be exact. Times, looks and line-ups have changed but musically it's pure pussy power. Alongside Taime in the reformed 'cat line-up is original guitarist, Brent Muscat - who ain't aged a bit plus Newlydead members Danny and Chad on bass and drums respectively as well as Pretty Boy Floyd's 'Kristy 'Crash' Majors also on guitar.

Coming on stage to the theme from the Exorcist is pretty damn weird but I guess this must a joke of Taime's - mass applause engages the band before the stage lights have even lit them up, let alone sang or played a note. Around 30 seconds later, it's eruption time - the lights go up and they blast into a heavy, dark, slower, gothic rendition of 'Bathroom Wall' - God knows what the hardcore Faster' fans must have thought to it - it must've f*cked their heads up no end - still they appeared to like it all the same judging by their reception to it (I actually knew what to expect having witnessed it at soundcheck and was later told by Mark Owen of 'RPM Records' that they open with it and play the original version at the end of the show).

So as not to veer the crowds attention Faster Pussycat soon whipped into some old favourites that every well respected Rock DJ has firmly stapled in his set list - like the 12-bar zaniness of 'Cathouse' , 'Don't change that song' and 'Whipped Up' which pleased all the audience no end.

Now the congregation was firmly in the band's hands so Taime asked, 'you don't mind if we play another Newlydeads number do you - well let's face it - why should they - and who's to argue if they did - there's more to these guys than 1987 and the like - so why live in the past. Those samples and loops and samples are highly entertaining anyway.

From what I could see, the Newlydeads material didn't seem to go over as well as the well-established material. I personally think that many of those present could have been more positively receptive to this 'dead songs - because as Taime told me earlier - "it's not about nostalgia sh*t" - but it seems that this is what man of the followers wanted to hear all the same (it's happened to many bands who've toured the states - so
it's no great surprise !!!).

The P-P-P-P-P-P Pussycat trademark 'Babylon' with altered lines sorted out the core fans out though which graciously encouraged plenty of sing-a-long action - as did the 'Wake me up when it's over' track, 'Slip of the Tongue' and the heart rendering, tear jerking ballad 'House of Pain'. Even bassist, Danny got to sing one of his 'Motorchrist' songs which he appeared reluctant to do until he was urged on by Taime.

It was also proved that you could have a chat in-between songs without losing too much momentum. In fact there was quite a bit of this going down - maybe they were deciding what songs to do next or they were missing a set list or two - who knows ?!?!

Later in the set a tribute was paid to the lead vocalist of 'Betty Blowtorch' in a cover of the straight in the face, 'Shut up and f*ck' - of which Taime announced he'd always do it from now on. It went down real swell as did cover versions of Zodiac Mindwarp's 'Prime Mover' and Motorhead's 'Killed By Death' - which was a real surprise in the set.

Finishing off, of course with the original version of 'Bathroom Wall' featuring the lead vocalist of support band, Neon Bomb- Faster Pussycat delivered exactly what the crowd wanted - Nice !!!!

Then there were the rather delicious girlies dancing on then wooden boxes at the back of hall who looked like they'd they been pulled straight out of an 80's promo video -especially the one wearing the thong - these girls should've been on the stage!!!

An all round 8/10.

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

FEAR FACTORY, GODFLESH & JANIS STARK -

NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY, November 5th 2001

As we entered the Rock City through the back under the supervision of a security guard, we were taken down the stairs to where Burton, Dino and Justin were finishing off their evening meal, a quick smile and hello were given out to the members of Fear Factory as we were lead towards Justin of Godflesh. An interview with Justin had been kindly set up by Music for Nations (see interview section for outcome), as we sat talking to Justin for a considerable time we missed Janis Stark do their set, but never mind.

We were then lead out to the packed crowed who were waiting eagerly for the appearance of Justin and Godflesh. As Godflesh hit the stage a not so enormous applause came from the crowd. I realized then that this crowd had not heard of this wonderful band that hit the underground scene in the middle eighties.

I spent the whole, listening to the deep slow pounding ambience that came from Godflesh and the odd cheer from an avid fan. This crowd were only here for one thing and that was Fear Factory. Justin and the crew worked hard to get the recognition they deserved with a set that contained material from the new album as well as the better-known tracks off the earlier albums.

As I watched Justin walk off I sensed he was disappointed with the reaction from the packed crowd, he had told us earlier that with changing labels and touring with Fear Factory it was like he was given a second chance. I hope it pays off for them.

Then you guessed it, the lights dimmed the interlude music stopped as Fear Factory hit the stage with an enormous welcoming and the gleam on Burton's face as he peered into the crowed was like he was home. As Fear Factory went through their set faster than a vindaloo after a night out with the lads, playing the favorites like 'Self Bias Resistor', 'Linchpin', 'Shock', 'Resurrection', 'Edge Crusher' and 'Martyr' they got the floor of the Rock City shaking - you could not describe the electrical aura that surrounded everyone unless you were there.

Fear Factory played for just over one hour with no encore, the crowed was still buzzing and was wanting more, but to no avail, it was short and sharp and when they play like that who gives a damn if they came back on or not.

It was probable one of the best Fear Factory gigs I have ever seen; they were hard and fast with a couple of seconds for a breather. Ecstatic.

10/10

By Tony Watson

When Bill Steer's Firebird took the stage they didn't have a very good audience turn-out at all - hopefully there'll be a lot more next time.

Bill's current output doesn't bear any resemblance to Death or Grindcore - it now has more in common with Retro early 70's Blues Prog Rock. Take the set opener 'Dirt Trap' (which incidentally is the first track on the 'birds new and 2nd album 'Deluxe') which saw the trio possess characteristics that put me in mind of 'The Jimi Hendrix Experience' and 'Cream' - the number is a Blues-Rock ecstasy that many can only dream of reproducing or take '???She's there'??? with it's dirty wailing guitar solo.

I know what you are asking - can Bill sing? - well actually - and pretty well at that - with his moderately high-pitched tenor vocals which soar with delight (when they can be heard above the guitar, drums and bass !!! as sometimes the voice was often lost in the mix - which spoils many a good gig these days).

Firebird overall have a musical presence that's a real excitable melting pot of Hendrix, Humble Pie and Rory Gallagher in large doses. Bursting out with colourful sounds from Steer's Six String, John's Bass and Tolles drums Firebird are definitely one of the forerunners of excitable Electric blues.

Easily one of the sets highlights was the closer 'Slow Blues' featuring the damning best harp playing ever to grace my ears - Bill is up there with Sonny Boy Williamson and The Black Crowes 'Chris Robinson' - completely awesome. There was no guitar in this track at all - Bill actually sang through the harmonica which produced an authentic distant monaural quality - so that's how it was done in the studio for the 'Deluxe' album!!!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

California's Four Star Mary really know how to put an energetic live show. You probably heard them earlier last year on the hit U.S. series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' where some of their songs were featured. Due to this, the kids in the U.K. have built up a large interest in them - even more than in the U.S. - hence their U.K. Tour in November 2001.

The debut album, 'Thrown to the Wolves' cooks well live and the newly found fans can't seem to get enough of it. The 30 minute + set in the small room goes down incredibly well -in fact it was packed in there. As you can see from the pictures, there ain't much space on the tiny stage but that didn't stop FSM - they appeared to revel in it. Bursting with enthusiasm they ripped through songs like 'Dilate', 'She knows', and 'Thrown to the wolves'. Shortly the set, the band signed autographs as well as posing for piccies with fans as well. Steve Carter's crew had won the crowd over well and truly - I can't see it being too long before they are back on British soil.

I reckon that 2002 could be the year that brakes 'em big-time if this was anything to go by - hopefully they'll be supporting someone pretty big next time (in fact, they'd love to support 'The Who'). A festival somewhere in the U.K. would be a pretty cool affair.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Another young Sheffield band getting some deserved respect in the live arena are this female-fronted nu-metal act. They actually play some noticeably older styled material as I find out this winter evening in Heeley. The four-piece are barely out of their teens by the looks of things but handle their own material very well, plus the covers they choose to include which are mixed in amongst their original cuts. Eurythmics classic, 'Sweet Dreams' - played Marilyn Manson style, obviously and Metallica's 'The Cure' go down well with the er... 20-odd people gathered round the bar and surrounding seats, and the lad on guitar, appropriately enough plays a scaled down version of James Hetfield's legendary black Gibson Explorer.

Also noticed is that for once, a local band playing here have brought their own PA in rather than having relied on the renting of Earl regulars Tikaboo Peak's blasters, princely sum that they may actually charge for such privilege.

All in all, quite a pleasant Tuesday evening for metal fans (and for Jerome's wallet).

8/10

By Dave Attrill

A totally new band to me and for the majority of the UK are Fydolla Ho - an aggressive Emo metal 4-piece who turn the usual Nu-metal sound upside down and inside out. It's real in-your-face wacky madness from a musical point of view - a sort of Dead Kennedy's meets Hole and L7 on acid is a fair way of describing them.

The 'Ho are fronted by the gorgeous actress, Shawnee Smith, who's been in the X-Files and also been a Maxim Centrefold - and by all accounts - a member of Baywatch who softly sings and screams manically throughout the performance - not to mention the highly charged sexual poses, girations and hand positions.

Performing material from their seven track demo - 'Red Headed Woman' which included the somersaulting screaming opener 'Maja' and even a 100% perfect cover of Black Sabbath's 'Fairies Wear Boots', Fydolla Ho proved that they could match the Brummie's rankings with ease - Completely mind-blowing, especially the drumming of Carl (who looked like Sting as 'The Ace Face' from the film 'Quadrophenia', dressed in a blue boiler suit) - it's a wonder his kit was in one piece after that.

Fydolla Ho are an incredibly different band that should have been signed up months ago - I wish them nothing but the best.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS