Foreigner, Europe, FM Sheffield Arena - 8th April 2014

Foreigner, Europe, FM Sheffield Arena - 8th April 2014


A triple bill of AOR at Sheffield City Hall promised to be a good night of entertainment in an excellent venue (more intimate than the larger arena).
We had checked into the Premier Inn at Meadowhall mid afternoon, after a quick scoot round the shopping centre and a burger. Then a taxi ride to the city centre City Hall.

After a beer, we found our seats on the 1st tier, very close to the stage and a prime view. 

F.M.

First band on at around 6pm was F.M., a band I particularly like and have done since the late eighties/early nineties when their first couple of albums were fairly popular. After support slots with some big upcoming names then like Bon Jovi, they faded away with subsequent albums doing less well. However, having remained a fan, they reformed around 2007, doing just a few gigs over a few years. The last 2-3 years they have released a couple of good albums and toured supporting the likes of Thin Lizzy, and now this Foreigner/Europe tour. We saw them in a small room in Sheffield a few years ago (O2 academy 2) and it was their first gig of a mini UK tour, quite different to the surroundings tonight.     

Introduced as "The mighty FM", they came on stage into their recent-ish Tough Love single.
Although the gig was more about Europe/Foreigner (See Europe backdrop and small stage area for FM), they held their own with a tight sound, and the voice of Steve Overland as good as ever, with lots of "whoooing" and "wheeeying" in typical FM style. Typical 80s AOR you say, but whats wrong with that!!

I am sure most of the audience had perhaps not heard of FM, though a few t-Shirts were spotted form some obvious fans, still holding the faith.
The set was a mix of old and new (there is so much new!), and after 35mins was over far too soon for me. Thoroughly enjoyed, and would like to see them again on their own in a similar setting as this - maybe one day!

FM Set list

1. Tough Love 
2. I Belong to the Night 
3. Don't Stop 
4. Closer To Heaven 
5. That Girl 
6. Crosstown Train 
7. Burning My Heart Down 

Europe

After a short break of around 30 mins, the stage area was opened up only a fraction for Europes kit, and with a short intro, Joey Tempest, bounded onto the stage into a more recent number form their last album, the rocking "Riches to Rags".

Europe are a band that have re-invented themselves after reforming several years ago. Their traditional AOR, pop rock sound and image has changed to a rockier, edgier, slant. tonights set, however, whilst starting with more recent material, was predominantly "Final Countdown" era to no doubt please the Foreigner crowd. 

The bands sound and energy could not be criticised, far more rocky, edgy and energetic than FM, with Joey performing microphone acrobatics and leaping from one end of the stage to the other.

All in all, another enjoyable performance, and even a reference and short rendition of Def Leppard "Hysteria" a nod to their home town -  Sheffield. 

The set was 60 minutes and again seemed to be over too soon, but with still the headline act to come.....

Europe Set List

1. Riches to Rags 
2. Firebox 
3. Superstitious 
4. Let the Good Times Rock 
5. No Stone Unturned 
6. Carrie 
7. Sign of the Times 
8. Cherokee 
9. Rock the Night 
   (with snippet of "Hysteria" by Def Leppard)
10. Encore:
9. Prelude 
10. Last Look at Eden 
11. The Final Countdown

Foreigner


With a slightly longer break whilst the stage was cleared and the stage area expanded for Foreigner the band hit the stage around 9pm.

Kelly Hansen is an excellent front man as his energy and enthusiasm, audience interaction is infectious. The band hit the stage running straight into the rocky "Double Vision".

Though there appeared to be a key figure missing - guitarist and founder member Mick Jones.

The classic "Cold As Ice" came up as 3rd number in, and the crowd were warming up (as were the band). Kelly Hansen left the stage and "interacted" with the crowd getting right between the seat rows (not just the aisles).  

After things calmed down a bit and no doubt everyone wondering where Mick Jones was, Kelly finally introduced the man himself with suitable acclaim and he walked on stage to loud applause, and showed off his guitar work.  

A mix of slow number and rocker fare catered for all throughout with material covering all of their classic years. The sound and energy fantastic and the whole set was enjoyable.

The obligatory Sax made an appearance, and after around 1hr, 45 mins it was all over after a 3 number encore. The crowd swaying on their feet throughout "I want to know what love is" and backing vocals from a local Sheffield school choir. 

The evening ended with a rockier "Hot Blooded", and we left the building having had a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening.

Foreigner Set List

• 1. Double Vision 
  2. Head Games 
  3. Cold as Ice 
  4. Waiting for a Girl Like You 
  5. Feels Like the First Time 
  6. That Was Yesterday 
  7. Dirty White Boy 
  8. Starrider 
  9. Urgent 
  10. Keyboard and Drum Solo 
  11. Juke Box Hero 
  12. Encore:
  12. Long, Long Way from Home 
  13. I Want to Know What Love Is 
  14. Hot Blooded 

Our Gig Scores

F.M.  (7.5/10) too short, needed bigger staging.

Europe (8/10) 

Foreigner (9/10)