Prog super group Sons of Apollo blazed into Belfast on Tuesday night (3rd July 2018) for an evening of notable musical prowess, featuring dazzling solos and soaring melodies. Fronted by Jeff Scott Soto, and featuring past members of Dream Theatre and Guns ‘n’ Roses, the band’s debut Irish gig proved a huge hit.
Photo: Darren McVeigh (MetalPlanet Music).
By Colleen Crawford.
Progressive rock super group Sons of Apollo blazed into Belfast on Tuesday night (3rd July 2018) for an evening of notable musical prowess featuring dazzling solos and soaring melodies. Fronted by Jeff Scott Soto, and featuring past members of Dream Theatre and Guns ‘n’ Roses, the band’s debut Irish gig proved a huge hit.
Bolstered by proud Irish-descendent Billy Sheehan on bass, the Limelight show was a special one for the band. “Speaking for the only Irish man in the band, it’s great to be here!” said Soto as the band kicked off precedings. Plunging straight into action with a powerful performance of ‘God of the Sun’, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
With Sheehan’s penetrating bass lines accompanying an early interlude from guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, the instrumentalists impressed, with fast paced, ornamental shredding. With air-guitarists picking up their imaginary axes in the crowd, Soto quipped about the former G'n'R six-tringer; “He’s unbelievable, isn’t he?”
Raising the roof on JSS’s command – “Let me see your hands in the air!” - with latest single ‘Signs Of The Times’, and a passionate ‘Labyrinth’, the five-piece continued with their formula for extravagant rock music.
Taking centre-stage, and indeed the centre of attention due to his his lineage, the spotlight turned to Sheehan for what was a simply monumental solo on his impressive double neck guitar.
With each member getting a chance to shine, from Mike Portnoy’s powerful solo to his former Dream Theater partner Derek Sherinian on keys, the band’s lavish instrumentals proved a hit with the Belfast crowd. Not to be outdone, and following calls for “a pint of the black stuff”, Soto put on a show of vocal histrionics as the Sons’ set reached a climax.
Bringing the evening to a close with a run through Dream Theater’s ‘Line In The Sand’ and a riotous version of single ‘Coming Home’, the night ended as it began, in a flurry of guitars, drums, bass and keys. Taking their bows, it was clear that Sons of Apollo had enjoyed the night every bit as much as the audience.
Sons of Apollo continue their European tour with a brace of U.K. dates in Brighton (7th July) and Nottingham (8th July). For further worldwide dates, visit the band’s OFFICIAL SITE.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Progressive rock super group Sons of Apollo blazed into Belfast on Tuesday night (3rd July 2018) for an evening of notable musical prowess featuring dazzling solos and soaring melodies. Fronted by Jeff Scott Soto, and featuring past members of Dream Theatre and Guns ‘n’ Roses, the band’s debut Irish gig proved a huge hit.
Bolstered by proud Irish-descendent Billy Sheehan on bass, the Limelight show was a special one for the band. “Speaking for the only Irish man in the band, it’s great to be here!” said Soto as the band kicked off precedings. Plunging straight into action with a powerful performance of ‘God of the Sun’, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
With Sheehan’s penetrating bass lines accompanying an early interlude from guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, the instrumentalists impressed, with fast paced, ornamental shredding. With air-guitarists picking up their imaginary axes in the crowd, Soto quipped about the former G'n'R six-tringer; “He’s unbelievable, isn’t he?”
Raising the roof on JSS’s command – “Let me see your hands in the air!” - with latest single ‘Signs Of The Times’, and a passionate ‘Labyrinth’, the five-piece continued with their formula for extravagant rock music.
Taking centre-stage, and indeed the centre of attention due to his his lineage, the spotlight turned to Sheehan for what was a simply monumental solo on his impressive double neck guitar.
With each member getting a chance to shine, from Mike Portnoy’s powerful solo to his former Dream Theater partner Derek Sherinian on keys, the band’s lavish instrumentals proved a hit with the Belfast crowd. Not to be outdone, and following calls for “a pint of the black stuff”, Soto put on a show of vocal histrionics as the Sons’ set reached a climax.
Bringing the evening to a close with a run through Dream Theater’s ‘Line In The Sand’ and a riotous version of single ‘Coming Home’, the night ended as it began, in a flurry of guitars, drums, bass and keys. Taking their bows, it was clear that Sons of Apollo had enjoyed the night every bit as much as the audience.
Sons of Apollo continue their European tour with a brace of U.K. dates in Brighton (7th July) and Nottingham (8th July). For further worldwide dates, visit the band’s OFFICIAL SITE.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
