Waysted were the very first band I ever saw live, way back in 1984, supporting Iron Maiden at Hammersmith Odeon and I certainly never thought then that I’d be reviewing a live album of theirs some 22 years later. 

In the intervening period, the band has undergone line-up changes and a break up and this album was recorded in Glasgow in September 2005 as part of their comeback tour. The line up comprises mainstay Pete Way on bass, the welcome return of Fin on vocals, Chris George on guitar and Paul Haslin on drums.

They open with “Toy With The Passion” and immediately there is no denying the intensity and quality of both the song and the performance. This is 80s rock just how I remember it and just how I always loved it. It was music like this that converted me to a lifelong love of rock music which has not diminished one iota over the years…if anything it’s got stronger. 

“Won’t Get Out Alive” follows and sees a great performance from Chris George in particular as well as the obligatory audience participation middle section. One of my personal faves, “Hang ‘Em High” is next before “The Alternativa”, a song about bullfighting from their last album, Back From The Dead. 

Then it’s back to older and more familiar territory with “Dead On Your Legs” and “Heaven Tonight”. OK, so Fin will never compete with Danny Vaughn vocally, but it’s still a brilliant track and one of my all-time favourites by anyone. 

“Love Loaded”, another new one in “Must B More 2 It Than This” and the rip-roaring “Night Of The Wolf” follow, bringing us nicely to the last track “Rock N Roll Medley” which does exactly what it says on the tin…starting with “Ice Cream Man”, through band intros and culminating in a blinding rendition of “Round And Around”. 

I am glad to report that Waysted have lost none of their energy or quality over the years and you should check them out when they next hit your town. 

This album for me was like a walk down memory lane to a much simpler time, with much longer hair, when down ‘n’ dirty rock n roll was the order of the day. Much has changed since then, so it’s just fantastic to have an album like this to throw on to remind you how things used to be. Cheers guys !!!

Let us know your views on 'Organised Chaos...Live'

Track List

Toy With The Passion
Won’t Get Out Alive
Hang ‘Em High
The Alternativa
Dead On Your Legs
Heaven Tonight
Love Loaded
Must B More 2 It Than This
Night Of The Wolf
Rock N` Roll Medley

Line Up

Fin - Vocals
Chris George - Guitar
Pete Way - Bass
Paul Haslin - Drums