Tesla were meant to be playing Dudley JB's on their last visit to the UK towards the end of 2007 however, due to illness the show unfortunately postponed at the last minute, so in some respects this could be considered a catch up show, even so last time round in Nottingham,  despite the obvious  health problems, Tesla were superb, so the big question was could they match up to that performance.

Given the fact that there was no support band scheduled there was a bit of a wait between doors opening and Tesla hitting the stage  but when things eventually kicked off it was with the unusual site of an impromptu solo from guitarists Frank Hannon and Dave Rude  which gave way to the awesome ‘Comin’ Atcha Live’ which incorporated even more guitar histrionics from the six string pairing. Any thoughts that such noodling was going to take up a large amount of the set were swept aside as they headed into ‘Into The Now’ before apologising for missing Dudley  last time  round, which led to the cool, if somewhat rehearsed, link into ‘Gettin' Better’.    From there the band delved into the Great Radio Controversy album for ‘Hang Tough’, ‘Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)’ and ‘Paradise’ before it was out the acoustic guitars for their inevitable rendition of ‘Signs’.  They utilised the acoustic further during ‘Love Song’ both songs lapped up by the baying crowd who had obviously missed Tesla being on the regular touring circuit.   

‘What You Give’, which was certainly one of the highlights, preceded new number, ‘Live Before I Die’, that apparently will feature on a new album scheduled for a September release and if this song is anything to go by the album sounds promising. From there it was back into familiar territory, dedicating ‘Song And Emotion’ to of course the late Steve Clarke, before a cover of ‘Rock Bottom’ sped things up once again.  To end the show Mechanical Resonance was of course revisited for ‘Little Suzi’ and ‘Modern Day Cowboy’, which  ended the main set as Jeff Keith cheekily commented that they would return if there is enough demand.  Cue much clapping, stomping of feet and chanting which of course brought the band back to deliver a parting shot of ‘Heaven Nine Eleven’ and ‘Edison’s Medicine’ superbly bringing to an end another great Tesla live performance.

Darren Brushneen