Virgin blog - Monster Hadit?

So in a bid to get some credo with the big guys, I managed to land myself in a little position to do some blogging for Virgin. I must first admit that this is still in very baby stages and I have merely sent over my first blog post, with some help from Pete, to be scrutinised and picked over before deciding if it's Virgin Music blog potential.

For your eyes only, you get a preview:

Monster Hadit?

In the dark belly of Astoria – reportedly the venue with the best sound in London – a bright-eyed group huddled in preparation for Monster Magnet’s mighty return.

Astoria, doubling up as G.A.Y on weekends (just getting that straight), is a prime venue for rock and metal gigs with its no-nonsense decor and simple layout.

The band took to the stage following lukewarm support from Amplifier and Pilgrim Fathers. Something seemed suspicious when the lead singer emerged sans his usual hard-core leather outfit and instead sported a hoodie like he’d just come from a spinning class (and in need of another one). I guess after the overdose that lead to the band’s forced hiatus in 2006, he let himself go a bit.
The stage was simple apart from a massive video wall flashing hypnotic images spliced from 50s and 60s pop culture.

Monster Magnet got off to a strong start with two classic rockers, Dopes to Infinity and Crop Circle. But then the energy seemed to wane. The wild antics the band had become famous for, like good ol’ guitar burning, were but a distant memory as they strummed along to songs from yesteryears – side-stepping their most famous and partly neglecting their newest album and reason for touring.

Grateful as ever to catch a live act, I was a little underwhelmed by Monster Magnet’s performance. Let’s hope they catch a second wind or I might have to go to Astoria on weekends from now on.