Hardcore Superstar @ Valhall, Skövde (04/03/11)

I could just write the word "brilliant!" here, but I don't think that would cut it as a  "review". Therefore, I will write a few more words.

When arriving at the venue, I was pleasantly surprised to see a decent size group of people milling around outside the venue. I even remarked to Linda, that there are more people outside smoking than you usually see INSIDE at a gig in Skövde. This was a good start to what would turn out to be a fantastic night. My experience of HS live was limited to one previous gig (in Dudley sometime around 2000), in front of a "crowd" where using the word sparse is a little optimistic, so I wasn't at all prepared for the stunning live show in store.

The band came on stage at around 10 to an excitable crowd, who where, most likely, already a little "lubricated" at this point, and proceeded to tear through a greatest hits setlist. Jocke looked every inch the rock star, throwing his very best Axl and Seb moves (although dressed more like Anders Fridén with his knee high striped socks and braces/suspenders), running and bouncing around the stage. The crowd sang along with every word of every song. The only downside, on a personal note, was the omission of my favourite song "Shades Of Grey", but it would be unfair to complain after such an energetic and enthusiastic performance (from band and audience alike).

An honourable mention must go to the guy stood in front of us, who appeared to be in love with Jocke. Fanboy really isn't a strong enough word....stalker might be more accurate. At one point, the band pulled fans onstage for a sing-a-long of "Last Call For Alcohol". Despite his best efforts, he wasn't picked, but decided to jump onstage anyway, to the bemusement of the band and security (who didn't remove him, incidentally).

We left the venue genuinely surprised by just how good this band are live. They really are the best sleaze/glam band out there right now. On a final note, I would like to say to all the people who call themselves hardrockers in the Skaraborg area, that if you don't have a damn good reason to have missed this show, then you should be ashamed of yourselves.