Media Review - Wednesday 22nd September By Dave Ling

Last night was the launch party for Joe Elliott's new Down 'N' Outz beer, which took place at the Porterhouse in London's Covent Garden. Those availing themselves of the strong, brown liquid (ABV 5%) included Luke Morley and Peter Shoulder of The Union, three members of the revamped Heavy Metal Kids line-up - namely, vocalist John Altman (AKA Nasty Nick from EastEnders) and guitarists Cosmo and Justin McConville - former Bad Company guitarist Dave 'Bucket' Colwell and Ian Hunter's daughter Tracie. Though I didn't see him, and he's teetotal, Phil Collen of Def Leppard was also somewhere in the scrum. Given the extraordinary hugeness of Joe Elliott's wallet, plus the fact that it was a launch party for Down 'N' Outz beer, I was surprised that the bottles were not gratis to wristband holders. Then again, the singer's band of the same name did take to the stage for an hour-long set as part of the festivities.

I find it pretty hard to believe that I've now seen the Down 'N' Outz five times - that might just be every gig they've ever played! Not bad for a group formed, supposedly, for a one-off appearance supporting Mott The Hoople. In fact, according to guitarist Guy Griffin, three tracks for a second album are already in semi-recorded state.

Amusingly, Elliott feigned annoyance that Paul Guerin was drinking wine onstage ("What the fuck is going on? This is a beer launch; we have a traitor in our ranks!") until realising that the Geordie guitarist was drinking beer and wine - it was that type of a night.

Here's the set-list: 'Rock And Roll Queen', 'One More Chance To Run', 'Golden Opportunity', 'Storm', 'Overnight Angels', 'Whizz Kid', 'Shouting And Pointing', 'Who Do You Love?', 'England Rocks', 'One Of The Boys', 'Drive On' and 'Good Times'.

By Dave Ling @ daveling.com 2010.