Winery Dogs – Islington Academy, London

supergroup

noun: an exceptionally successful rock group or one formed by musicians already famous from playing in other groups.

Yeah, that pretty much sums up the Winery Dogs. They are way more than that though. Portnoy, Sheehan & Kotzen. Names that resonate with musicians the world over, and if their debut album is anything to go by, the rest of the world will surely follow suit sooner rather than later. A one-off UK date was only going to please so many people, and the sold out Islington Academy were certainly in for a night to brag about.

Atlanta’s THE SIXXIS were a strong choice of support, wearing their Dream Theater influences not so much on their sleeves but on large neon signs above their heads. Technical prog-metal at it’s finest, with a set including “Nowhere Close” and closer “Snake in the Grass”, the Sixxis boys are certainly ones to watch. I do have a small confession though chaps. I accidentally snuck outside for a cigarette towards the end of your set. However, had I not done this I wouldn’t have bumped into Herman Li from Dragonforce, so alas my apology comes with little or no regret!

For those of you foolish enough to be unaware of the Winery Dogs’ collective background, I’ll give you a helping hand. Poison, Mr Big, David Lee Roth Band, Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, Adrenaline Mob…..the list is long and esteemed, and as a rock fan you’d have to have been living under a rock for 30 years to not know these guys.

The trio emerged to a rapturous welcome from the sold out Academy and they weren’t ever going to disappoint. As with their well-received debut album, the show was opened with the soon to be classic “Elevate”, with all three of the guys on top of their game. Unison guitar/bass lines from Sheehan and Kotzen made the most of the great venue sound, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mike Portnoy look so content, showcasing technique whilst holding the songs down.

Being their debut tour, you could be fooled into expecting a short set but not here. Delving into some of their individual back catalogues, the WD boys treated us to not only great set of hard rock, but to some great solos too. Now I know what you’re all thinking….Drum solo? Bass Solo? I get it, everyone goes to the bar during these but not tonight. Billy Sheehan’s mastery of his instrument was insane as always, and I don’t think there was a single person present who didn’t wish that Portnoy’s drum solo was a bit longer.

Highlight of the night, for me anyway, was Richie Kotzen. I’ve waited since “Fever Dream” to see this guy live (my own fault) and it was worth the wait. I’ll never get my head around his ability to give a soulful vocal performance whilst  ripping out some ridiculous riffs and fills on his telecaster. This guy should be revered alongside Satriani and Vai, maybe even moreso. His performance of solo classic “You Can’t Save Me” was nothing short of mesmerising.

The piano-led “Regret” closed the set, before the boys returned for a two song encore that left the crowd begging for more. Not this time though, for that you’ll have to wait for the next tour. If you missed them this time round, shame on you. Don’t make the same mistake next time round.

The Winery Dogs are currently touring Europe, and their debut album is available now on iTunes, and other music outlets with impeccable taste.