Simon Rushworth
@ Newcastle Trillians, February 24 2012
Newcastle witnessed a true rock n roll party with the UK debut headlining performance of the Irish juggernaut that is Trucker Diablo – accompanied by the deliciously sleazy Falling Red.
Opening the show local favourites Falling Red hit Trillians’ stage with a burst of trademark bravado and, from the outset, it was clear that the evening’s line-up would prove to be the perfect match.
Roaring through tracks from album Shake The Faith and EP Hasta La Victoria Sempre the slick support act teased and pleased the crowd with songs dripping with innuendo: How You Feel On Me, Little Vice and Come On Down dared those present to join the party.
Aint Down With The Rock and Long Tall Sally closed Falling Red’s stellar performance and Trillians was well and truly warmed up and ready for the headline act.
Already legendary in their Ulster homeland, Trucker Diablo have been gathering fans throughout the UK following a highly rated slot at Download 2011. Soon to play Hammerfest 2012, they hit the UK for two dates and Newcastle was lucky enough to bag one of them.
Bulldozing their way through a 10-song set, the rock tourists delivered the goods. Hard, heavy and loud, their thundering guitars and low-down and dirty bass lines, coupled with a vocal that is confrontational and depraved, Trucker delivered an exercise in true aural pleasure.
Highlights of their performance included Voodoo, Evil Marie and the anthemic Drink Beer Destroy. Trucker join bands such as Black Stone Cherry, blazing a trail for a resurgence of country and blues-infused hard rock n roll.
Destined for greatness, Trucker Diablo and Falling Red are two bands that you can expect to see, and hear, a lot more of throughout 2012 and beyond. Just brilliant.
Viki Ridley