Brandishing a flying V, Lawrence Archer displays the sort of Schenker-esq fluidity and effortless playing that he’s always been known for. FM’s Jem Davis is a busy man this evening he’s guesting on keyboards and is clearly enjoying being the hired gun. ‘Dedication’ is a tune some may remember from 1991 as being a ‘new’ Thin Lizzy song, however it wasn’t, and its original Archer/Lynott collaboration is given a terrific update. Title track ‘ Hit the Ground’ is one of those songs with a message- ‘listen to words’ growls Dyer and its good, in fact it’s excellent, and like the whole of the album, is a magnificent slice of classic rock. Old song ‘ Nineteen’ follows, and in similar fashion, it takes no prisoners with its catchy, dynamic and punchy riff.

Vocalist Mike Dyer cuts a mean looking gangsta figure centre stage, and his confident and strong vocal delivery breathes high energy and life throughout the set. With Archer the only member left on board these days, he’s assembled a band that maybe second time around they will get the accolade they thoroughly deserve.įrom the opening track ‘ Gone Are the Days’- a strong melodic song with its catchy Thin Lizzy Celtic style twin guitar riff, it’s a tune that could grace any radio playlist. It’s no surprise really, the band are a class act. They recorded old songs, added new ones, shuffled the pack a little, and voila- in 2019 they released “Hit the Ground” and began to turn heads in their direction once more. The band was resurrected in 2016 by co-founding members, keyboardist Mark Stanway, and Lawrence Archer on guitar. Lynott went onto record solo, and with Gary Moore, before his passing in 1986. It gigged and gained momentum throughout 1984, but unfortunately called it a day around then. In a nutshell, this was the band formed by the late, great Phil Lynott after the demise of Thin Lizzy in 1983. Some people may be familiar with the name Grand Slam, where others may not be. British AOR rock Gods FM are back in town in support of their new album the recently released “Thirteen”, and with Grand Slam supporting, there promises to be somewhat of a classic and AOR rock party to look forward to, and with a wonderful blend of old and new material from both bands, it was certainly a case of value for money for a Saturday evening in Manchester.

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