Bitter Suite
REVIEWS

THE BELLHOUSE ~ STEVE MURRAY
Sunday April 2nd 2006 - Bitter Suite - For those of us who were privileged to witness the awesome Bitter Suite in their heyday, this was a magical journey back through time. From the opening riff of the first Thin Lizzy cover ‘The Boys Are Back’, the band provided us with a joyous return to yesteryear. For those who have not seen Bitter Suite before, the mix of classic rock and time defying anthems must surely leave a lasting memory. The sound mix was crisp, Phil Brodie’s vocals as good as ever, and the band displayed a wealth of experience and musical ability, providing us with mesmerising guitar work, pounding bass, and powerful percussion. The first set offered us legendary songs from Thin Lizzy, a superb rendition of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’, and an amazing cover of Gary Moore’s ‘Parisienne Walkways’ throughout which Phil Brodie further demonstrated his six-string ability. We were even treated to a Bitter Suite classic, Mick Ronson’s ‘Billy Porter’. The final song of the first set, another Lizzy anthem ‘Emerald’, left us spellbound and applauding wildly, and eagerly awaiting the second half. The second set provided us with some awesome tunes from Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and Golden Earring, and a kick-ass version of Steppenwolf’s ‘Born to be Wild’. The set finished with a version of Judas Priest’s ‘Livin after Midnight’ on which bass player Gerry Scanlon’s son James, provided a guest appearance on lead vocal, leaving the audience bellowing for more. The encore was greeted with tremendous applause and Bitter Suite sent us all home with the Bellhouse anthem ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’, with James again providing the lead vocals, leaving us all with memories of yet another polished performance from the band who defy time. To all you up and coming rock bands seeking inspiration, I say look to the gods, look to Bitter Suite. Thank you for entertaining us.

ROCK OF THE NORTH ~ STEVE LALLY
Bitter Suite proved on Saturday night at The Ashfield W.M.C. Barnsley that even after 25 years, cream still rises to the top. Basically The Phil Brodie Band plus one, the one being Stu Middleton, played an incredible comeback gig at this friendly club at Stairfoot, Barnsley. The sound was run by Carl of Cloth Ears P.A. who complimented the band admirably . Bitter Suite started the set with a number of Thin Lizzy covers which were very nicely delivered with
  Phil Brodie on vocals. Only a faulty volume pot on his Les Paul let him down on Parisienne Walkways but that is the only observation I could report as a negative on their fabulous re-entry to the clubland rock scene. In the audience tonight we had the pleasure of being with Gary and Pauline, concert secs of Renishaw W.M.Club and the lovely Lynne Watkins of www.barnsleyents.com who really knows how to party. Lynne and her partner are very desirable company indeed and I witnessed Lynne miming the

words to the classic rock songs as she danced the night away. Thanks to Lynne for the picture left showing Phil singing Stairway to Heaven. Many discerning rock fans attended the gig and they cannot possibly have been disappointed with the evenings fare. Neil Wathey, surely one of the regions, if not the countries, finest and most energetic percussionists, coupled with Gerry Scanlan on a very cool sounding Fender bass provided a quality rhythm section which sounded superb through the substantial P.A. It's nice to be able to feel the bass notes and lower register drums hit you in the chest. This band really rocked and with backing vocals from Gerry and Stu Middleton and Stu's very competent rhythm guitar beneath Phil Brodie's tremendous lead guitar work, I can confidently report that Bitter Suite are back and competing with the very best on the Yorkshire club scene. This band played songs the fans want to hear and they included classics such as Radar Love, Wishing Well, All Right Now, Can't Get Enough (of your love) and Born to Be Wild. Every one of these songs kept the enthusiastic dancers on the floor and singing along. In recent months I had my own ideas on who the regions best rock bands were, but after this band's performance, their first in 25 years, I have altered my opinion. Bitter Suite put a warning shot across the bows of every rock band in the region on Saturday night.....but you know what....I wasn't at all surprised! Check out The Phil Brodie Band website run by Bev Turner, for more info on both bands. Nice to see you again Bev!
Rock of the North: Music Critic Steve Lally's awesome site full of information about the music scene of the north. Reviews, whats on, photos, interviews, videos, music a must for all rockers and blues fans. . .

BARNSLEY ENTERTAINMENT ~ LYNNE WATKINS
They're back and with a vengeance!! Another brilliant Rock Band to watch out for. I think it was the late 70's the last time I saw these before they split. The set list included: Queen - We Will Rock You - Tie Your Mother Down - Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back in Town - Dont Believe a Word - Emerald - Jailbreak - & Waiting For an Alibi, Gary Moore - Parissiane Walkways - I'm Walking, Led Zeppelen - Stairway To Heaven, Free - Wishing Well, Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird, Joe Walsh - Rocky Mountain Way, Golden Earing - Radar Love, Deep Purple - Black Night, Whitesnake - Is This Love, Bad Company - Can't Get Enough, Free - Alright Now, Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild. It was their first night back as Bitter Suite, and the crowd were not disappointed, they may be "mature" but they certainly still have it!!!! You have to go and see this band, I thought they were excellent.
Barnsley Entertainments: Great site, pubs, restaurants ,acts, venues, reviews ... even the Barnsley weather!
BITTER SUITE

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Bookings & The Band : Beverley Turner
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Phone: 0114 2891 279
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