Blistering show by the best classic rock band you've never heard of

Dare, with support, Troy Redfern at Arlington Arts on October 29. Review by BRIAN HARRINGTON.

Troy Redfern is frequently billed as the King of slide guitar, a fast rising guitarist who is regularly getting airplay on Planet Rock radio, among others, as well as rave reviews for his live shows, which are full of virtuoso solos played with style and panache. Appearing tonight with just a drummer his all too brief set was a full-on, rocked-out high energy, high volume gallop through his greatest tracks. He included his latest release Sweet Carolina, Come On from his new album Wings Of Salvation along with Bad Religion and Waiting For Your Love before ending with Sanctify. I look forward to seeing a full set from Troy soon.

Dare are quite possibly the best classic rock band you've never heard of. Formed in 1985 by ex-Thin Lizzy keyboards player Darren Wharton they put on a blistering show, which was a masterpiece of stagecraft that left no doubt as to why fans had travelled from as far away as Spain and Norway to be at the last night of their current tour. They have nine studio albums and one live release to their credit and opened with "Born In The Storm, their current release and followed it swiftly with the superb Cradle To Grave. Everything about their performance oozed the consummate professionalism of a band seasoned by constant touring.

The rock ballad I'll Hear You Pray was stunning as was Lovers And Friends and the setlist constructed brilliantly to give the audience a real overview of the full history and range of the band.

Darren is an exceptional front-man, full of energy and involving the audience at every opportunity, as well as providing insights in to his songwriting process. His enjoyment at being on stage is palpable and contagious and the audience was captivated, singing along, clapping in time with the numerous rock hooks and giving rock salutes.

The encores included King Of Spades, a tribute to Phil Lynott ("my first boss" to quote Darren), Raindance and Return The Heart.

A genuine classic rock tour-de-force by a band that deserves to be much more widely known.

Brilliant.